Does this look infected? *TW wound*

[GayPareeee]

Had 25 stitches removed a week ago, Nurse swabbed it this morning after pharmacist saying thought it was infected. Nurse said wasn’t sure, GP prescribed antibots without seeing me ‘if I feel I need them’.

I keep getting odd, grim whiffs from it, it is a bit sore but it’s not weeping (there is something if I dab it. I am minded to wash, dry and slather it with sudocrem tonight (been putting Vaseline on it as per hospital), would that be silly? Does it look infected to you?

It doesn't look like it to me, infections are normally bright red, very sore, leaking green pus etc. I wouldn't put sudocrem on it though, just leave it dry and allow it to air.

If you had the stitches removed a week ago then the wound is 2 weeks old? I think the redness and swelling should have subsided by now, and if you’re getting bad whiffs from it it might be best to assume it’s starting an infection. However I don’t know if you should get it wet which will disturb the scab, although that might be a good thing if it needs cleaning? On the fence here. If you haven’t had that course of ABs yet then perhaps start them. Must have been a significant bash for 25 stitches! It’s on the head? Another reason to leave the scab undisturbed would be to reduce scarring. Looks bloody sore actually

sorry not to be of help!

Sudocreme has zinc in it which helps with wound healing . https://www.woundsource.com/blog/topical-zinc-oxide-and-wound-healing

Leave it to dry out, no Vaseline, no sudocream because that makes it moist which is a breeding ground for bacteria. Where is that?

It was skin cancer surgery, had a melanoma removed 6 weeks ago then had further skin removed 2.5 weeks ago, had a weeks antibiotics at the time as a precaution (as apparently heads often get infected) but they used two layers of stitches, cauterisation and glue to patch it back up so it’s had quite a lot done!

I’m getting it wet every other day when I wash my hair then drying it thoroughly and then putting Vaseline on

i feel rough anyway so am going to bed now, if I still feel rough in the morning I’ll start them, thank you

It’s forehead/scalp near my temple

I think it looks a little grotty. Take the abx!

I think I’d be tempted to go a few days without washing your hair, give it a chance to really dry out.

And yes I’d take the antibiotics too.

Take the antibiotics and keep taking them and complete the course. Keep it totally dry- cover it and then dry shampoo your hair.

I'd dry it after hair washing and not put vaseline on it. Try to keep it clean (hair washing will do that) and then otherwise as dry as possible. Is the redness in front of the wound hot at all? Have a feel with well-washed hands? If you think it feels warm and are getting a smell then I'd see the GP on Monday about it unless you become more worried or further symptoms, weeping, you feel generally unwell etc beforehand. I hope it starts healing well soon.

it wouldn’t be usual to smell a wound, I would interpret that as a sign of infection. Also, if you’re feeling rough it may be due to the infection. Wounds need moisture to heal , so keep up with the petroleum jelly. Please don’t put Sudocrem on it. Best wishes for your recovery.

I think Vaseline is recommended these days as a friend has just had some skin cancers removed and was told to apply it to aid healing.

OP I'd just take the antibiotics,no messing around with a wound that big.

Doesn’t look infected to me but hard to say over the internet

Can you get a clearer photo?

You poor love, take your ABs and look after yourself xx

Could you bathe it with cooled boiled water with salt in it? Salt is a natural antiseptic & aids healing, use cotton wool pads & squeeze as much water out as possible so you don't break the scab. Do it morning & night.

I’d take the antibiotics just in case . Was it a nurse attached to the place where you had the surgery that took the stitches out and saw the wound or the nurse at the GP ? If it was the latter ring the secretary on Monday and get seen by the person who did the surgery or a nurse attached to their unit so they can have an opinion .

I’ve got a follow up with the hospital end of June, it’s the practice Nurses I’ve seen in between.

Spent the night feeling sick and DS actually was sick so think it’s unrelated but DH has just taken another photo, it’s really hard to focus. I’m not washing my hair but will do it later with cooled boiled salty water and dry it.

Doesn’t look infected but salt wash is a good idea.
If you develop a fever or offensive discharge from wound, start antibiotics. Also if red area spreads or becomes hot to touch.

Looks a bit manky to me so if you've got them take them and don't hesitate to go back if it doesn't look and smell better
Take care

Im a nurse. That looks normal for a skin cancer excision wound. Unfortunately they can take their time to heal. I would take the antibiotics, we recommend applying Vaseline to scabbed wounds to reduce scarring. The redness looks like normal healing to me. If you’re still worried in a few days time, go back to the practice nurse. If the scab does come off, wounds like this can get mucky and may need a dressing.

Second photo doesn't look infected,my friend's looked exactly the same,quite alarming initially but it's healed so well now you would have to look with a magnifying glass. I hope yours is the same 💐

It doesn’t look infected, but it does look like the edges have come apart (dehisced). It will either need a clean up & special dressings, or re-stitching. Phone the department that did the surgery on Monday, explain you are concerned the wound has come apart & ask for an appointment next week.

How can you tell that from a very blurry photo? Even zooming in doesn't make it clear.