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Reviewing Surgical Glue Reactions

7/19/2025, 1:30:32 AMMale25-34

At 29 years old and weighing 155 pounds, I underwent surgery on July 14th. I am concerned about the appearance of my incisions; do they seem overly red or possibly indicate an allergic response to the adhesive used?

ArthritisFibromyalgiaInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

7/19/2025, 1:30:55 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to be concerned about how your surgical incisions are healing, especially after a recent procedure. The redness you are noticing might be a common part of the healing process, but it’s important to differentiate between normal healing and a potential allergic reaction or infection.

Understanding Surgical Glue Reactions:

  • Normal Healing: After surgery, it’s typical for incisions to appear red, swollen, or tender as part of the healing process. This usually subsides over time as your body repairs itself.
  • Allergic Reactions: Some individuals can react to adhesives or surgical glues, leading to a red, itchy, or rash-like appearance. In these cases, the area might feel irritated but shouldn't typically have increasing pain or produce discharge.
  • Infection Signs: Symptoms of an infected incision can include increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or discharge (especially if it's yellow or green).

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your incision. If the redness persists, increases, or if you notice additional symptoms like warmth or discharge, it may warrant more attention.
  2. Keep the Area Clean: Gently clean the area as advised by your surgeon to avoid irritants. Use mild soap and water, and avoid scrubbing the incision.
  3. Avoid Irritants: Stay away from lotions or ointments unless prescribed by your doctor.
  4. Document Changes: Take pictures and note any changes in appearance, pain levels, or new symptoms over the next few days to help track the healing process.
  5. When to Seek Help: If you experience worsening symptoms, such as fever, increasing pain, or noticeable changes in drainage, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Remember, while some redness is often part of the normal healing process, your concerns are valid. Continuing to observe your symptoms closely will be key in ensuring a healthy recovery. If you have further questions or need clarity on what to look for, feel free to ask.

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