How Are My Stitches Healing?
33-year-old male, 5'9" tall, weighing 180 pounds, a non-smoker with no prior health concerns, currently taking Bactrim. I completed a 10-day treatment of this antibiotic prior to the removal of my infected cyst and am now on a 7-day course provided post-surgery. On Tuesday morning, the 18th, I had a sebaceous cyst excised from my back. I've posted two images in the comments showing the area today, both before and after I took a shower where water was allowed to run over the site. I have been diligent in maintaining a bandage over the incision, changing it out every day and using a clean washcloth with water to gently clean the area around the wound—but avoiding direct contact with the wound itself. So far, I am not experiencing any pain or fever. My wife mentioned that the last bandage had a slight odor, although I didn’t notice any smell when I checked it; I suspect it may have been a slight body odor as she tends to have a very keen sense of smell. I'm reaching out for feedback on my stitches. Before I let the water run over my back, I observed some yellowish crust on the lower stitch.
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 11:10:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are taking good care of your incision after your cyst removal, which is essential for healing. Here are some important points regarding your situation:
Main Points
- The yellowish crust could be normal as the wound heals, but it's important to monitor the site for any signs of infection, especially since you mentioned a slight odor from the bandage.
Explanation
After surgery, especially around the incision of a cyst removal, it's common to see some yellowish crust or scabbing as the wound begins to heal. This is usually a part of the healing process, but you should keep an eye out for signs of infection. The fact that you aren't experiencing pain or fever is a positive sign, but changes in smell or new discharge can indicate a problem.
Next Steps
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Monitor the Wound: Keep an eye on the incision for any worsening of the yellow crust, increased redness, swelling, or discharge that is more than just a little clear or yellowish fluid.
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Keep It Clean and Covered: Continue your practice of keeping the bandage clean and dry. Avoid soaking the wound for extended periods (i.e., in baths or swimming) until it is fully healed to minimize the risk of infection.
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Check for Odor and Fluid: If you notice an increase in odor or unusual discharge (such as pus), contact a healthcare professional.
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Continue Your Medication: Complete your course of Bactrim as prescribed, as it will help prevent infection post-surgery.
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Gentle Cleaning: When cleaning, you can use a mild soap and water around the area but avoid scrubbing the wound directly. Pat it dry with a clean cloth afterwards.
If you have any concerns or your symptoms change—such as developing a fever, increasing pain, or noticing significant changes in the wound—do consider seeking medical advice promptly. Keep up the good work with your wound care!
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