Cellulitis: Treatment and Recovery After an Injury

Q: Cellulitis: Treatment and Recovery After an Injury

Hello： Without seeing your wound in person, I cannot definitively determine what the issue might be. <br>I recommend that you seek treatment at a plastic surgery department or a hospital with a specialized trauma surgery unit. <br>Wishing you good health!

Cellulitis

Hello Doctor, I was in a car accident last Tuesday (12/13) and have abrasions near my ankle...
there are two wounds about 2x3 inches in size.
I thought I could just apply some ointment and it would heal, but the next day it became red, swollen, and painful.
After seeing a dermatologist, the doctor diagnosed it as cellulitis.
After a week of treatment, the wounds still haven't healed.
Should I consider a referral? I change the dressings on my wounds daily.
The doctor first removes the ointment and any areas that are white or yellow with gauze.
Since yesterday, the wounds have started to bleed after being cleaned with gauze.
How much longer do you think it will take for these wounds to heal? Thank you for your response.
^^

Xiao Liang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/12/22

Dr. Huang Junxiong reply Surgery

Hello: Without seeing your wound in person, I cannot definitively determine what the issue might be.
I recommend that you seek treatment at a plastic surgery department or a hospital with a specialized trauma surgery unit.
Wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2005/12/22

More Info

Hello! It sounds like you’re dealing with a challenging situation following your car accident and the subsequent development of cellulitis. Cellulitis is a common and potentially serious bacterial skin infection that can occur after an injury, especially if the skin barrier is compromised. Let’s break down your situation and discuss the treatment and recovery process.

First, it’s important to understand that cellulitis typically presents with redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area. The fact that your injury has not healed and is still showing signs of infection (redness, swelling, and pain) suggests that the bacteria may still be present, or that the initial treatment may not have been sufficient. The presence of blood when changing the dressing could indicate that the wound is still inflamed or that there may be some necrotic tissue that needs to be addressed.

In terms of treatment, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s advice closely. If your current treatment regimen has not led to improvement after a week, it may be time to consider a few options:
1. Re-evaluation by a Specialist: If you haven’t already, it might be beneficial to see a wound care specialist or a surgeon who can assess the wound more thoroughly. They can determine if there is any underlying issue, such as a foreign body, necrotic tissue, or even a deeper infection that may require more aggressive treatment.

2. Wound Care: Proper wound care is essential for healing. This includes keeping the wound clean and covered, using appropriate dressings, and possibly debriding any dead tissue. If your current treatment involves just topical antibiotics, your doctor may consider switching to a systemic antibiotic if there is a concern about deeper infection.

3. Signs of Complications: Be vigilant for signs of complications, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pain, as well as fever or chills. These could indicate that the infection is worsening or spreading.

4. Timeframe for Healing: The healing time for cellulitis can vary significantly based on several factors, including the severity of the infection, your overall health, and how well you respond to treatment. Generally, with appropriate treatment, mild cases of cellulitis can start to improve within a few days, but more severe cases may take weeks to heal completely. If you’re not seeing improvement after a week of treatment, it’s reasonable to expect that further intervention may be necessary.

5. Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the progress of your healing. Your healthcare provider may want to perform additional tests, such as blood tests or imaging studies, to ensure that the infection is not spreading or causing complications.

In conclusion, if your wound is not healing and you are experiencing ongoing symptoms, it is advisable to seek further evaluation and possibly a referral to a specialist. Early intervention can prevent complications and promote better healing outcomes. Remember to keep your healthcare provider informed about any changes in your symptoms, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about your treatment plan. Your health and recovery are the top priority!

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