What does pus from an infected cut look and smell like?

Pus from an infected cut is usually whitish or yellowish-green. It often smells nasty and causes the wound area to swell.

What are the signs that an infection is spreading?

Systemic signs of a spreading infection include fever, body aches, lethargy, and red streaks extending from the wound toward your heart.

When should I see a doctor for an infected cut?

You should go to a doctor if the area around the cut feels hot and swollen, if your symptoms are getting worse, or if you develop a fever or red streaks.

What should I do if a cut will not close?

If you clean the wound and it does not close up, you should go to the emergency room or visit your primary care physician.

How to Tell if a Cut Is Infected

An infected cut often shows clear signs like pus, a bad smell, and a whitish or yellowish-green color.

The skin around the wound might turn red, swell up, feel hot, and throb with increasing pain.

Watch for whole body symptoms like fever, lethargy, body aches, or red streaks leading away from the wound, as these mean you need immediate medical care.

How to Tell if a Cut Is Infected — infographic

Recognizing an infected cut involves looking for several key signs such as pus, increased pain, redness, swelling, and warmth around the wound.

Key Indicators of Infection

Pus, smell, and color changes: An infected cut often has pus, which can make the wound smell unpleasant and appear whitish or yellowish-green. "Swelling, smell and color. It'll be swollen, filled with puss. It'll smell nasty, due to the puss. And be whitish in color, again from the puss."

Redness and swelling: The skin around an infected cut will typically be red, swollen, and can be painful to the touch. "Skin around the cut is red"

Heat and increased pain: The area around the cut may feel hot, and the pain can intensify or become throbbing. "If the area around the cut feels hot and swollen, go to a doctor."

Systemic Symptoms to Watch For

Fever and lethargy: Feeling generally unwell, developing a fever, or experiencing unusual lethargy can indicate a spreading infection. "If you get a fever, go to a doctor."

Red streaks: Red lines extending from the wound, especially towards the heart, are a serious sign of infection and require immediate medical attention. "Keep your eyes out for fever, body aches, and red streaky lines leading away from the wound."

When to Seek Medical Attention

Persistent or worsening symptoms: If symptoms like redness, swelling, or pain are getting worse, or if the wound is not healing, it's time to see a doctor. "If it’s infected very. Just clean the wound and if it doesn’t close up go to the ER or your PCP."

Concern about severity: If you feel something is off or are particularly worried about the cut, it is always best to consult a medical professional rather than seeking advice online. "You should probably go to the doctor and not seek medical advice on users."

Do these signs match what you're observing with the cut?

Best for: people trying to determine if their wound needs professional medical attention