Wound infection warning signs you should not ignore

In the first days it is normal to have mild redness at the edges, slight swelling, pain that gradually improves, and a small amount of clear or pinkish fluid. What matters is the direction: a healing wound gets better day by day.

• Pain that is increasing instead of easing.
• Redness spreading around the wound, or obvious warmth.
• New or increasing swelling.
• Pus, or cloudy or coloured fluid, or more fluid than before.
• A new bad smell.
• Delayed healing, or the wound opening or getting larger.
• Fragile tissue in the wound bed that bleeds easily.

In people with diabetes, older adults and anyone taking medicines that weaken immunity, the signs of infection can be less obvious. Any change in their wound is worth raising with the doctor early.

• Don’t start leftover antibiotics, or antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
• Don’t put strong antiseptics or home remedies on the wound unless the care team recommends them.
• Don’t wait several days “to see what happens” if the signs are getting worse.

The doctor assesses how severe the infection is and decides whether antibiotics, tests or a wound swab are needed. The wound specialist may adjust local care, such as cleansing the wound and using antimicrobial dressings for a set period, in coordination with the doctor.