Injuries showing Signs of Infection

The body will help to prevent an infection developing during the healing process, however some risk factors that might increase the chance of an infection developing could include:

  • Contamination from foreign objects such as dirt, pus or other bodily fluids
  • The wound is larger than 5cm
  • If caused by animal or human bite

Signs and symptoms of wound infection are:

  • Swelling around the wound
  • Redness surrounding the injury site spreading beyond 2cm
  • Increasing pain or new pain in the affected area
  • Pus forming in or around the wound
  • Feeling generally unwell or a high temperature (fever) of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or above

 

Do not ignore these signs and symptoms; if you are concerned about the risk of infection, seek advice from a healthcare professional. Further assessment and treatment of the injury site will prevent the wound worsening and the individual becoming unwell.


Seek medical advice

A case for the physician: puncture wounds – especially involving foreign objects – animal scratches and bites, large-scale burns and heavily bleeding wounds.