Increasing redness spreading beyond the cut
Warmth around the wound
Swelling that gets worse
Pain that increases instead of improves
Pus or cloudy drainage
Bad smell from the cut
Skin around the cut becoming hard or tender
Fever or chills
Red streaks moving away from the wound
The cut not healing or getting worse after a few days
Swollen lymph nodes near the area
The wound opening up more or looking darker