Struggling with Persistent Non-Healing Wounds: Seeking Guidance
Hello everyone, I could really use your advice. My husband, who is 49, has been dealing with some health difficulties since approximately April 25. Initially, he had three bumps on his skin that seemed like boils or folliculitis. We attempted to treat them with antiseptic agents such as Hibiclens, peroxide, and alcohol, but they progressed into deep ulcers. On May 22, during the first appointment with his primary care physician (PCP), he was given a prescription for Doxycycline hyclate to be taken over seven days, but there was no improvement. By May 28, after a follow-up visit, he was prescribed Mupirocin for a duration of ten days, yet again, this did not yield any results. On June 10, during the third consultation, a culture test was performed, and he was started on Doxycycline monohydrate twice daily for ten days, along with Keflex for the same period; unfortunately, there were still no changes. The culture test didn’t reveal any significant findings. The fourth visit occurred on June 19, where two additional tests were done. He was then prescribed Amoxicillin-clavulanate for ten days and referred to a dermatologist for further examination. Results from a fungal infection lab reported nothing conclusive, but the "Deep Non-Healing Wound" panel indicated the presence of Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus, Finegoldia magna, and Anaerococcus prevotii. He had an appointment with the dermatologist on June 25, but she expressed uncertainty about the diagnosis and recommended applying Polysporin. This treatment has not been effective, and she scheduled a follow-up for a biopsy. Given her lack of confidence in managing the case, we are hesitant to return for further consultation. As of today, he has completed five days on Metronidazole with no sign of improvement. The ulcers continue to ooze and cause him significant pain. We are feeling overwhelmed and are running out of options. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. 😢
Answers (1)
7/6/2025, 9:40:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the struggles your husband is facing with these persistent non-healing wounds. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when treatments seem ineffective. Here’s a summary of the situation and some actionable steps you can consider moving forward.
Summary of Key Points
- Your husband has had non-healing ulcers that have persisted despite multiple antibiotic treatments and a thorough evaluation.
- Recent tests identified specific anaerobic bacteria, indicating that the infections may be complex and not responding to standard treatment.
- Current topical treatments, like Polysporin, haven't provided relief.
Explanation
Non-healing wounds can result from various factors, including underlying health conditions, infections (especially with resistant bacteria), or the wound environment itself. It's crucial to address any potential contributing factors that might hinder healing, such as blood sugar levels in diabetes, circulation issues, or nutrient deficiencies. Given the presence of specific bacteria in the culture, the challenge could also be in selecting the right antibiotic that effectively targets these organisms.
Next Steps
-
Focus on Wound Care:
- Keep the wounds clean and covered with an appropriate dressing to promote a moist environment, which can enhance healing. Consider using hydrocolloid or alginate dressings, which may be more effective than standard bandages.
- If there is significant oozing, ensure that the dressings are changed regularly to prevent maceration and further infection.
-
Nutritional Support:
- Ensure your husband is consuming a nutrient-rich diet with adequate protein, vitamins (especially Vitamin C and D), and minerals (like zinc), as these are vital for wound healing.
- If dietary intake is a concern, consider discussing a multivitamin or specific supplements to support healing.
-
Pain Management:
- For discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain while facilitating daily activities. Ensure it's taken as advised on the label or consult with a pharmacist for appropriate dosing.
-
Explore Further Testing:
- Since the dermatologist suggested a biopsy, it may provide deeper insights into the underlying cause of non-healing. Biopsy results can help tailor treatment options more effectively.
- It may be worthwhile to see if a wound care specialist or infectious disease expert can offer additional insights or alternative therapies.
-
Follow-Up:
- Schedule the follow-up with the dermatologist or seek a second opinion from another dermatologist or wound care specialist if you feel the current treatment approach is not yielding results.
- You could inquire about options like negative pressure wound therapy or other specialized treatments that may be warranted based on the biopsy results.
Reassurance
I understand how this situation has been stressful for both of you. Continuing to advocate for your husband's health is essential, and there is help available that can lead to improvements. Maintain communication with healthcare professionals, and don’t hesitate to voice your concerns during appointments. You are not alone in navigating this, and it's good to seek support during such challenging times.
Related Questions
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!