It is estimated that more than five million people die annually in the world as a result of external wounds and their complications, hence the importance of their proper care.
A common lesion should heal in the first three weeks, but if there is an abundant production of a white liquid called exudate that generates the body itself, it increases the risk of infection.
The clinical nurse and wound specialist, Concepción García, of BSN Medical, explained that by breaking the continuity of the skin tissue, it becomes an entry of microorganisms that if not stopped can even cause death.
He said that the evolution of wounds consists of four stages that develop in approximately three weeks: coagulation, inflammation, proliferation (when new cells are produced) and tissue remodeling.
The risk occurs in the inflammation stage when an odorless and transparent liquid is produced. If this fluid does not decrease within the first three days of injury to the skin and underlying tissues, there is a risk of infection.
If it is abundant, thicker, with bad odor (pus), it is synonymous with complication because the humidity that remains in the area favors the proliferation of bacteria, and damages the skin surrounding the wound increasing its size, said in a statement.
He emphasized that the evolution and care of the wounds is important to avoid complications and the dressings (material with which the affected area is covered) must be chosen correctly.
These materials function as a barrier that prevents the passage of microorganisms to the area and help the body to regenerate itself, but if not correct, can hinder the natural evolution of the wound.