Pus in a wound is a sign of infection caused by dead skin cells, white blood cells, and bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria causing pus. Pus can transmit infection, and precautions should be taken. Increasing pus, red lines, swelling, and hardness indicate the infection is progressing and medical attention is needed.
A collection of pus in a wound is a sign of infection. Pus is made up of dead skin cells; white blood cells or leukocytes; and the bacteria that cause the infection. One of the more common types of bacteria that can cause pus in a wound is Staphylococcus aureus, generally just called staph. Visible pus is a result of the body working to fight off invading bacteria, whether it’s staph or another variety.
The reason staph is commonly found in lesions is that it is present on many people’s skin, so when the skin is opened in any way the bacteria can easily enter. Once inside the body, the bacteria can multiply and spread, causing the lesion to become infected. One of the body’s defense mechanisms is to send white blood cells to consume the bacteria using a process called phagocytosis.
After about 12 hours the white blood cells die, while still containing the bacteria they have enveloped. They become part of the pus in a wound, which gives pus its characteristic white or yellowish color. The pus can take on other colors depending on which specific immune system reaction has been triggered or if it contains blood. The various colors, typically darker yellow, reddish brown, or green, are not usually indicators of the severity of the infection. Green indicates the release of a natural antibacterial protein by white blood cells, and red or brown usually signals that there may be blood in the pus, but it is rarely serious.
Because pus in a wound typically contains live bacteria, it can transmit the infection from one person to another or from one part of the body to another. It’s important to always take precautions when dealing with pus, using disposable gloves whenever possible before changing dressings or handling the infected area. Bandages, pads, and other materials used to clean the area should be handled with care and disposed of properly to avoid spreading infection.
In some cases the body is unable to deal with the infection and the amount of pus in a wound will increase. There may also be red lines leading away from the lesion; it may also feel hard, hot, or both, and the injured area may swell. Any of these symptoms indicate that the infection is progressing and medical attention is needed. An infection can spread quickly, and staph can cause many problems in the body if not dealt with promptly.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
