Phimosis issue?
Hello doctor, after my surgery, I bought some Guangdong powder to stop the bleeding, but the wound not only didn't heal but also became infected.
Five days later, I went to the hospital, and the doctor said it was just superficial pus and advised me to apply medication and take anti-inflammatory drugs.
I followed this for over a month, but the wound still hadn't healed.
Eventually, I went to a larger hospital, and the doctor said the wound was healing but needed to be sutured for faster recovery, so I went ahead with the suturing.
However, on the third day, the sutured area opened up, and there was pus, along with a new small wound that also had pus.
When I returned for a follow-up, the doctor told me that the sutures were no longer useful and needed to be removed.
He prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics and advised me to continue applying medication and monitor the wound.
I have been draining the pus daily and taking my medication on schedule.
Today, during my follow-up, the doctor said it looked better and asked how I planned to manage the wound.
He mentioned that he wanted to suture it again but was concerned about the possibility of infection, so he advised me to return in a month for another check-up.
I would like to ask if my wound can heal without sutures? Will it take a long time to heal? It has already been over two months, and I can't take a proper shower; I can only wipe myself with a towel, which is very painful.
Minzai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/03
Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: An unstitched wound may not look good, so it is recommended to stitch it up.
However, the wound must be cleaned properly before suturing; otherwise, it may reopen or become infected.
Additionally, after stitching, careful wound care is essential.
Wishing you good health.
Reply Date: 2017/11/03
More Info
Post-surgery complications, particularly infected wounds, can be a significant concern for patients and healthcare providers alike. In your case, it appears that you have experienced a series of complications following your surgery, including the development of an infected wound that has not healed properly despite treatment. This situation raises several important considerations regarding wound management and healing.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that surgical wounds can become infected for various reasons, including contamination during the procedure, inadequate wound care, or underlying health issues that may impair healing, such as diabetes or immunosuppression. In your situation, the use of topical treatments like the Guangdong powder may have contributed to the infection rather than alleviating it. It is crucial to follow the advice of healthcare professionals regarding wound care and to avoid using unverified treatments that could introduce bacteria or irritate the wound.
When a wound becomes infected, the typical signs include increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and the presence of pus or other drainage. In your case, the presence of pus and the need for antibiotics indicate that the infection was significant. The fact that your wound required re-evaluation and additional treatment, including the decision to suture it again, suggests that the initial management may not have been sufficient to promote healing.
Regarding your concern about whether the wound will heal without sutures, it is possible for wounds to heal by secondary intention, which means they can close naturally over time without being stitched. However, this process can take longer and may result in more significant scarring. The healing time can vary widely depending on the wound's size, depth, and the presence of infection. In general, wounds that are infected may take longer to heal, and the risk of complications increases if the infection is not adequately controlled.
It is also important to note that even after the initial infection resolves, the tissue may remain fragile, and the risk of re-infection can persist. Therefore, continued monitoring and care are essential. Your healthcare provider's decision to delay suturing until they are confident that the infection is fully resolved is a prudent approach. It helps to ensure that the wound can heal properly without the risk of trapping infection beneath the sutures.
As for your daily care routine, it is crucial to keep the wound clean and dry. If you are unable to shower, using a damp cloth to gently clean the area while avoiding direct water contact is a good alternative. Additionally, following your doctor's instructions regarding medication, including antibiotics and topical treatments, is vital for promoting healing.
In summary, while it may be frustrating to deal with a prolonged healing process, it is essential to prioritize proper wound care and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations. Healing can take time, especially in the presence of infection, but with diligent care and monitoring, your wound can eventually heal. If you have ongoing concerns or if the wound shows signs of worsening, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.
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