Classic signs of wound infection are increasing redness around the wound, warmth, swelling, increased pain, foul odor, purulent drainage, and fever. In older adults and people with diabetes, infection often presents subtly — new confusion, loss of appetite, or rising blood sugar can be the first sign. Suspected infection needs same-day evaluation.
Watch the wound and the surrounding tissue carefully. Any of the following local changes warrant prompt evaluation.
Fever above 100.4°F, chills, rapid heart rate, or new confusion can signal that infection has spread beyond the wound and may indicate sepsis. In patients with diabetes, blood sugars that suddenly run high without diet or medication change frequently signal an underlying wound infection. Both situations need same-day clinical assessment, and antibiotics are typically started after wound cultures are obtained.
Classic signs of wound infection are increasing redness around the wound, warmth, swelling, increased pain, foul odor, purulent drainage, and fever. In older adults and people with diabetes, infection often presents subtly — new confusion, loss of appetite, or rising blood sugar can be the first sign. Suspected infection needs same-day evaluation.
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.