Not all wounds are created equal. While some cuts and scrapes heal quickly with basic care, others linger, worsen, or become infected—posing serious risks to your health. At Advanced Wound Therapy, we often meet patients who waited too long to seek help because they didn’t recognize the warning signs. If you’re wondering whether your wound needs expert attention, it’s time to learn the top signs of an infection on a wound and when to bring in the professionals.
Here are seven key indicators that it’s time to stop waiting and start healing—with the support of a skilled wound care team.
It’s normal for a wound to look red or slightly swollen in the first couple of days. But if that redness spreads or becomes more intense, it could be a sign of a deeper issue. Swelling that continues beyond a few days, especially with warmth or tightness around the area, should never be ignored.
These are common signs of an infection on a wound that could lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Pain that gets worse instead of better is a red flag. As wounds heal, discomfort should gradually decrease. If your wound is becoming more tender, throbbing, or radiating pain outward, there may be an underlying infection or tissue damage that requires immediate care.
Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong—and when it comes to wounds, it pays to listen.
Wounds naturally drain during the early healing phase. But if you notice yellow, green, or cloudy fluid, or if there’s a strong, foul odor coming from the site, infection is likely present. Drainage that increases instead of decreases is another serious concern.
When patients report wound drainage with odor, it’s almost always a sign that bacteria have taken hold. Left untreated, it can quickly spread into the bloodstream.
If the skin surrounding your wound feels noticeably warmer than the rest of your body, it may be inflamed or infected. This is especially concerning when paired with other symptoms like redness, swelling, and drainage. Warmth is one of the early signs of an infection on a wound, and it often precedes more serious complications.
When a wound infection becomes systemic, your entire body reacts. A low-grade fever or chills may be your first clue. If you’ve had a wound for more than a few days and suddenly start feeling ill, don’t dismiss it—this could indicate the infection has spread and may require antibiotics or more aggressive treatment.
At Advanced Wound Therapy, we often see patients after hospitalization for sepsis—something that could have been prevented with early professional care.
Tissue that turns dark, black, or leathery is called necrosis—dead skin that no longer has blood flow. Necrotic tissue can’t heal on its own and often acts as a breeding ground for infection. It needs to be professionally removed through debridement to give your body a chance to recover.
Trying to treat necrotic wounds at home is dangerous and almost always leads to delayed healing.
If your wound hasn’t significantly improved after two weeks, even without obvious signs of infection, it’s time to call in a specialist. Chronic wounds often stall in the inflammatory phase of healing and require professional intervention to progress.
Whether it’s a diabetic foot ulcer, surgical site, or pressure sore, we can identify the root cause and create a personalized treatment plan to get healing back on track.
Infected wounds aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re dangerous. Infections can lead to tissue death, hospitalization, amputation, or even life-threatening complications like sepsis. The good news? Most of these outcomes are avoidable with early, professional treatment.
At Advanced Wound Therapy, we specialize in identifying and addressing the early signs of an infection on a wound before it becomes a medical emergency. Our mobile wound care model brings expert help directly to you—whether you live in Tulsa, OKC, or a remote town across the state.
We know travel and mobility can be major obstacles, especially for seniors or non-ambulatory patients. That’s why we provide mobile wound care services throughout Oklahoma. Our team comes equipped with advanced tools, including:
If you or a loved one is showing any signs of an infection on a wound, don’t delay. Early treatment means faster healing, fewer complications, and better long-term outcomes.
Contact Advanced Wound Therapy now to schedule a visit from our expert mobile care team and take the first step toward healing—right at home.
Don't wait—get the expert wound care you need. Schedule your consultation with Advanced Wound Therapy today.
