Wound infection
Wound infection occurs when microorganisms enter a wound and begin to multiply. The infection may remain localized, spread to surrounding tissues, or, in more severe cases, become systemic and affect other parts of the body. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early and seeking medical attention is crucial to prevent the infection from progressing and potentially becoming life-threatening.
Recognising the signs of infection
It can sometimes be difficult to tell if your wound is infected. Always seek advice from a qualified practitioner, but keep an eye out for these potential signs of infection:
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A sudden increase in wound pain from what you normally feel
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A sudden increase in fluid from your wound
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A new odour, which could mean there may be bacteria, other microorganisms or dead tissue in the wound. -
Changed tissue colour. Green, yellow or dark skin tissue could be a sign of infection