WHAT WORKERS NEED TO KNOW Wound Advice Many people who inject drugs experience a range of injecting- related problems from simple pain at the point of injection to serious life-threatening conditions such as botulism or anthrax infection. [...] This resource is designed to give simple advice to both people who use drugs and people who may work with people who use drugs. [...] ] Wounds surrounded by any spreading redness or inflammation can be drawn round with a pen – check the status of the redness by inspecting the line – if the redness extends beyond the line then antibiotics and further medical advice may be required. [...] Infection Checklist Heat, redness or swelling around the wound that is getting worse More yellow, green or black in the wound than before Wetter than before More painful Bigger or deeper Bad smell Not all symptoms need to be present for a wound to be infected! If there are any signs of infection that are not getting better, and the person feels unwell, call 111 for advice. [...] Is there a specific wound care pathway for people who use drugs in your area? If not, the best possible referral route may be to a local GP, Practice Nurse, Nurse or Doctor within a substance use service or Tissue Viability Service.
- Pages
- 8
- Published in
- United Kingdom
Table of Contents
- Many people who inject drugs experience a range of injecting- related problems from simple pain at the point of injection to serious life-threatening conditions such as botulism or anthrax infection. 2
- Injecting-related wounds among people who inject drugs are very common. These may be caused by a variety of factors including 2
- Anyone can carry out First Aid for wounds but all specific wound care interventions should be taken by staff trained in wound care. If you are unsure seek advice or refer to health care professionals. 2
- Looking after wounds 3
- Washing wounds with warm water is appropriate for most 3
- Wet wounds and any wound larger than a 10p coin should 3
- Wounds surrounded by any spreading redness or inflammation 3
- Infection Checklist 3
- Heat redness or swelling around the wound that is getting 3
- More yellow green or black in the wound than before 3
- Wetter than before 3
- More painful 3
- Bigger or deeper 3
- Bad smell 3
- Not all symptoms need to be present for a wound to be infected 3
- If there are any signs of infection that are not getting better and the person feels unwell call 111 for advice. In an emergency the person should go to the local accident emergencydepartment. 3
- Referrals 4
- When to make a referral 4
- There are large abscesses or redness which is painful or 4
- The person shows any apparent systemic infection an 4
- There is a sudden or acute swelling of legs hands arms feet. 4
- Be sure to compare with other limb is there an abnormality 4
- There are exposed bones or tendons. 4
- There is evidence of a pulsating lump. This could be a 4
- Consider what the best referral route for the person in their local area might be. Is there a specific wound care pathway for people who use drugs in your area If not the best possible referral route 4
- If possible always support a person to attend any appointment. 4
- When to make an urgent referral 4
- Infected wounds where a need for antibiotic treatment 4
- Wounds which appear to be in need of incision drainage or 4
- Large wounds and ulcers particularly where they do not 4
- Leg ulceration. 4
- Additional Resources 5
- SDF has produced additional wound related resources for people who use drugs and people working in services. 5
- In-depth advice 5
- A handout for people who 5
- These resources can be found at 5
- A webinar launching The National Wound Care Guide can be found on the SDF YouTube channel. 5
- SDF also offers two e-learning courses related to injecting drug use and wound care. 5
- Bacterial Infections and Drug Use 5
- How are your sites 5
- E-learning courses can be accessed at 5
- Additional learning is 5
- Notes 6
