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When a Simple Wound Becomes Serious: What to Watch For

June is Wound Healing Awareness Month — a time dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of wounds and the importance of timely care. While many minor wounds recover with basic at-home treatment, others can develop complications that delay recovery and put long-term health at risk. Recognizing when a wound needs professional attention is key to preventing more serious issues. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or provider, here are the signs to watch for.

Doctor assessing the Wound

What to Watch For: A Wound That Isn’t Getting Better

A wound that shows no sign of progress after 7 to 10 days may be more than just slow to recover — it could be stalled in the early stages of the recovery process. If the size isn’t decreasing, or the edges appear dry, dark, or rolled, it’s worth having it evaluated.

What to do: Keep track of the wound’s size and appearance over time. Taking a photo each day can help you notice changes — or the lack of them.

What to Watch For: Pain or Swelling That Increases

Some discomfort is expected in the first few days. But if the pain worsens instead of improving, or if swelling continues or increases, it may be a sign of infection or poor circulation.

What to do: Don’t ignore changes in sensation or appearance, especially if accompanied by redness or warmth around the wound.

What to Watch For: Discharge or Odor

A small amount of clear fluid is common. But thick, yellow or green drainage — especially if it has an odor — can indicate infection. Pus or cloudy fluid may suggest the body is struggling to manage bacteria at the wound site.

What to do: Keep the area clean and covered. If discharge increases, changes in color, or starts to smell, contact your wound care provider.

What to Watch For: Redness That Spreads

Some redness is expected, but if it begins to spread outward or take on a streaked pattern, this could be a sign of cellulitis — a skin infection that can spread quickly without medical care.


What to do: Mark the edge of the redness with a pen to track whether it expands. If it does, reach out to a healthcare professional promptly.

What to Watch For: Fever or Feeling Unwell

If you experience fever, chills, or fatigue, your body may be responding to an infection that’s become more serious. These symptoms suggest that bacteria may have entered the bloodstream.

What to do: This is not a time to wait. Seek medical attention right away.

When in Doubt, Get It Checked Out

Most wounds recover without complications, but delaying care when problems arise can lead to more serious outcomes — including chronic wounds, deep infections, or long-term tissue damage. Early intervention supports safer, more complete recovery.

WoundFree is here to provide the information and tools patients and caregivers need to stay informed and proactive. Recovery starts with recognition.

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WoundFree.com is an educational platform provided by WoundFree Innovations, LLC. The information shared on this platform is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not intended to recommend or endorse any specific treatments for chronic wounds. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice, guidance, and personalized treatment options. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read or viewed on Wound Free.

 

 

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