Not every serious wound looks like one. Sometimes, the warning signs aren’t dramatic—there’s no bleeding, no visible trauma, and no sharp pain. If you’ve ever looked at a sore and wondered, “Is this getting better… or worse?”, you’re asking the right question. Catching the subtle signs that a wound is getting worse could be the difference between a simple fix and a serious complication.

At Advanced Wound Therapy, we specialize in helping patients identify and respond to wounds before they spiral out of control. Here are five early red flags you might miss—and what to do if you notice them.

1. The Wound Is Staying the Same (Or Slowing Down)

Most people think that if a wound isn’t obviously worse, it’s fine. But one of the earliest signs a wound is getting worse is a lack of progress. If the wound size, depth, or appearance hasn’t changed in 10 to 14 days, that’s a concern.

Wounds should gradually shrink, lighten in color, and show signs of tissue rebuilding. If you’re seeing none of that—especially after two weeks—it may be stuck in the inflammatory phase. That can lead to infection, chronic inflammation, and even tissue death if left untreated.

2. Increased Drainage or Changes in Fluid

Drainage is a natural part of the wound healing process. But more isn’t always better—and the type of drainage matters just as much.

Watch for:

• A sudden increase in fluid output
• Drainage that’s cloudy, thick, or sticky
• Yellow, green, or tan coloring
• A strong or unusual odor

These are all subtle signs that a wound is getting worse, even if the wound looks “fine” from the outside. Changes in drainage usually indicate infection or tissue breakdown that needs professional care fast.

3. Redness Around the Wound That’s Spreading

It’s normal for a wound to be slightly red in the beginning, but that redness should fade as it heals. If the redness starts spreading outward, especially in a circular pattern, it could be a sign of cellulitis—an infection of the skin and surrounding tissues.

This kind of infection often flies under the radar because there’s no sharp pain or bleeding, but it can spread quickly and lead to serious complications. If you notice a red area getting wider, warmer, or more tender to the touch, don’t wait.

4. The Skin Around the Wound Looks Different

Changes in the skin surrounding a wound often go unnoticed. But the area around a wound holds key clues to what’s happening under the surface.

Keep an eye out for:

• Hardening or thickening of the skin (called induration)
• Pale, dark, or discolored tissue around the edges
• Soft, white skin that appears soggy or broken down
• Warmth or swelling not limited to the wound itself

These signs suggest that pressure, moisture, or infection is affecting the tissue around the wound, which can prevent recovery and expand the wound area if ignored.

5. The Wound Hurts More Than It Did Before

Many patients with chronic wounds have reduced sensation, especially those with diabetes or nerve damage. But when pain increases suddenly—or shows up after a period of none at all—it’s a red flag.

New or worsening pain is one of the most important signs a wound is getting worse, especially if other changes like drainage, redness, or warmth are present. Pain may indicate infection, tissue death, or deeper structural issues that require expert intervention.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

Ignoring subtle wound changes is one of the most common reasons small problems become major ones. That’s why we strongly recommend reaching out to a wound care professional if you notice any of the signs above—especially if you’ve been managing the wound on your own or haven’t seen improvement in two weeks.

At Advanced Wound Therapy, we bring expert wound care directly to the patient. No need for clinic visits or long drives—our clinicians come to your home to assess, treat, and monitor the wound with professional tools and advanced strategies.

We offer:

• In-depth wound evaluations and ongoing monitoring
• Infection management and debridement (if needed)
• Advanced dressings tailored to each wound’s condition
• Amniotic tissue grafts for select complex wounds
• Education for patients and caregivers on prevention and care

If you’re unsure about what you’re seeing, let us take a look. We evaluate not just the wound itself but also your living environment, daily routine, and risk factors to develop a plan that works for you.

Don’t Wait for a Wound to Get Worse

Wounds rarely worsen all at once. More often, they decline slowly—so slowly that the signs go unnoticed until it’s too late. By knowing what to look for and acting early, you can avoid serious complications, hospital visits, or even amputation.

If you’re noticing any signs that a wound is getting worse, don’t wait to see if it improves. Contact Advanced Wound Therapy today and let our mobile wound care team provide the expert support you need—right where you live.

Author: Matt Carmichael, DO