Question 1

surgical wound not healing and it has been 17 months since operation. should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

Many causes: Healing is a super complex problem and a case like yours requires an expert as doc said.  Causes include retained foreign body, rolled over skin edges, recurrent trauma to the area, poor nutrition, and many other things.  It is unlikely that it is infected after so long so forget antibiotics.  You need to see an experienced wound care specialist, not merely someone who works in a wound care center.

Question 2

75 y.o. woman just had toe amputated due to diabetes.  surgical wound not healing after three weeks.  can herbal supplements promote skin growth?

Accepted Answer

Some do...: I use traumeel cream (or ointment) to help with healing.  It is available online and at most whole foods stores.  The main issue is her circulation.  Without good blood flow, no amount of herbal supplement will help.  She may need something done to improve blood flow.  Ask her surgeon.

Question 3

is 1000mg of vit. c ok to help aid surgery wound healing?

Accepted Answer

Yes: I advise taking 1000 mg at least 2x/day after surgery- 3-4x/day even better. Zinc (a good form like zinc picolinate, 30 mg) also helps wound healing. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and protein will help too.

Question 4

can kidney failure prevent a surgical wound from healing?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The body's ability to repair skin can be compromised by several diseases - including kidney failure. Make sure you work closely with your MD to monitor your healing and guide you to recovery.

http://www.dermnetnz.org/doctors/wound-healing/abnormal-healing.html

Question 5

phentermine affects wound healing after breast reduction surgery, help?

Accepted Answer

Stop diet pills: During your recovery from surgery, and eat a high protein diet.  Your body needs "building blocks" for wound healing.  Stop taking your Phentermine prior to surgery - it can make you more prone to heart arrhythmias while you are under anesthesia.

Question 6

what are some ways to clean surgical wound?

Accepted Answer

Closed or open?: Typically a closed surgical wound can be washed with soap and water 36+ hours after surgery.  An open wound i will allow the patient to remove dressing and get into shower.  Avoid agents like alcohol, betadine, hydrogen peroxide, in open wounds.  Peroxide is okay on a closed incision about staples or sutures.  Betadine/alcohol was likely used to prepare the skin for surgery.

Question 7

are there signs to tell the age of a surgical wound?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Wound healing has been very well studied in the first 7-10 days the wound usually heals but the scar matures and fades and softens for up to a year after that they remain stable.

Question 8

what happens with over granulation of surgical wound?

Accepted Answer

Nothing serious: Over granulation generally refers to over healing or too much scar tissue formation on the outside of the wound. This can usually be taken care of in the office with application of silver nitrate to the wound to stop the excess healing.

Question 9

what is the chance of getting e coli in a surgical wound?

Accepted Answer

Depends upon the...: Kind of surgery and whether it involves the gastrointestinal tract where e. Coli hangs out. Most wound infections are due to the skin flora especially staphylococcus even ones done on the colon but e. Coli can cause surgical wound infections, especially when involving the colon and more likely deep rather than superficial infection.

Question 10

i might have an infected surgical wound, what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Important 2 find out: Surgical site infections do occur and need to be diagnosed and treated. Check in with your surgeon, he/she will diagnose infection. Typically surgical site infected wound is cultured, drained, dressing changes ordered and follow up. Antibiotics are often recommended. Don't wait and good luck.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Surgical wound not healing

A member asked:

Surgical wound not healing and it has been 17 months since operation. should i be concerned?

A member asked:

75 y.o. woman just had toe amputated due to diabetes. surgical wound not healing after three weeks. can herbal supplements promote skin growth?

A member asked:

Is 1000mg of vit. c ok to help aid surgery wound healing?

A member asked:

Can kidney failure prevent a surgical wound from healing?

A member asked:

Phentermine affects wound healing after breast reduction surgery, help?

A member asked:

What are some ways to clean surgical wound?

A member asked:

Are there signs to tell the age of a surgical wound?

A member asked:

What happens with over granulation of surgical wound?

A member asked:

What is the chance of getting e coli in a surgical wound?

A member asked:

I might have an infected surgical wound, what should i do?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?