Symptoms of Infection in an Arm or Leg

Infections can occur without an injury. Symptoms of infection include:

• Increased pain, tenderness, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area.
• Red streaks extending from the affected area.
• Drainage of pus from the area.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.
• Fever.

Minor infections can develop into more serious problems, such as:

• Pus-filled pocket (abscess) under the skin.
• Serious skin infection (cellulitis).
• Joint infection (septic arthritis).
• Bursa infection (septic bursitis).
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis).
• An infection of the entire body (sepsis).

Prompt medical treatment of an infection can prevent serious complications.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised	June 27, 2012