What should be done first if a wound shows signs of infection?

When a wound shows signs of infection, the most appropriate first step is to notify a physician and reassess the wound. This approach is crucial because a healthcare professional can perform a thorough evaluation, which may involve assessing the severity of the infection and determining the best course of treatment. Signs of infection can include increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or persistent pain, and these require a professional assessment to decide whether systemic treatment, additional interventions, or changes in wound care are necessary.

Addressing potential infections promptly helps prevent further complications and ensures that the patient receives the most effective care. Additionally, reassessing the wound allows for proper documentation and monitoring, which are essential in managing ongoing treatment and determining the need for possible laboratory tests or imaging.

While changing the dressing or applying antibiotic ointment might be common practices in wound care, doing these without consulting a physician could delay appropriate treatment and lead to worsening of the infection. Waiting to see if symptoms improve can allow the infection to progress, truly necessitating a more complicated intervention later. Therefore, notifying a physician and reassessing the wound stands out as the best initial response to ensure proper management of the situation.