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Does A Wet Patch On Skin After Healing Of Wound Suggest Infection?
Question: Hello,
I Had 13 stitches on top of my foot a little less then 3 weeks ago. After 10 days the stitches were removed but the wound had not sealed properly; the skin was still open. When she pulled the stitches it bled slightly in one part but no puss or signs of infection. The doctor at the urgent care cleaned it up and put steri stripes over it. After 7 days i took the steri strips off myself to clean it. I used a wound cleaner to clean it and let it air dry for 45 minutes. For the most part the wound looks like it scabbed over except for one small part (the part that bled when the stitches were taken out) i want to add that the doctor put double steri strips (overlapping each other in that part of the wound). Sorry for the long post. But i am concerned if this small part that still looks wet, might be signs of infection? The wound as a whole is still very tender and if I am on my foot a lot it gets swollen.
Thank you for your time.
I Had 13 stitches on top of my foot a little less then 3 weeks ago. After 10 days the stitches were removed but the wound had not sealed properly; the skin was still open. When she pulled the stitches it bled slightly in one part but no puss or signs of infection. The doctor at the urgent care cleaned it up and put steri stripes over it. After 7 days i took the steri strips off myself to clean it. I used a wound cleaner to clean it and let it air dry for 45 minutes. For the most part the wound looks like it scabbed over except for one small part (the part that bled when the stitches were taken out) i want to add that the doctor put double steri strips (overlapping each other in that part of the wound). Sorry for the long post. But i am concerned if this small part that still looks wet, might be signs of infection? The wound as a whole is still very tender and if I am on my foot a lot it gets swollen.
Thank you for your time.
Brief Answer:
Not much to worry about.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, an elucidate history and clear pictures.
Read the history carefully and understood your concerns about small part that still looks wet and may be signs of infection.
My thoughts:
The wound looks fine.
The small part that is open is basically a small interdermal gap which will heal fast if you follow the instructions given below.
There does not looks to be any sign of infection.
I would advise you the following:
- Keep the foot elevated above the heart level whenever you are resting; be in a lying down position with support to the whole lower limb in such a way that the heel portion is 4 inches above the heart level (sternum level).
- Apply Solution Povidone iodine at least twice daily to the whole limb knee below till the soles and toes. This helps to keep the area sterile. Start application at the healing wound site first.
- Take multivitamins, does help in healing.
This will help to reduce the pain, tenderness and swelling.
The results can be dramatic.
You may continue anti-inflammatory medicines for a few more days to assist in swelling and pain/tenderness.
If you are on your foot the edema and pain will increase very fast as it becomes the most dependent area pooling fluids easily as there is healing wound.
I hope this answers your query, helps you the earliest recovery.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Please post fresh pictures and give feedback after a few days.
Not much to worry about.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, an elucidate history and clear pictures.
Read the history carefully and understood your concerns about small part that still looks wet and may be signs of infection.
My thoughts:
The wound looks fine.
The small part that is open is basically a small interdermal gap which will heal fast if you follow the instructions given below.
There does not looks to be any sign of infection.
I would advise you the following:
- Keep the foot elevated above the heart level whenever you are resting; be in a lying down position with support to the whole lower limb in such a way that the heel portion is 4 inches above the heart level (sternum level).
- Apply Solution Povidone iodine at least twice daily to the whole limb knee below till the soles and toes. This helps to keep the area sterile. Start application at the healing wound site first.
- Take multivitamins, does help in healing.
This will help to reduce the pain, tenderness and swelling.
The results can be dramatic.
You may continue anti-inflammatory medicines for a few more days to assist in swelling and pain/tenderness.
If you are on your foot the edema and pain will increase very fast as it becomes the most dependent area pooling fluids easily as there is healing wound.
I hope this answers your query, helps you the earliest recovery.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Please post fresh pictures and give feedback after a few days.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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