My Sister Has This Sore On Her Leg That Appears

Posted on Thu, 16 May 2019

Question: My sister has this sore on her leg that appears to be growing. It looks raw, first layer of skin is off, it is deep red (cluster of blood). It has a circle in the middle 1.5 mm by 1.5mm. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy. White blood cell count has been low but she is receiving booster shots yesterday and hopefully today too. Please Help

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
underlying alteration in white cells, platelets responsible.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor services.
I have read your query with attached photographs.

* As per my surgical experience, the sore is due to underlying alterations in blood
parameters including that of white cells and platelets responsible for blood coagulation,
secondary to bacterial infection or even without infection this can show up.

* As there is chemotherapy going on, suppression of underlying immune system is
obvious and make her more prone to such events.

* Correction of blood parameters, supportive medications in form of systemic antibiotics
and sterile dressings are vital ways to recover.

* It will take time to resolve and you have to be remaining cool with doctor`s therapy.

Wish her best recovery.
Do feel free to discuss further.

Regards.
Dr Bhagyesh ( MS consultant surgeon )

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (16 hours later)

Any recommendation on how to care for the sore. Right now they are just putting antibacterial cream with no bandage. It appears to be drying out but the skin is becoming darker. Could this be her skin dying?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome for follow up.

* The overlying skin where the cells are dead, will slough out over a period of time and
there will be healing by underlying newly formed skin cells.

* Bandage is avoided many times to avoid excess moisture in the wound and let bacteria
to grow further.

* Additional to antibiotic ( according to culture report ), local care, over all care with
nutrition, multi vitamins, zinc, magnesium and vitamin C, E are particularly of
importance to faster the healing.
But again it is a time taking procedure and have to remain cool with the current
therapy.

Thanks.
Take care of her.

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj