Wound Infection

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Symptom Definition

A break in the skin or a sutured wound shows signs of infection, such as:

• Pus or cloudy fluid is draining from the wound.
• A pimple or yellow crust has formed on the wound.
• The scab has increased in size.
• Increasing redness occurs around the wound.
• A red streak is spreading from the wound toward the heart.
• The wound has become extremely tender.
• Pain or swelling has increased 48 hours after the wound occurred.
• The lymph node draining that area of skin may become large and tender.
• A fever occurs.
• The wound hasn't healed within 10 days after the injury.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Stitches and not infected, see SUTURE QUESTIONS.