Wound Management

8 Signs Of An Infected Wound

An open cut, puncture, or surgical opening exposes the inner layers of the skin to bacteria and other infection-causing organisms. If these organisms enter the body, they may multiply and cause unusual reactions around the wound bed. 

Recognizing and catching the infection in its initial stages helps medical professionals select appropriate treatment. If you notice any of the below-mentioned signs, the wound could be infected.

8 Signs of Infected Wound

1. Redness around the wound

Usually, there is redness around a fresh wound which is a normal part of the body's natural healing response. This redness does not cause much pain and disappears in a few days as the wound heals. However, be sure to keep a close watch on the area to see if the redness is increasing. If it does, this might be a sign of an infection. 

2. Unusual pain in the wound

Naturally, an injury would hurt. Once you start treatment, the medication should gradually ease the pain. As the wound heals, pain medication will become unnecessary. But if pain increases and medication does not help, you should reach out to your doctor as it may be a sign of an infection.

3. Abnormal drainage from the wound

It is common for a wound to have clear or yellow-colored drainage. But if you see a continuous discharge that is green or tan in color and has a foul smell, this might be because of infection.

4. Fever

After surgery, the patient might have a normal fever that disappears in a few days. But if the fever persists or comes back, it might indicate an infection. 

5. A feeling of fatigue and tiredness

If a patient is feeling tired and has little energy, it might signify something unusual is happening in the body. Keep track of energy levels and if there are regular fluctuations or no signs of improvement, consult your doctor.

6. Swelling in the wound bed

Proper wound healing may include some swelling in or around the affected area. But if the swelling is increasing and spreading beyond the affected area, it might be due to an infection.

7. Wound bed getting warm

As a part of the body’s natural response, it is natural to feel some warmth in the affected area. But if it continues and the wound bed becomes hotter than usual, it might indicate that the body is preparing to fight infection.

8. Difficulty in movement

A doctor will usually advise keeping the injured area steady and avoiding frequent movement of that part. This helps the wound to heal faster. But if you notice major difficulties or discomfort in moving the wounded area, reach out to your doctor for help.

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If your body does not respond positively to treatment and displays any signs mentioned above, this may be an indication that bacteria or other disease-causing organisms have entered the wound and an infection is present. If this happens, seek medical help immediately to stop the infection from growing. 

 

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