Possible local infection signs include increasing pain, warmth, swelling, spreading redness, pus, foul odor, tissue breakdown, or stalled healing. Sepsis may cause fever or low temperature, fast heart rate, shortness of breath, clammy skin, confusion, or extreme weakness. Suspected sepsis is an emergency—call 911.
A sudden increase in drainage, new purulence, malodor after cleansing, expanding redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, friable tissue, or rapid wound enlargement warrants prompt evaluation. Older adults and immunocompromised people may have infection without a high fever.
Deep pressure injuries can develop an abscess, cellulitis, or osteomyelitis. Exposed or probeable bone, persistent deep pain, recurrent fever, undermining, or failure to improve may prompt laboratory tests, imaging, cultures taken appropriately, or surgical consultation.
Call 911 for new confusion, difficulty breathing, clammy or mottled skin, faintness, extreme weakness, very fast heart rate, or severe illness in someone with a wound. Do not drive an unstable patient or wait for a wound-clinic appointment.
Do not use leftover antibiotics, pack a deep wound without instruction, or repeatedly apply peroxide or bleach solutions. Keep pressure off, cover the wound with a clean dressing, note changes and medications, and obtain same-day clinical guidance for suspected local infection.
Call 877-545-1300 or request a provider to begin care. Healix360 serves Southern California and Nevada and accepts Medicare Part B and most major insurance plans.