Triggering (SI) - Cut not healing...icky/graphic... (1st aid?!)

[Scumbelina]

I have a cut that is not looking good...normally I heal pretty fast. I did it last Saturday (29th I think) I did a few on my arm which have now scabbed up but I did one on my hip..

It's right on my 'knicker line' so it kept catching on clothes so I put a dressing on it but that seems to be preventing it from drying/scabbing.

It didn't bleed much even though it's deep, I've considered making it bleed to clean it/create a scab.

Normally I wouldn't be bothered but I'm having an operation on the 19th & I'm worried they wont do it. I'm even taking zinc.

I walked past the college nurse today & considered showing her but I can't be bothered for her to say she has to tell someone.

[dissectme]

Sounds really painful hun. I'm not medically qualified of anything like that but I was thinking do you let air get to it at night? You could try keeping it dressed in the day and allowing air to get to it at night? I dont think picking at it would be a good idea.

[Scumbelina]

^^ I did originally try & get air to it but it kept sticking to clothes/PJs - it's in a really awkward place so unless I walk around naked it will be covered by my knickers :s

I cleaned it with salt water -which really hurt, then I put Germolene & a dressing on it.
Is Germolene a good idea? I know it delays healing/makes it soggy but I'm a bit worried as the infection seems to be spreading (lots of redness & heat)

Normally I would go to the walk-in centre (great places by the way) but I'm scared the hospital will refuse to operate on me :(

The skin just isn't pulling together as you would expect...

[starting_over]

Not getting treatment and letting the infection spread will definatly prevent the surgery. It is 10th today and you said your surgery is not till th w19th right? I would go get some oral antibiotics now, they usually are only taken for 7 -10 days and they will clear up any and almost all infections in time for the surgery. Also they will be able to see where it is at and give some advice on how to let it heal. Your surgery will definately be postponed if you do not get treatment and it is infected.

[falling_x]

steri - strips? Sorry if you've thought about it already - they're ideal for pulling the skin back together

although im not a specialised person in this area

[Pomegranate]

hey hun sounds painful and I hope you're ok. I just wanted to say dont steri strip it because of how long it has been since you did it. Maybe try posting in first aid or pming a firstaider? Sorry I cant be very helpful *hugs*

[Animad]

DON'T steri-strip it, if it is infected it will trap all the infection in and will cause a lot of problems, infections are best just allowing the pus to drain out. Keep it covered with a dressing covered in anti-septic cream and change the dressing at least twice daily. It may be best to see a doctor as it doesn't appear to be healing and could be infected. They won't go ahead with the operation if it is infected. I know that for certain as I had an op a couple of months ago and I was told that because of the chance of spread of the infection and the risks to t pcking up more resistive strains whilst in hospital.

You may get better replies if you copy this into a thread the 1st aid forum.