What are the signs of a possible infection in an incision?

  • A wound that has green or yellow drainage
  • A bad odor from the incision.
  • Opening of the incision line – it gets deeper, longer, or wider.
  • Redness that goes beyond the basic edge of the incision – site should show signs of improvement and not getting redder.
  • Warmth, hardness, around the incision.
  • Fever (greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.4 degrees Celsius), sweating, or chills.
  • Swings in blood sugar levels in a diabetic patient.

What are the general risk factors for developing an infection?

Patients at higher risk are those who have:

  • Diabetes.
  • A history of smoking.
  • Excess weight.
  • Poor nutrition.
  • Weak immune system (for example, a patient on chemotherapy or an elderly patient).
  • Recent emergency surgery or a long surgical procedure.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/14/2015.

References

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