Here are some signs that a wound may have become infected. If you have a surgical wound (a cut in your skin due to having had surgery) you can find out more about what to look out for on the surgical wounds page.
It's not always easy to tell, so if you have any doubts, or show any of the signs below, talk to a healthcare provider.
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Swelling
It’s normal to see some swelling around a wound when it first happens. However, if the swelling gets worse or doesn’t go down, it could be a sign of infection.
Redness
A wound can be a bit red for a few days after the injury has occurred, but if the redness continues it may be infected.
Red streak
If you notice red streaks around the wound or a red streak spreading outwards from the wound, seek medical attention straight away. This is a sign of an infection that could be life-threatening.
Pus
If the wound is oozing pus or any other discoloured substance, it’s infected. If there's also a nasty smell, that is a sign to get it seen by a doctor or nurse.
Fever/heat
If you develop a fever (high temperature) it could mean your wound is infected. Also, although it’s normal for the skin surrounding a wound to feel warm, if it doesn’t cool down or if it gets hotter, this is also a sign that it could be infected.
Feeling unwell
If you’re feeling generally unwell, tired or not yourself, it could mean you’re fighting an infection. Nausea or diarrhoea can be further signs of an infection.
Pain
It’s normal for a wound to hurt at first, and then for the pain to gradually disappear. However, if the pain stays the same or gets worse it could be a sign of infection.
Restricted movement
You may initially find it hard to move the wounded area because of pain or swelling. But if you continue to be unable to move it, or you get any loss of feeling or numbness, then it may be infected.
