How to Recognize an Infected Wound

Cuts and scrapes are inevitable in everyday life. Usually, they will be able to heal easily on their own. But sometimes, you can be in danger when bacteria get into the wound and cause an infection. Recognizing early signs of infection can make treatment faster and more effective. Almost any infection can be treated with antibiotics, however, this depends on the severity of the infection you are experiencing. Some of the main signs of inflammation include redness, discharge, and persistent pain. Learning how to recognize an infected wound is an important part of staying healthy.

Table of Contents

Check for Increase in Pain, Swelling, Redness and Temperature Around the Wound

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First, wash your hands. Always wash your hands thoroughly before examining the wound. ^{[1] X Research Source} If you are concerned about an infection, touching it with dirty hands will make the wound worse. You should wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water before taking any action on your wound. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Remember to wash your hands after touching the wound.

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Examine the wound carefully. You need to remove the bandage from the wound. Be careful not to make the condition worse in this sensitive area. If the bandage is firmly attached to the wound, you can use water to remove it. The sink faucet will be quite useful in this situation. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Once you have removed the dirty bandage from the wound, you should discard it or throw it in the trash. Contaminated bandages should never be reused.

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Check for signs of swelling or redness of the wound. As you observe the wound, think about whether it is red or just a little redder than usual. If your wound is quite red and the redness seems to be spreading to the area around the wound, this is a sign of an infection. ^{[4] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

The skin around the wound may also become warmer than usual. If you notice these symptoms, see your doctor.

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Determine for yourself if the pain is getting worse. The appearance of new pain or increasing pain is a symptom of an infected wound. Feeling pain or pain accompanied by other signs (such as redness, burning, and pus) could be a sign of infection. If you feel the wound is causing you more and more pain, see your doctor. ^{[5] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to the source} You may feel as though the pain is coming from deep within the wound. ^{[6] X Source} In general, swelling, warmth/warmth, and pain/aching at the injured area are early signs that your wound may have become infected.

You may feel a sharp pain. ^{[7] X Research Source} Itching is not necessarily a sign of infection, however, you should not touch the wound by scratching excessively. Nails can harbor a lot of bacteria and scratching will make the wound worse.

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Do not apply antibiotics unless your doctor tells you to. Scientists have yet to conduct a specific study to prove that topical antibiotics can be significantly effective for infected wounds. ^{[8] X Trusted Source World Health Organization Go to Source A} widespread infection means it has also entered your body, so start skin treatment after the condition appears. It also won’t help kill the bacteria in your body.

Your doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic for you if the infection is minor and is only on the surface of the skin. ^{[9] X Trusted Source World Health Organization Go to Source}

Check the Appearance of Pus and Fluid

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Check the wound for pus or yellow or green fluid. They can also have a bad smell. If you notice yellow or green pus and cloudy discharge, this is the most obvious sign that your wound has become infected. ^{[10] X Research Source} You should get medical attention as soon as possible.

In some cases, discharge is just a normal reaction, as long as the discharge is fairly liquid and clear. The bacteria can produce a clear fluid that is not yellow or green. In this case, the doctor will conduct an examination to determine the specific cause of the infection. ^{[11] X Research Source}

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Observe for signs of accumulation of pus around the wound. If you notice pus forming under the skin around the injured area, you may have an infection. ^{[12] X Research Source} Even if you notice a festering wound, or a burning sensation, lumps appear under the skin, but they do not drain from the wound at all, they can still be signs signs of infection and you need to pay extra attention. ^{[13] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

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After completing the wound examination, replace the old dressing with a new sterile bandage. If your wound does not show signs of infection, a bandage will help cover and protect the wound. If you notice signs of infection, a sterile bandage will help protect the wound from further infection until you can see a doctor. ^{[14] X Research Source}

The non-adhesive portion of the dressing should be placed at the site of the wound. Bandages should be large enough to easily cover the wound.

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If the wound continues to drain pus, see a doctor. Discharge may just be a normal response to when the body is trying to fight the infection. However, if the pus is yellow or green and is getting worse (or doesn’t seem to be getting better), you should see your doctor. This is especially important if you also notice many signs of infection as discussed in the previous section. ^{[15] X Research Source}

Lymphatic System Infection Check

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Check for red streaks or swelling in the skin around the wound. You may notice lingering red streaks coming from the side of the wound. This could be a sign that the inflammation has spread to the system that removes fluid from tissues, called the lymphatic system.

This inflammation (called lymphadenitis) can be quite dangerous and requires prompt medical attention when you notice the appearance of red streaks extending from the site of the wound, especially especially if you also have a fever. ^{[16] X Research Source}

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Locate the lymph node (gland) closest to the wound. The lymph node closest to the arm will be around the area under the arm; For the legs, it’s around the groin area. As for other places on the body, the nearest lymph node will be on either side of the neck, just below the chin and jaw on the left and right sides. ^{[17] X Research Sources Bickley, L., & Szilagyi, P. (2003). The Bates Manual of History and Physical Examination (Rev. 8th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.}

Bacteria get trapped in these glands while the body is working on its immunity. ^{[18] X Source of Study}^{[19] X Source of Research} Sometimes, you can have inflammation of the lymphatic system without even noticing the appearance of red streaks on your skin.

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Check for lymph node abnormalities. Use 2 or 3 fingers to apply gentle pressure and palpate to look for any enlarged lymph nodes, which may be accompanied by pain. The easiest way to check that is to use two hands to feel both lymph nodes at the same time. Both nodes need to be similar and symmetrical to be a sign of good health. ^{[20] X Research Sources Bickley, L., & Szilagyi, P. (2003). The Bates Manual of History and Physical Examination (Rev. 8th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.}

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Feel the swelling or pain of some lymph nodes. If you can feel some swelling or pain, this could be a sign of a spreading infection, even if you don’t notice the appearance of red streaks on your skin. Lymph nodes are only about 1 centimeter wide and so you won’t be able to feel them. They can swell to two or three times their usual size and by this point you should be able to locate them clearly. ^{[21] X Research Source}

Lymph nodes that are enlarged, tender, and easily moved around are often signs of an infection.
Lymph nodes that are hard, cannot be moved, are painful, or persist for more than 1 or 2 weeks should be checked by a doctor. ^{[22] X Research Source}

Check Body Temperature and Sensation

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Measure body temperature. In addition to symptoms occurring at the injured area, you may also have a fever. A temperature higher than 38 ºC can be a sign of an infected wound. You should go to the hospital when you have a fever and one or more of the same signs of infection as listed above. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

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Check to see if you often feel unwell. Another sign of inflammation can be similar to when you’re sick (or feeling ill). ^{[24] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source} If you’ve been injured and you’ve recently started to feel sick, they may be correlated. Check the wound again for signs of infection and if you continue to feel unwell, seek medical attention.

If you have body aches, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or even vomiting, you may have an infection. A new rash will be another obvious reason for you to know that you need to see a doctor.

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Pay attention to your body’s dehydration. Dehydration can also be a sign of an infected wound. Some of the main symptoms of dehydration include low urine output, dry mouth, sunken eyes, and dark urine. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should pay more attention to your wound, check it thoroughly for other signs of infection, and seek medical attention. ^{[25] X Research Sources}

Since your body is fighting bacteria, you need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Dealing With Serious Infections

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It is important to know the types of wounds that are susceptible to infection. Almost all wounds have the ability to heal on their own. However, wounds that are not properly cleaned and treated can easily become infected. Cuts on the feet, hands, and other areas that are frequently exposed to bacteria are particularly susceptible. Bites and scrapes caused by animals or humans can also easily become infected. ^{[26] X Research Source}

Pay special attention to bites, punctures, and pressure injuries. Be careful with wounds from unhygienic objects such as: hard knives, rusted nails, or dirty tools.
If you are bitten by a dog, consult your doctor about the risk of rabies or tetanus. You may need antibiotics or a tetanus shot. ^{[27] X Research Source}
If you’re healthy and your immune system is pretty good, most wounds will heal on their own and you’re less likely to get an infection. Your immune system has developed enough to prevent the occurrence of an infection.

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Understand risk factors for infection. If your immune system is compromised by a medical condition such as diabetes, HIV, or malnutrition, your risk of infection is quite high. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi that don’t normally cause trouble for the immune system can invade the body and multiply to dizzying levels. This is especially true for second- and third-degree burn injuries, when the skin – the body’s first defense system – has been severely damaged.

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Recognize signs of serious infection. You may have a fever or dizziness. Your heart may beat faster than usual. The wound becomes hot, red, aching, and painful. Your wound may also smell like something is rotting or decomposing. ^{[28] X Research Sources} All of these symptoms can be mild or severe – but if you’re experiencing a lot of symptoms, you need medical treatment.

Do not drive when you are dizzy and have a fever. If possible, ask a friend or relative to take you to the hospital. You will likely have to take strong antibiotics to help stabilize your body.
When in doubt, check. As for the infection, you will not be able to fully self-diagnose through information on the Internet. A medical diagnosis is the best way to be sure.

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Go to a doctor. If you believe your wound is infected, go to the hospital or contact your doctor urgently. This is especially important if you have another medical condition, or risk factors for infection.

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Consider antibiotics and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Antibiotics can help you fight or prevent a bacterial infection, and they may be the most effective way to get rid of the infection. NSAIDs will help the body recover from swelling, pain, and fever. You can find over-the-counter NSAIDs, but the most effective antibiotics will usually require a prescription from a doctor. ^{[29] X Research Sources}

Do not take NSAIDs if you are taking blood thinners. Be aware that these drugs can cause stomach ulcers or kidney failure in some people. Please consult your doctor!

Advice

Provide enough light. You will easily recognize signs of infection in a room with lots of light.
If you don’t see any signs of healing, such as crusting, you may have an infection. Come see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if the wound is getting worse.
If the wound doesn’t stop oozing pus, be sure to clean it up as soon as you see it, and if it persists, see your doctor.

Warning

Infection can lead to more serious health problems, so if you’re unsure about the infection’s status, you should see your doctor or healthcare professional.

Steps