Inquiry About Wound Healing with Medical Adhesive
Greetings, my three-year-old son experienced a cut and skin abrasion on his cheek two weeks ago. Medical professionals applied a type of adhesive to secure the skin flap in place and assured us that the resulting scar would be minimal, potentially just a fine line. After three days, we observed a white discharge from the injury site. A visit to urgent care confirmed that the wound was healing adequately. Now, the white discharge has ceased, but the affected area appears red, raising our concern about the healing progress after two weeks, especially as there are signs of scabbing. Over the past nine days, the condition seems to have changed very little, and while there is no swelling or pus present, we are worried about the lack of improvement. The medical adhesive is still intact and has not come off. Should we be worried about this situation?
Answers (1)
7/14/2025, 12:20:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're doing a great job monitoring your son's wound and paying attention to its healing process. It's common to feel concerned, especially when it comes to a child's healing after an injury. Based on your description, two weeks into healing with a medical adhesive and observing no swelling or pus is a positive sign, though the redness and stability of the scab can raise questions.
Explanation:
- Wound Healing Process: After a cut, the body goes through several stages of healing, including inflammation, tissue formation, and maturation. Redness is often a normal part of the inflammatory phase, while scabbing is a natural part of protective healing.
- Discharge and Adhesive: The initial white discharge you observed could have been a normal part of healing, and the cessation of discharge indicates progress. The fact that the adhesive is still intact and there are no signs of infection (like pus or swelling) is also reassuring.
- Minimal Scar Formation: It's a good sign that medical professionals have indicated minimal scarring potential, particularly since the adhesive is still in place.
Next Steps:
- Continue Monitoring: Keep observing the wound for any changes. Look out for increased redness, warmth, or any discharge, which could indicate infection.
- Gentle Care: Clean the area gently with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing to prevent irritation.
- Protect the Wound: If the adhesive becomes loose or falls off, you can cover the area with a clean, non-stick bandage until it heals further. This can help protect it from friction or further injury.
- Moisturizing: Once the adhesive is removed and the skin is not open or weeping, consider using a fragrance-free moisturizer to help soften the skin and may assist in reducing scarring.
- Patience: Healing in young children can sometimes take longer than expected, so give it time, but if there's no visible improvement in the next week or you feel more concerned at any point, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for additional advice.
It's entirely normal to feel worried about your child's healing, but so far, it sounds like you are on the right track. If you have any further questions or if there are any significant changes, don't hesitate to seek guidance from a medical professional at that time.
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