In these cases, it may be necessary to reopen the wound and remove the infection. If the cut is large or deep, for example, a doctor or nurse may have to use stitches to close it. This may be a cut, animal bite, or puncture wound. However, getting a tetanus shot more frequently than every 5 years could result in an allergy to the vaccine, and the vaccine might no longer protect you. Once you’ve noted the tell-tale signs of an infected cut, see a doctor urgently, recommends Feely. As the infection worsens, the redness and swelling will spread and become more painful. In addition to more common unpleasant side-effects such as pain, redness, fever and swelling, an untreated infection could lead to cellulitis, a common In addition to these conditions, the following complications can also arise from an infected wound:Once you’ve noted the tell-tale signs of an infected cut, see a doctor urgently, recommends Feely. The skin that surrounds the cut is often red and may feel hot. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. But when that color persists or spreads significantly, it may have become infected. A person should see a doctor … See a doctor. By using Verywell Health, you accept our You Didn't See the Doctor at First, But Now You Should Treatment for a Laceration Typically Depends on the Depth of the CutHow to Treat Accidental Knife Cuts in the Kitchen During Food PrepGet Some Helpful Tips on How to Treat a Dog Bite at HomeSteps to Treat Cat Bites and Scratches for Preventing Infection Verywell Health uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Death of tissue surrounding the infected cut (this could include muscle, connective tissue and bones) When to See a Doctor for an Infected Cut. Then remove any dirt, splinters or other debris from the cut. An uninfected cut will gradually improve until it’s fully healed, while an infected cut becomes more painful over time. This includes people with Diabetes can prevent you from feeling that you might have an infection, so check your feet every day. Redness around a cut or scrape is a sign of healing, for example. Could it be infected?Toe infections are common -- especially in people with If your toe is infected, one of these things might be to blame: You're more likely to get an infected toe if you have If you have a weakened immune system, youâre also more likely to get toe infections. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved The bacteria may come from the surrounding skin, the external environment, or the object that caused the injury.It is important to clean and protect the wound properly to reduce the risk of infection.Certain health conditions and environmental factors can also increase the risk of infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, but can't schedule a doctor's appointment that day, you should go to the emergency room. Please note the date published or last update on all articles. "WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Shandley McMurray has written several of Belvoir’s special health reports on topics including stress & anxiety, coronary artery disease, healthy eyes and pain management. Whether you should see a doctor about a cut or another skin injury depends on its shape, severity, location and risk of infection, and whether medical care could lessen scarring or improve healing. The once uninfected wound will slowly become more painful, warm, swollen, red and pus-filled.At first, an infected wound may appear red and swollen. Sepsis requires intensive care treatment and possibly life support in a hospital.Yes. If you believe that your wound is getting infected, visit a medical clinic or make an urgent appointment to see your doctor. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact us through the feedback form on this page.At first, an infected wound may appear red and swollen. If lifting doesn't work, the doctor can remove part or all of the affected nail.Youâll also want to protect your toe while it heals. If the wound does not show signs of improvement within 1–2 days, see a doctor. You scraped your knee a few days ago. After sustaining a minor cut or scratch, a person should:People with larger wounds or excessive bleeding will require medical treatment. bacteria) enter the sensitive tissue beneath the skin. Not only will this help protect the wound from getting dirty (and therefore exposed to further bacteria), but it will also help to keep the medication on the infected cut. After examining the wound, your doctor may clean it and prescribe oral antibiotics. The pus may smell unpleasant.