[Infections of cutaneous wounds]

Infection of cutaneous wounds can be defined as proliferation of microorganisms at an interruption in the mucocutaneous covering. The phenomenon depends on an association of local and general factors which disturb the balance in host-pathogen interactions, in favor of the latter. In addition to infections by nonspecific pyogenic germs, whether posttraumatic or postsurgical, there are specific infections where the wound is the departure point for a systemic infection. Even today, tetanus and gaseous gangrene should be apprehended and systematically prevented. Similarly, the high incidence of infection of bite or scratch wounds (animal or human) should suggest prophylactic antibiotic treatment as well as evaluation of the risk of rabies in the case of animal bites or scratches. In any case, even if antibiotic treatment must be undertaken as an emergency measure, previous bacteriological investigation should be carried out if possible since it permits subsequent adaptation in case of failure of the initial antibiotic treatment.