Which sign indicates a potential infection on a wound?

Increased warmth at the site of a wound is a classic sign of potential infection. When an area of the body becomes infected, the body increases blood flow to that area as part of the immune response. This increased circulation brings more white blood cells and nutrients to the site, which helps to fight off infection and promote healing. The result can be localized warmth, often along with other signs such as redness, swelling, and tenderness.

In contrast, excessive bleeding is typically an immediate response to injury and does not necessarily indicate infection. Absence of pain may suggest that there is no significant irritation or inflammation, which does not correspond to infection either. Scab formation is part of the healing process and indicates that the body is repairing the skin, but it is not a definitive sign of infection. Therefore, increased warmth is the most reliable indication of a potential infection in a wound.