Signs & Symptoms Of Infection

  • Openings in the skin such as abrasions (scrapes) or cuts need to be kept clean, dry, and covered until the skin is healed to keep the wound from becoming infected.  Remind your child to wash their hands before or after touching the wound.  The Bandaid or gauze should be changed every day and more often if it becomes wet or dirty.  It is normal for the wound to drain clear yellow or pink liquid in the beginning and to be sore when touched.

    When changing the bandage it is important to look at the wound every day for signs of infection such as:

    • Increasing redness of the skin around the wound
    • Swelling of the area
    • Liquid coming from the wound that is making the bandage very wet, is thinck, turns green, or dark yellow, and/or smells bad
    • Pain at the wound or in the part of the body where the wound is located
    • Skin is very warm around the wound

    If you see any of the above signs, or your child has a fever, call your doctor or health care provider!

    A wound infection may not always start right away, and some infections may be from germs (bacteria) that can cause very serious illness.  It is very important to call your doctor or health care provier right away if you see any of the following in your child:

    • Fever (temperature at or over 101 on the thermometer) and/or chills
    • Pain, swelling, redness and warmth where the injury occurred which gets bad very quickly
    • Liquid coming from the wound that is making the bandage very wet, is thick, turns green or dark yellow, and/or smells bad
    • Complains of stomach pain, decreased appetite, nausea or vomiting
    • Dizziness, ligh headed and/or headach
    • Confusion and/or weakness, or sleeping a lot
    • Rash anywhere on body

    Please call your Physician or School Nurse if you have any questions or concerns.