WOUND INFECTION

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR WOUND INFECTION

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • Bright red, sunburn-like rash on you body
  • Fever occurs
  • Red streak runs from the wound
  • Increasing redness around the wound
  • Severe pain in the wound
  • Face wound with signs of infection
  • Finger wound, where finger has sausage shaped swelling and pain

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:

  • You think you need to be seen
  • Pus or cloudy drainage from the wound
  • Pimple where a stitch comes through the skin
  • Wound becomes more tender after the 2nd day

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home If

  • Wound doesn't look infected and you don't think you need to be seen

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

See Other Topics:

View Anatomic Index of Topics