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Is Leaving A Head Injury Open Without Stitches Dangerous For Diabetic?
Hi Doctor, My mother had head injury (crush injury on scalp) last monday and the doctor at that place drained the wound and removed the dead skin and blood clots. now the wound is left wide open without stitching. All this happened last tuesday. Would that create any problem. she is chronic diabetic.
Wed, 9 Jul 2014
Hi...
infected wound has to be drained and debrided ( cleaned ) and once all infected parts are removed either it can be sutured immediately or can be done at later stages.
I suppose the scalp wound of your mother was infected, that is why its cleaned and left open to drain any remaining debris(dead tissue) for the region.
But open wound in a diabetic is always a problem.
Things to do:
1)Keep the wound clean and dry, watch for any pus discharge/fever.
2)Do regular dressings.
3)More importantly control the sugar levels ( i suppose the infection flared due to uncontrolled sugars).
4) take the prescribed antibiotics regularly, do not stop unless advised to.
5) antibiotics should be given according to the pus culture/sensitivity.
5) good hydration and nutrition is also important as healing is delayed in diabetics.
note: i would recommend to be careful as scalp infection can spread fast especially with co-morbid condition like diabetes.
infected wound has to be drained and debrided ( cleaned ) and once all infected parts are removed either it can be sutured immediately or can be done at later stages.
I suppose the scalp wound of your mother was infected, that is why its cleaned and left open to drain any remaining debris(dead tissue) for the region.
But open wound in a diabetic is always a problem.
Things to do:
1)Keep the wound clean and dry, watch for any pus discharge/fever.
2)Do regular dressings.
3)More importantly control the sugar levels ( i suppose the infection flared due to uncontrolled sugars).
4) take the prescribed antibiotics regularly, do not stop unless advised to.
5) antibiotics should be given according to the pus culture/sensitivity.
5) good hydration and nutrition is also important as healing is delayed in diabetics.
note: i would recommend to be careful as scalp infection can spread fast especially with co-morbid condition like diabetes.
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