Wounds and possible skin infection

Overview

A small cut and a spreading skin infection need different care. Increasing pain, warmth, swelling or discharge can suggest that a wound needs assessment. Redness may be less obvious on darker skin, so changes in tenderness, temperature and swelling also matter.

Cellulitis is an infection of deeper skin tissue that needs prompt treatment. It can develop even when there is no obvious open cut. A painful swollen area should not be assumed to be a simple irritation, particularly if it is spreading or you feel unwell.

By telephone

A telephone assessment can establish how the injury happened, how symptoms have progressed and whether urgent care is required. Mention bites, dirty injuries, objects remaining in the wound and any change in feeling or movement. Tell the clinician about diabetes, reduced immunity and previous problems with healing.

For a wound already under care, the conversation can clarify the existing dressing or review plan and any new concern. Describe what changed after the last assessment. Increasing pain or swelling deserves attention even if the wound previously appeared to be healing.

What cannot be done remotely

A call cannot inspect the wound’s depth, check circulation, clean damaged tissue or close a wound. It also cannot establish the full extent of a spreading infection. Some injuries need examination and treatment in an urgent care setting rather than advice alone.

Do not pull out an embedded object or delay help for uncontrolled bleeding while arranging a consultation. Follow the advice of the emergency or urgent care service you contact. An existing dressing plan does not replace reassessment when symptoms deteriorate.

What to prepare

• Explain how the injury occurred and whether it was contaminated.
• Describe spreading swelling, warmth, discharge and changes in pain.
• Mention fever, feeling unwell and relevant long-term conditions.
• Have existing wound-care instructions and vaccination information available if known.

Sources

• NHS: cuts and grazes
• NHS: cellulitis