Superficial wound irritation may settle with local care, but a deeper infection involving bone or fixation is more serious. Management can include wound review, cultures, antibiotics, imaging, drainage or further surgery depending on depth and severity.
Wound healing can be affected by smoking, poor circulation, diabetes, pressure from a wet or displaced dressing, excessive early activity and some systemic illnesses. Antibiotics do not compensate for poor wound care or inadequate drainage.
Keep the dressing clean, dry and intact until instructed otherwise.
Avoid nicotine before and after surgery according to the surgical plan.
Optimise diabetes and disclose vascular or immune problems before surgery.
Report wound change early rather than treating it with unprescribed creams or leftover antibiotics.
Is every red incision infected?
No. Local inflammation, bruising and suture reaction can mimic infection. The pattern, progression, drainage, pain and systemic symptoms help distinguish them.