Is this surgical wound infected? (photo)

[Pokhora]

I had a mole removed 11 days ago and had stitches which are due to be removed on Tuesday. My DH however thinks that because it looks red it is infected and I should go to A&E today.

It does not hurt and I really would rather not sit around in a&e all day so I was wondering what others think based on this photo? Can I wait until I see the nuse on Tuesday.

Is it hot? Best way to tell is to put your lips on it. Redness can be a sign of healing but if there's heat that can mean infection.

It LOOKS ok to me but as pp said, is it hot?

I am not going to be able to get my lips on it, it is on my tummy 😁. I tried touching it and it feels slightly warmer than the surrounding skin. I have been keeping it covered though with vacelene under a bandage.

Were you told to use Vaseline?

Yes by the surgeon who said it would heal better with this until the stitches were removed.

Interesting, I wondered if it could do with drying out but obviously not! I'd see if it looks any different tomorrow and reassess then.

disclaimer - not a medic

From the pic I wouldn’t seek any urgent medical attention if you don’t have any pain.
But that’s just me

I just googled the vaseline recommendation. It seems that views on it are quite mixed and there is some research now that it can cause infection. www.bbc.com/news/health-44600618

It does seem to be the current NHS recommendation though. It is thought that wounds heal better and scar less if no scab is formed.

I suppose it works like Compede plasters.

I had an infected wound on my stomach after gall bladder removal.
It hurt like hell every single time I moved.

Nurse here - don't go to A&E (providing you're otherwise well), you could phone 111 though if you're concerned, that would be a more sensible first step.

Yes I think I will see how things are in the morning. I don't think it is an emergency, my DH gets over worried about these things.

Another nurse.
Looks like localised inflammation from the sutures. Perfectly normal. No exudate visible.
I'd just be keeping it dry tbh. Watch and wait.

Thank you cptartapp, that is reassuring. When you say keeping it dry do you mean stopping the vaseline?

I've never put Vaseline on a wound in 30 years of nursing.
But I wouldn't go against what your consultant has said.

I had a similar suture 6 weeks ago and it looked a lot like that. No pain during removal of a pea sized lump but stitches out hurt like hell! Nurse who removed them said to put Vaseline on.