Increasing redness around the cut
Warmth or heat at the wound site
Swelling that is getting worse
Pain that is worsening instead of improving
Pus or cloudy yellow, green, or foul-smelling drainage
Skin around the cut becoming hard or tender
Red streaks spreading away from the cut
Fever or chills
The cut reopening or not healing
Enlarged lymph nodes near the wound
The area becoming more sensitive to touch
Black, gray, or dead-looking tissue
Feeling generally unwell
Seek medical care if the infection is spreading, severe, or not improving