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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Persistent Smell From A Leg Wound Post Antibiotic Treatment?

Hi I was recently in a bad car accident. I broke three metacarpals. Where I was split open from the crash I had an infection from the trauma care because they didn t clean my wound properly. I had to go back into another hospital recommended by my family doctor to be put on IVs for antibiotics immediately. After a week and half of getting over the infection; though it doesn t smell as bad as it did but I am still experiencing a smell (not a strong smell though) could it be infected still?
Tue, 11 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello.

You are right about the smell. Persistent smell may indicate an infection or possibly development of necrosis i.e. dead tissue.

I would suggest a thorough examination of the wound and removal of any slough if persisting and a sample of the discharge for culture and sensitivity testing to see if the antibiotics you received are effective against the infection or not. Surgical debridement may also be necessary to remove the dead tissue if it is extensive.

Hope this helps. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Regards,
Dr Geeta
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What Causes Persistent Smell From A Leg Wound Post Antibiotic Treatment?

Hello. You are right about the smell. Persistent smell may indicate an infection or possibly development of necrosis i.e. dead tissue. I would suggest a thorough examination of the wound and removal of any slough if persisting and a sample of the discharge for culture and sensitivity testing to see if the antibiotics you received are effective against the infection or not. Surgical debridement may also be necessary to remove the dead tissue if it is extensive. Hope this helps. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Regards, Dr Geeta