Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Reddish And Tender Area Oozing Yellowish Pus?
Question: I have a area about the size of a quarter that is red and tinder. There is also a cut there. It's hard and puts off heat. I have squeezed it and gotten alot of yellowish puss put some liquid and some solid please help
Brief Answer:
Local infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
It sounds like the cut caused a soft tissue bacterial infection. From your description, it sounds like there is now a small abscess. These can respond to using heat (if it is on an extremity) such as hot soaks several times a day and applying hot wet compresses (wash cloth). Without seeing it, it is hard for me to know if that would be enough treatment. You may need to go in to your doctor or an urgent care clinic. There the doctor will likely incise and drain the abscess. If it is deep, she/he may pack it with special gauze type string called Iodophor gauze to decrease the infected pocket from filling back up, and to keep the incised area open so that it can continue to drain.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Local infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
It sounds like the cut caused a soft tissue bacterial infection. From your description, it sounds like there is now a small abscess. These can respond to using heat (if it is on an extremity) such as hot soaks several times a day and applying hot wet compresses (wash cloth). Without seeing it, it is hard for me to know if that would be enough treatment. You may need to go in to your doctor or an urgent care clinic. There the doctor will likely incise and drain the abscess. If it is deep, she/he may pack it with special gauze type string called Iodophor gauze to decrease the infected pocket from filling back up, and to keep the incised area open so that it can continue to drain.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
How long should it take to heal? With just the soakings and warm compress
Brief Answer:
Should improve within a few days
Detailed Answer:
Without seeing the extent of the infection it is hard for me to say. If heat is going to help, you will see that the reddened area will not spread in size (and I don't mean the redness from flushing from heat). If it is spreading, go in for help. The area may, and should, drain more with heat. If it does not, and is becoming harder instead, then go in. The infection should not be getting worse (other than more drainage) and should be getting better within a few days. If it is getting worse, then do not delay getting medical help.
Should improve within a few days
Detailed Answer:
Without seeing the extent of the infection it is hard for me to say. If heat is going to help, you will see that the reddened area will not spread in size (and I don't mean the redness from flushing from heat). If it is spreading, go in for help. The area may, and should, drain more with heat. If it does not, and is becoming harder instead, then go in. The infection should not be getting worse (other than more drainage) and should be getting better within a few days. If it is getting worse, then do not delay getting medical help.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
People also viewed
