What to do if…
you notice spreading redness or red streaks around a cut

What to do now

1. Check for emergency warning signs. Call 999 or go to A&E now if you have spreading infection and any of these: breathing very fast or difficulty breathing, confusion or slurred speech, blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, a rash that does not fade when pressed, severe shivering, a very high or very low temperature, passing very little urine, feeling dangerously unwell, or the affected skin is turning dusky, purple, or blistered.
2. If there are no 999 signs, get same-day urgent advice. Call 111 where available, use NHS 111 online if you are in England, or ask your GP practice for an urgent same-day appointment. If 111 is not available where you are in the UK, use your local urgent out-of-hours service. Say clearly: “I have spreading redness or red streaks from a cut.”
3. Tell them the details that change urgency. Say whether you have fever, worsening pain, swelling, pus, red streaking, swollen glands, a bite, a dirty wound, diabetes, immune suppression, pregnancy, a very young child affected, or infection on the face or near an eye.
4. Mark and record the spreading area if you can do it safely. Take your temperature and note the time. Draw a light pen line around the edge of the redness and write the time next to it, then take a clear photo in good light. Do not delay urgent help to do this.
5. Do simple wound care while arranging help. Wash your hands, gently rinse the cut with clean running water, pat it dry, and cover it with a clean non-stick dressing or plaster. Change the dressing if it becomes wet or dirty.
6. Reduce tightness and swelling. Remove rings, watches, or tight jewellery from the affected limb before swelling increases. If the cut is on an arm or leg, rest it and raise it where comfortable while you are getting advice.