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Sweat and wounds are not good partners. Scientific care will help you get through the summer with peace of mind

In the height of summer in July, the heat waves roll on. In the orthopedic ward, three days after Mr. Zhang had undergone surgery for a tibial fracture, abnormal redness and swelling began to appear around the wound. It turned out that because he was afraid of catching a cold from the air conditioner, he turned it off all night, causing his wound to be soaked through with sweat... The infection rate after orthopedic surgery rises significantly in summer, and correct care is of vital importance.

The risk of wound infection in summer: It's not just caused by high temperatures

Postoperative wound care in orthopedics during summer faces multiple challenges: the high temperature and humidity environment promotes bacterial reproduction, sweating makes dressings damp, the increase in mosquitoes raises the risk of contamination, and improper use of air conditioners affects blood circulation. Studies show that for every 5℃ increase in temperature, the risk of wound infection rises by approximately 10%

Summer infections not only affect the speed of wound healing, but also may lead to serious complications such as osteomyelitis and suppurative arthritis, and even endanger life. Doctor Liu Chenglian from the Third People's Hospital of Yibin City, Sichuan Province, emphasized: "The wound after a fracture surgery is like the gateway to life. Improper care can allow bacteria to take advantage of the situation." " 2

Six key points of scientific nursing

1. Wound cleaning: The first line of defense against infection

• Selection of cleaning materials: Rinse the wound with sterile normal saline. Avoid direct contact of irritating disinfectants such as alcohol and iodophor with open wounds. If normal saline is not available, boiled and cooled dilute saline (0.9% concentration) can be used as a substitute.

• Cleaning method: Gently wipe the skin around the wound from the inside out with a clean gauze. Do not rub it vigorously. Be sure to wash your hands with soap or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after cleaning.

2. Dressing management: Keeping dry is the key

• Replacement frequency: Replace regularly as recommended by the doctor (usually every three days), but in summer when sweating is excessive, the dressing should be replaced immediately if it becomes damp.

• Material selection: Use highly breathable sterile dressings. Antibacterial dressings containing silver ions can be considered, which are especially suitable for patients with hyperhidrosis.

• Special protection: When taking a shower, apply a double layer of waterproof dressing and cling film for protection, but the duration should not exceed 10 minutes. After that, dry immediately and check.

3. Environment and Dress: Create a healing and friendly environment

• Temperature and humidity control: In air-conditioned rooms, maintain a temperature of 24-26℃ and a humidity of 50-60%, and avoid direct blowing on the wound. Ventilate twice a day, for 15 to 30 minutes each time.

• Clothing selection: Wear loose pure cotton clothes to avoid tight synthetic fiber materials rubbing against the wound. It is recommended that patients undergoing hip joint surgery adopt the dressing method of "putting on the affected side first and then removing it".

• Mosquito protection: Use mosquito nets or electronic mosquito repellents and avoid spraying mosquito repellents near wounds.

4. Nutritional support: Endogenous defense strength

• Protein priority: Consume no less than 1.2g of high-quality protein (fish, eggs, and soy products) per kilogram of body weight daily to promote tissue repair.

• Key nutrients: Supplement vitamin C (citrus, kiwi) and zinc (oysters, nuts) to enhance skin defense.

• Dietary restrictions: Avoid spicy and stimulating foods as well as alcohol, and control high-sugar foods (especially for diabetic patients).

5. Activity Management: Combining Movement and Stillness to Promote healing

Early activities: Start ankle pump exercises (slowly flex and extend the ankle joint) 1-2 days after the operation, 10-15 times per hour, to promote blood circulation.

• Activity taboos: Avoid excessive flexion of the joint (such as hip joint >90°), and prohibit swimming, bathing and other water-related activities to prevent the wound from getting wet.

• Fall prevention measures: Remove ground obstacles, install handrails in restrooms, and use sitting toilets instead of squat toilets.

6. Infection Identification: Early detection and early intervention

• Daily self-examination: Observe whether there is any abnormal redness, swelling, heat, purulent discharge or unpleasant odor at the wound site.

• Temperature monitoring: Measure your temperature in the morning and evening every day. Be vigilant if it exceeds 37.5℃.

• Signals for prompt medical attention: If severe pain intensifies at the wound site, there is a sudden increase in exudate, throbbing pain occurs, or there is fever and chills, seek medical attention immediately.

Professional Perspective: Infection Response at Different Stages

According to the "Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Postoperative Infection after Internal Fixation of Closed Lower Extremity Fractures in Adults (2025)", postoperative infection is treated in three stages:

• Early stage (within 2 weeks after surgery) : Typical infection signs + systemic symptoms, mostly caused by Staphylococcus aureus 7. At this point, internal fixation can be considered, and antibiotic treatment needs to last for 12 weeks.

• Delayed period (2-10 weeks after surgery) : Persistent hematoma or fistula formation, mostly caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis 7. At this stage, it is more inclined to remove the internal fixation and receive antibiotic treatment for 12 weeks.

• Chronic stage (10 weeks after surgery) : It may develop into osteomyelitis, requiring extensive debridement and long-term antibiotic treatment.

Key points of care for special groups

Diabetic patients: Keep blood sugar at 6-8mmol/L on an empty stomach and less than 10mmol/L after meals. Monitor wound changes every day.

• Elderly patients: Enhance nutritional supplementation (protein powder can be added), and prevent pressure sores (turn over every two hours).

Obese patients: Pay special attention to cleaning the skin folds. Antibacterial wet wipes containing chlorhexidine gluconate can be used.

Experts remind: Psychological care should not be ignored

A positive mindset is an accelerator for recovery. Wang Qin from the Third Department of Orthopedics of Lu 'an People's Hospital pointed out that the long recovery period is prone to cause anxiety and depression. She suggested:

Set realistic and achievable rehabilitation goals

Share your feelings with family and friends

Seek professional psychological counseling when necessary

Wound care after orthopedic surgery in summer requires the joint efforts of both doctors and patients. By mastering scientific care methods, you can effectively reduce the risk of infection and smoothly get through the recovery period. Remember: When you notice any abnormality, contacting the surgeon in time is more reliable than searching online!

Next issue Preview: "Titanium Alloy Internal Fixators: Why Are They the First Choice for Orthopedic Doctors?" - Unveiling How Titanium Materials Facilitate Rapid Postoperative Recovery

References

"How to Care for Wounds after Fractures to Prevent Infection". Zhao Yaowang, 2025

Fracture surgery wounds are afraid of infection. Keep the key points of care in mind! Yibin Third People's Hospital, Sichuan Province, 2025

Key points of postoperative care for the hip joint. Wanxi Daily, 2025

"Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Infection after Internal Fixation of Closed Lower Extremity Fractures in Adults (2025)". Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association, et al., 2025

"How to Prevent Infection After Fracture Surgery". Xiaohe Health, 2023