Is My Surgical Wound Infected? Signs to Check
Some redness, mild swelling, and tenderness around a surgical wound is a normal part of healing, particularly in the first few days. Published NICE guidelines (CG74) distinguish between normal post-operative inflammation and signs that may indicate surgical site infection. Spreading redness beyond the wound edges, increasing warmth, pus or cloudy discharge, and fever above 38°C are signs that may warrant medical review.
Not all wound concerns are emergencies. Published NHS guidance suggests contacting your GP or surgical team if you notice increasing redness, swelling that is getting worse rather than better, discharge that is yellow, green or has an unpleasant smell, or if you develop a fever. However, if you notice rapidly spreading redness with red streaking away from the wound, high fever with shaking chills, or the wound has opened significantly, published NHS guidance recommends seeking urgent medical attention.
Keeping the wound clean and dry, following your surgical team's dressing instructions, and avoiding touching the wound unnecessarily can help reduce infection risk. Published NICE guidance indicates that most surgical wounds heal without complication, but early recognition of infection leads to better outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
Is redness around my wound normal after surgery?
Some redness and mild swelling directly around the wound edges is a normal part of healing in the first few days. Published NICE guidelines (CG74) indicate this is the body's natural inflammatory response. However, redness that is spreading outward from the wound, increasing after the first few days, or accompanied by warmth and discharge may indicate infection and should be assessed by your GP or surgical team.
When should I go to A&E for a wound infection?
Published NHS guidance recommends seeking urgent medical attention if you notice red streaking spreading away from the wound, high fever with rigors (shaking chills), the wound has opened and is bleeding significantly, or you feel generally very unwell. For less urgent concerns (mild redness, slight discharge) contact your GP or surgical team during normal hours.
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These tools support — never replace — the advice of your surgical team. If something feels wrong, contact your doctor or emergency services.