Incision Sites Not Healing Correctly

[TheRealHLM 1]

I have the typical 5 incisions, and 3 healed super quick and really well. One under my left breast is about 75% healed, but it is leaving a bigger scar. I can see part of the white dissolvable stitching sticking out of the incision. The incision on my left abdomen, is open a bit w/ yellow and red oozing stuff. I treated all incisions the same. I wash with antibacterial soap and irish spring during each shower. I live in Houston where it is triple digits right now. Is the sweat causing infection. The incision is red around the edges a bit, but not bad. This last week, I started cleaning the incision w/ hydrogen peroxide and putting a cloth breathable bandage over it every day also. It still seems to be taking a while to heal. Should I ask about an antibiotic?

[LessOfMe0503 157]

I think you should definitely get that one checked out!

[merry1126 42]

My main abdominal incision popped a bit and was oozing red and yellow discharge. I went to see my PCP and surgeon about it. Both said everything was okay, that when this happens the wound has to heal from the inside out. It just takes a longer time to fully heal. But you should go to your doctor just to make sure everything is okay.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

See your doctor ASAP

[BarrySue 602]

Nurse here, a few tips:

1. Don't use hydrogen peroxide! It can cause further tissue damage!

2. If it is the incision your drain came out of, it may have slight yellow/red drainage that is not the result of infection. Look for other signs (is the area swollen, a deeper/broader red than your other wounds, does it smell, does it look like Fluid is accumulating under the skin? Do you have a fever, chills, or any other sign of an infection?)

3. Use mild unscented soap and Water to clean the wound, unless your doctor prescribes something specifically for you

4. Keep it dry! Put a clean piece of gauze over it to keep moisture and sweat from accumulating. If your breast lies directly over the sight, it is especially important to keep the wound dry as there is a stronger chance of microbe buildup.

5. All of this is simply advice and should be secondary to calling your surgeon first and foremost.

[TheRealHLM 1]

Thanks for all of the advice! I am calling my surgeon today. And, I am not going to use the hydrogen peroxide anymore.

[LessOfMe0503 157]

Did you call? How is your incision?