Wounds are a common occurrence in life, and it’s important to take care of them. Sometimes, without proper care, wounds can get infected, which can lead to further complications. Here are a few ways to identify an infected wound.

Redness

One of the most visible signs of an infected wound is redness around the wound area. If you notice that the skin around the wound is red and inflamed, it could be a sign of an infection.

The redness may also spread beyond the wound area, indicating that the infection is spreading.

Swelling

Swelling around the wound area is another common sign of infection. This occurs when the body starts to produce extra fluids to help fight off the infection. If you notice that the wound is swollen, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Pus

Pus is a thick, yellowish-white fluid that is a sign of an infection. If you notice that the wound is oozing pus, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Pus is a sign that the body is actively fighting an infection.

Fever

If you have a wound that is infected, you may experience a fever. This is a sign that the infection has spread and is affecting your overall health. If you have a fever that is not going away, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Odor

Another common sign of an infected wound is an unpleasant odor coming from the wound. This odor is usually caused by bacteria and can be quite strong. If you notice a foul odor coming from your wound, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Wound not healing

If you have a wound that is not healing, it’s important to seek medical attention. An infected wound will often take longer to heal than a non-infected wound.

If you’ve been taking proper care of your wound and it’s still not healing, it could be a sign of an infection.

Extreme pain

If your wound is causing you extreme pain, it could be a sign of an infection. This pain may be a sign that the infection has spread beyond the wound area and is affecting your nerves.

If you are experiencing extreme pain, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Warmth

If you notice that the skin around the wound is warm to the touch, it could be a sign of infection. This is caused by increased blood flow and inflammation around the wound area.

Streaks

If you see red streaks coming from the wound and extending outwards, it indicates that the infection has gone into the bloodstream. This is a serious condition called cellulitis, which requires immediate medical attention.

Tenderness

If the wound area is tender and painful when touched, it could be a sign of an infection. This tenderness is caused by the inflammation and the body’s attempt to fight off the infection.