AIBU or is this infected *TW photo inc!

[StewPots]

Posting for traffic…I managed to scrape my leg really badly with my thumbnail last week - sore at the time but soon forgot about it!

However since Friday the wound site has been really hot, sore and the skin round it is red and swollen. Is it just the skin healing or is this something I should get looked at? I’ve put savlon on it non stop since Friday, with no improvement!

Go and see a nurse on Monday, you'll probably get medical advice than on here. Heat, redness, itching....all indicate infection.

Dislcaimer - not a medical person! Yes, it does look infected and it might be wise to get it looked at. It's often suggested that you draw a line around the red bit and then you can track if the infection spreads.

Disclaimer, that was meant to be. Never mind not being a medical person, I can't spell either...

I'd put some tea tree oil on it, but that's my solution to every ailment!

It's certainly very inflamed which could indicate a localised infection, but it doesn't appear to be spreading. See if you can get some Inadine iodine squares from the pharmacy, that'll help enormously. You need to cover them with a secondary dressing. Clean the wound with saline prior to doing the dressing.

It looks like it may be very localised infection but unless it's spreading I would not say it needs antibiotics. PP suggestion of iodine is a good one, or just keep it covered and keep an eye on it. Savlon not a bad idea as it's antimicrobial.
Your immune system should sort this out unless you have immune issues or diabetes or something.

Manuka honey,slap some of that on it

Thanks all, yeah I’ve been keeping an eye on the redness. Iodine is a good idea, I’ll go to the pharmacy tomorrow.
Its just so bloody sore… no idea why when the injury itself is over a week old!

Ask the chemist for some Fucidic cream - it’s a topical antibiotic

That’s just a normal scab no?

All my deep scratches look like that half way through healing (cat owner!)

Yeah see I thought it was normal but the heat off it and the soreness makes me think it’s not healing properly

Asks a pharmacist. However it looks ok to my untrained eye.

Hmm I’d say it doesn’t look infected but I would get some manuka honey on it and see a chemist tomorrow just in case. If you’re worried get it seen OP.

How did you do a scratch that deep with your nail? Jeepers!!

I'd soak it in nice warm bath then whatever disinfectant you have that situable for human use - I'm a teatree oil fan but dilute it first.