Had Skin Infection On Wrist. On Antibiotics. Pus Coming Out After Squeezing. What Should Be Done?
Thanks for posting your query.
You have a significantly big abscess which I assume was filled with pus and now has developed into a cavity after the pus has been drained.
However the wound still doesn't appear to be adequately healing and the hole shows that the infection is deeper than the superficial tissues .
Thus it is advisable that you consult your treating doctor (gp/ surgeon preferably ) who can perform a thorough cleansing and debridement of the wound so as to drain the pus, incise the necrosed tissues and slough,& provide appropriate dressing to prevent superinfection .This procedure is called incision and drainage of an abscess and can be done under minimal local anaesthesia .
The doctor may continue the antibiotics or change to a higher one.
He might depending on the examination advise further tests like pus culture ,blood counts &sugar, X-rays etc to find the nature and depth of the wound.
With early intervention the wound is likely to resolve in a couple of weeks .
Hence please do consult your doctor promptly.
Hope I have answered your query.
Kindly accept my answer if you have no further queries.
Regards
Thanks for the follow up.
I understand your disappointment but please do not panic.
The approach to treatment of the abscess & it's prognosis depends in many factors like the site & size of wound ,bacteria causing it, the immunity of the patient and antibiotic used etc.
Many doctors try the conservative approach by giving appropriate antibiotics to try and prevent a procedure which though minor does cause some pain & discomfort to patient.The antibiotic prescribed to you seems appropriate and in case of a minor abscess it should have responded in 2 days but if it hasn't then it is for sure a more severe and spreading one which warrants a incision drainage and dressing .
I cannot comment on the decision of the treating doctor which would have been dependent on the physical examination of the wound and your symptoms 2 days back.
All I can say is that it's true that if the pain and swelling are very severe , with palpable or visible pus filled cavity then incision & drainage should be done along with prescribing antibiotics .
The result of the blood count may not alter the decision which depends more on the wound & clinical symptoms more than the blood tests. Culture can be done only if the wound is open or pus is drained which might not be the case 2 days back.That too is optional and not all abscesses are culture , only severe or non healing ones might need it.
So as of now I empathize with your condition and would advise you to go ahead for a prompt consultation either with your gp or ask for a referral to a general surgeon who is a specialist in handling such cases .
You should continue the antibiotics as advised untill further advice from your doctor .
Local wound cleaning and dressing needs to be done by a doctor or a paramedic .
For pain & swelling you should ask your doctor for appropriate analgesics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen .
Hope that answers your query.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Regards