självbesmittning

Självbesmittning, a Swedish term, translates to self-contamination or self-infection. It refers to a situation where a person inadvertently transfers pathogens from one part of their body to another, or from an external source to themselves, leading to an infection. This can occur in various contexts, particularly in healthcare settings and in relation to personal hygiene.

In a medical context, self-contamination can happen when healthcare professionals do not adhere to strict handwashing protocols or sterile techniques, leading to the transfer of microorganisms from a contaminated area to a sterile site or a patient. Similarly, patients may self-contaminate if they touch a wound and then touch another part of their body or a different wound without proper hand hygiene.

Outside of healthcare, self-contamination is a common concern in everyday life. For example, touching one's face with unwashed hands can transfer germs from the hands to mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, or mouth, potentially causing illness. In certain medical conditions, such as parasitic infections, self-contamination can lead to reinfection or a more severe infestation if eggs or larvae are transferred to new areas of the body. Preventing self-contamination relies heavily on practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the face, and following proper wound care procedures.