High temperature with a wound
A high temperature (fever) that comes on after a wound may be a sign that the wound has become infected — either at the wound itself or in the surrounding tissue (cellulitis). Wound infections usually respond well to antibiotics if caught early.
When to get medical help
Use NHS 111 online, call 111, or contact your GP if:
- A fever alongside redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around a wound
- A red streak spreading away from the wound
- Increasing pain after 24–48 hours
- Any wound that is not healing after several days
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have a fever with severe pain out of proportion to the wound, spreading redness, confusion, or you feel very unwell — this can indicate a serious deep infection.
Further information
This page provides general information only. It is not a diagnosis and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.