HOW DO I KNOW IF MY WOUND IS INFECTED?

If left untreated, an infected wound can delay healing, increase scarring, and in many cases lead to serious complications.

infected wound consult with patient

How do I know if my wound is infected?

Learn more about the risks, causes and the signs of wound infection. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Research by:
Mr Troy Keith – Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Orth), FAOrthA.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY WOUND IS INFECTED?

Recognising the early signs of a wound infection is important.

While some redness, swelling, and discomfort can be part of normal healing, certain symptoms may indicate an infection that needs prompt treatment.

An infected wound can delay healing, increase scarring, and in some cases lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Wound infection

WHAT CAUSES WOUND INFECTION?

Your skin acts as a natural barrier against bacteria. When the skin is broken by a cut, surgical incision, burn, or ulcer, bacteria can enter the wound and multiply.

While many bacteria on the skin are harmless, some bacteria can cause infection — particularly if the wound is deep, contaminated, or healing slowly.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF AN INFECTED WOUND?

Most wound infections develop within 24 to 72 hours after an injury, but they can occur later, especially in chronic wounds or surgical wounds.

Common signs of infection include:

  • Physical Signs Around the Wound

  • Spreading redness around the wound, especially if it is increasing in size

  • Warmth or heat that feels stronger over time

  • Swelling that worsens instead of improving

  • Increasing pain or tenderness rather than gradual improvement

  • Pus or cloudy discharge, often yellow, green, or brown

  • Unpleasant odour coming from the wound

  • Delayed healing or a wound that appears to be getting worse

SIGNS A WOUND INFECTION MAY BE SPREADING

More serious symptoms and signs the infection may be spreading can include:

  • Fever or chills

  • Feeling generally unwell or fatigued

  • Increasing pain despite treatment

  • Swollen lymph nodes

  • Red streaks spreading away from the wound

NORMAL WOUND HEALING

Not every wound symptom means infection. As part of the body’s normal healing process, you may notice:

  • Mild redness around the wound

  • Mild swelling that improves over time

  • Slight warmth around the wound

  • Clear or light-coloured fluid

  • Mild discomfort that gradually improves

  • Occasional tingling sensations as nerves heal

WHO IS MORE AT RISK OF WOUND INFECTION?

Some factors can increase your risk of developing a wound infection, including:

  • Diabetes

  • Poor circulation

  • Smoking or vaping

  • Poor nutrition

  • Immune-suppressing medications

  • Human or animal bites

  • Medical conditions that weaken the immune system

  • Dirt, debris, or contamination in the wound

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Follow up care

Effective wound management requires assessment of the wound cause, overall health, blood supply, infection risk, nutrition, and psychosocial factors. If you have any questions, or would like to book an appointment, please contact us:

WOUND CARE MELBOURNE

The team of doctors and nurses at Wound Care Melbourne see patients form all over south east Melbourne including Malvern, Prahan, Toorak, South Yarra, Caufield North, Caufield, St Kilda, St Kilda East, Glen Iris, Ashburton, Hawthorn, Chadstone and surrounding suburbs.

Proud member of Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, Society of Tissue Viability and Wounds Australia.

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