WOUND INFECTION
Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice
There is a pimple where a stitch comes through the skin. The pimple suggests a low-grade infection.
Symptom Definition
- 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 sunburn-like rash
- Onset of fever
- Wound hasn't healed within 10 days after the injury
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
- Have stitches and wound is not infected, see SUTURE QUESTIONS
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP
Reviewed 8/2004
Revised 8/2003
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