What is a common sign of infection in a wound?

The presence of worsening erythema and increased drainage is a classic sign of infection in a wound. Erythema refers to the reddening of the skin, which occurs when the body's immune response is activated due to the presence of an infection. Additionally, increased drainage can indicate the presence of pus or other fluids that are typically associated with infective processes. These signs suggest that the wound is not healing properly and is responding to an infectious agent.

In contrast, increased granulation tissue typically indicates normal healing and is a sign of tissue regeneration rather than infection. The presence of moist, healthy tissue generally suggests that the wound environment is appropriate for healing and is not indicative of an infection. Stabilization of wound size is also a sign that the wound is in a healing process, whereas infection would likely lead to further deterioration and expansion rather than stabilization.