Inflammation or infection

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Inflammation or infection

Inflammation develops as a normal protective response of the immune system when body tissue is irritated for any reason. When tissue is irritated, the immune system increases blood flow to the area, causing localized swelling, warmth, and redness. Swelling may put pressure on nerve endings, causing pain in the area. Inflammation, caused by overuse of a body area or with minor injuries, may occur in joints or extremities. Symptoms of inflammation may be present in conditions, such as bursitis, arthritis, or tendinitis.

Pain, redness, and swelling that occur with red streaking, heat, fever, or pus-like drainage can be symptoms of an infection. An infection often causes tenderness to the touch or pain with movement at the site of the infection. The redness and swelling of an infection often "spreads" and tends to move toward the center of the body.

Although infections can occur without an injury, most infections develop when bacteria enter cut, punctured, or scraped skin. Infection can develop after an injury or wound to the skin or mucous membranes (such as the inside of the nose or mouth), a bite or sting, a tattoo or piercing, or other skin problems. Symptoms of infection may include:

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area.
• Red streaks extending from area.
• Drainage of pus from the area.
• Swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck or armpit.
• Fever.

If you clean and care for your skin wound, you will reduce your chances of developing a skin infection.

Certain diseases may increase your risk for a serious infection. People with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an impaired immune system may require medical treatment at the first symptoms of infection.

Certain areas of the body, such as the mouth, the genital and anal area (perineum), skin folds, and the web spaces between the toes, have greater amounts of normal skin bacteria. Cuts in these areas are more likely to become infected.

Prompt medical treatment of an infection can prevent serious complications.

Credits

Last updated:	April 03, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer