(801) 442-2000
36 S. State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111Map

InstaCare Online

Wound Infection

Traumatic wound (break in the skin) shows signs of infection.
Includes sutured wounds, puncture wounds, scrapes.
Most contaminated wounds become infected 24 to 72 hours after the initial break in the skin.

Signs of Wound Infection

Pus or cloudy fluid draining from the wound.
Pimple or yellow crust formed on the wound (impetigo).
Scab has increased in size.
Increasing redness around the wound (cellulitis).
Red streak is spreading from the wound toward the heart (lymphangitis).
Wound has become extremely tender.
Pain or swelling increasing after 48 hours since the wound occurred.
Wound has developed blisters or black dead tissue (gangrene and myonecrosis).
Lymph node draining that area of skin may become large and tender (lymphadenitis).
Onset of widespread bright red.
Onset of fever.
Wound hasn't healed within 10 days after the injury.