Template only — not medical advice. Always review with a licensed healthcare professional before distributing.
Want to customize this handout for your clinic?
Sign in free to edit, add your clinic branding, and save your own version.
Infected Surgical Wound: Fever and Spreading Redness Warning Signs
Summary
After surgery, your body needs time to heal. However, sometimes the area around the surgical site can become infected, which may lead to complications if not addressed promptly. Recognizing the signs of infection early and knowing when to seek medical help can significantly improve outcomes.
What Is This & Why It Matters
A surgical wound infection occurs when harmful bacteria enter the site of your incision after an operation. This can happen despite the best surgical practices. It's crucial to monitor your surgical site for any unusual changes as infections can hinder healing and potentially lead to more severe health issues.
What You Should Do
- Monitor your temperature daily. If it exceeds 101°F, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Check the incision area twice a day for signs of redness or swelling that seem to spread beyond the wound.
- Keep the wound clean and dry as instructed by your healthcare team.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning the wound to prevent contamination.
- Follow any post-operative care instructions given by your doctor closely.
- Take prescribed medications as directed to help prevent infection.
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon or healthcare provider.
- Keep a written log of any changes in symptoms or new developments to report to your doctor.
What You Should NOT Do
- Do not ignore symptoms like fever or spreading redness around the incision site.
- Avoid using ointments or creams on the wound unless specifically advised by your doctor.
- Do not submerge the wound in water, such as swimming or bathing, until cleared by your healthcare provider.
- Resist touching or scratching the incision area even if it feels itchy.
- Do not apply heat packs directly on the surgical site, as this could worsen inflammation.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing over the incision that might irritate it.
- Do not skip scheduled follow-up visits with your healthcare provider.
Symptoms: Normal vs Warning Signs
Normal (Don't Worry)
- Mild redness around the incision that's not spreading
- Slight tenderness when touching the area
- Scabbing over the wound as it heals
- Minimal clear drainage from the incision
- Slight swelling localized around the cut
Call Your Doctor If...
- Fever that reaches 101°F or higher
- Redness that starts spreading away from the incision site
- Incision site feels increasingly warm to touch
- Drainage from the wound that has a foul smell
- Pus-like discharge coming from the incision
- Severe pain at the surgical site unrelieved by prescribed medication
- Swelling around the wound that continues to increase
- Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
- Feeling unusually weak or dizzy
FAQ
What are early signs of a surgical wound infection?
Early signs include redness, swelling, warmth around the incision, and a fever.
How often should I check my surgical site?
It's recommended to inspect your wound at least twice daily for any changes.
Is a little redness normal after surgery?
Yes, mild redness localized around the incision is expected, but it should not spread.
When is a fever concerning after surgery?
A fever above 101°F is concerning and should prompt a call to your doctor.
What should I do if I notice pus coming from my wound?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you see pus-like discharge from your incision.