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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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