How can I tell if I have an infection?
Wound Infections
A wound infection occurs when bacteria enters and multiplies. An infection may remain in the wound (local infection), spread to nearby areas (spreading infection), or, in some cases, affect other parts of the body (systemic infection). It’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms and know when to seek help. Acting quickly can help prevent the infection from becoming more serious or even life-threatening.
Recognising signs of Infection
It can sometimes be difficult to tell if your wound is infected. Keep an eye out for these possible 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 or dead tissue in the wound -
Changed tissue colour. Green, yellow or dark skin tissue could be a sign of an infection