What it is
It is treated in hospital with strong antibiotics and urgent surgery to remove infected tissue.
People with diabetes, weak immune systems or other long-term illnesses are at higher risk, but it can affect healthy people.
Common signs
- Intense pain that seems out of proportion to a wound
- Swelling, redness or discolouration that spreads quickly
- High temperature
- Blisters or black patches on the skin
- Feeling very unwell, dizzy or confused
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination
- Blood tests
- Scans
- Surgery to confirm and treat
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Hospital discharge letters
- Operation notes
- Wound care and rehabilitation notes
Questions to ask your doctor
- What caused the infection?
- What will recovery and wound care involve?
- Will I need further surgery?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Severe pain around a wound that gets worse quickly, with fever or feeling very unwell: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.