Infected wounds can have additional complications depending on the level of infection, and wounds that involve structures such as muscle, bone or joints further increase the potential for pathogenic invasion. ^{1, 2}

Wound infection is a common complication. It can lead to delayed wound healing and increased risk of amputation and death. ²

Complications related to systemic infections can result in the following critical conditions that require systemic antibiotic treatment: ^2,3

• Skin infections
• Necrotising infections
• Osteomyelitis
• Sepsis 

 Critical complications of wound infections: Sepsis  

What is it?

• Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of a systemic infection caused by the presence of microorganisms in the blood. It can lead to an inflammatory state of the whole body¹.
• Overall signs and symptoms of sepsis include:
  excessive pain, confusion or disorientation, shortness of breath, shivering, fever or very cold temperature, high heart rate, clamminess and localised signs of infection (diarrhoea, sore throat, respiratory symptoms)¹.

Treatment

• In case of suspected sepsis, rapid investigation, a blood culture and treatment with a systemic antimicrobial is required³.