Surgical wound infection - treatment: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if you have signs of severe infection or sepsis, such as:

   • Difficulty breathing
   • New confusion, fainting, or extreme drowsiness
   • Cold, mottled, or unusually pale skin
   • A very fast heartbeat with severe weakness
   • Rapid deterioration or a feeling that something is seriously wrong

   These symptoms require emergency care rather than a routine wound appointment.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact the surgical team or another healthcare professional promptly if the wound is becoming more painful, red, warm, or swollen rather than improving.

   Also seek advice for pus, a bad smell, new drainage, fever, wound separation, or symptoms that return after getting better.

   Do not wait for a routine follow-up appointment if these changes are progressing.

   Early assessment may allow simpler treatment.

   Seek urgent medical assessment if redness is spreading quickly, pain is severe or suddenly worse, the wound becomes dark or blistered, or you have a high fever with shaking chills.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
   • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Surgical wound infection - treatment. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.