Any wound can get infected, but you have an especially high risk of infection with a puncture wound. An example could be a dog bite, as dogs have long front teeth that can punch down through the skin and deeper into the flesh. Many times, because of the depth, this type of wound actually looks like it’s not as serious and it doesn’t bleed as much, but it can be far more serious in reality.
The issue is simply that bacteria can find their way deep into the puncture wound. Because it doesn’t bleed like a more exposed wound, it doesn’t get washed out. This area is also dark, contained and warm, so it’s the ideal spot for bacteria to spread and grow. This can lead to infection, even when you have tried to wash the wound out properly.
What happens if it does get infected?
With infections, the key is to look for signs that the wound is not healing properly. Swelling and increased pain are common examples, or you might even have a fever or feel sick. If you do, don’t ignore it. These symptoms are very serious, as the infection could spread or even turn into something potentially deadly, such as sepsis.
If this happens, go seek medical treatment right away. Your dog bite is no longer a simple incident, but something very serious that could change your life forever. You need prompt medical treatment.
Of course, seeking out world-class medical care at the last second can be very expensive. If someone else was responsible for that dog bite, you may need to know how to seek financial compensation.
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