Seeking Advice for Healing Wrist Burns Post Heart Catheterization
I'm a 40-year-old who recently underwent a diagnostic heart catheterization, and I now have a burn-like sore about the size of a dime on the back of my wrist. This area is raised, red, and blistered. Additionally, there’s a smaller similar sore located on the side of my wrist, aligned with the larger one. It's important to note that this is separate from the entry point on my radial artery, which is healing well. I’m looking for suggestions on how to promote healing for these sores and minimize any potential scarring, as both areas have been oozing fluid for a week following the procedure.
Answers (1)
7/31/2025, 4:50:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're concerned about these burn-like sores on your wrist after your heart catheterization. The raised, red, and blistered characteristics suggest they might be areas of irritation or even a reaction, possibly from the adhesive used during the procedure or from the pressure applied. Healing these sores while minimizing scarring is key, so here’s a structured approach.
Main Points:
- Keep the areas clean and protected to prevent infection.
- Moisturization is crucial for promoting healing and reducing scarring.
- Observe any changes in the sores and take action if necessary.
Explanation:
The sores you’re experiencing could be due to friction, irritation, or an allergic reaction. Since they are oozing and have been present for a week, they do require special attention to promote healing and minimize any potential scarring.
Next Steps:
-
Clean the Area:
- Gently wash the sores with mild soap and water. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
-
Use a Suitable Dressing:
- Cover the sores with a sterile, non-stick bandage. This protects them from further irritation and reduces the risk of infection.
-
Apply a Healing Ointment:
- Once cleaned and dried, apply an antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) or a suitable healing ointment recommended for minor wounds. This can help keep the area moist and promote faster healing.
-
Moisturize Regularly:
- After the initial healing phase, when the oozing has stopped, consider applying a fragrance-free moisturizer or silicone gel to help hydrate the skin and minimize scarring.
-
Avoid Picking or Scratching:
- Refrain from touching or picking at the sores to prevent further irritation and potential infection.
-
Monitor for Signs of Infection:
- Keep an eye out for increasing redness, swelling, warmth around the sores, or any additional drainage that has a foul odor. If you notice these, it might require immediate attention.
-
Limit Sun Exposure:
- If the sores are healing but still visible, protect them from sun exposure to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation. Use a sunscreen or keep them covered with clothing.
By following these hand-on steps, you're actively promoting healing and reducing the risk of scarring while being aware of what signs to look for if complications arise. If the sores do not show improvement or get worse, seeking further evaluation might be necessary. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns!
Related Questions
Managing Pain with Lidocaine Patches and Heating Pads
Hello everyone! I need to share something quite personal: I have been diagnosed with cancer. I realize that’s a heavy way to start, but it’s important context. Currently, I am using a lidocaine patch as a method for pain relief. However, I’ve found that my heating pad provides more comfort than the patch does. Is it advisable to remove the patch and switch to the heating pad instead? Should I clean my back prior to using the pad, even though it’s not a day I usually shower? Also, once I take off the patch, how long should I wait before applying the heating pad again? I appreciate any advice you have! For reference, I’m approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weigh around 250 pounds.
Discomfort in the Left Temple and Forehead
I’m a 25-year-old female who does not regularly use medication. I occasionally drink and smoke. For the past three days, I’ve been experiencing intermittent pain localized to the left side of my head, particularly in the temple and the frontal region. The discomfort isn’t constant; it appears and disappears rather than lasting throughout the day. Given the symptoms, I initially suspected it might be a migraine, though I remain uncertain about the diagnosis.
Upper Chest Pain Following Car Accident
Greetings, I'm a 41-year-old male. Last week, I was involved in a vehicle collision and received medical evaluation in an ambulance right at the scene. I informed the paramedic that my chest pain was about a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10. They allowed me to return home after the examination. A few hours later, once the initial shock had faded, I noticed that the discomfort had intensified, although it was still tolerable. After some online research, I suspected that I might be dealing with a bruised rib, so I planned to just take it easy. I do have ixprim tablets at home, but they haven't provided significant relief. Now, a week has passed, and there hasn't been any improvement in my condition. I struggle with daily activities, as the pain becomes acute, almost as if my body is warning me to stop exerting myself. Since the incident, I haven't been able to walk my dogs or return to work. I don’t have any visible bruises or cuts, but I do feel discomfort in the central and left side of my upper chest. Movement in that area triggers sharp pain. Could this be indicative of a bruised rib, and is it possible that it's simply taking longer to heal than anticipated? It's Friday evening, and I’m planning to consult with a doctor on Monday if I don’t begin to see any noticeable improvement by then.
Right Flank Discomfort Inquiry
Hello, I am a 28-year-old woman experiencing intermittent mild to moderate discomfort in my right flank for the past two weeks. There are days when I feel perfectly fine, while on other days, the pain is more pronounced. With a long flight lasting 18 hours scheduled for tomorrow, I'm concerned about my ability to travel. Although pain relief medication does help, I fear I might experience sudden severe pain at any moment. What would your course of action be? Unfortunately, there are no urgent care facilities available in my vicinity.
Struggling to Understand My Pain
I am a 22-year-old male, standing at 171 cm tall and weighing 78 kg. Two years ago, I experienced an onset of severe, chronic pain that was confined to my right leg and did not affect any other part of my body. After visiting a physician for several months, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) after a duration of about six months. Despite undergoing a full range of treatments aimed at alleviating CRPS, my condition only deteriorated. At one point, a doctor even brought up the option of amputation, a topic that was revisited several times but ultimately did not proceed. Three months ago, I sought help at a different medical facility where a series of tests led to a preliminary diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), based on the observation that my leg did not exhibit swelling. However, this diagnosis was later proven incorrect. The specialists at that hospital eventually conceded their inability to provide a clear explanation and referred me back to my original healthcare team. They have now suggested that I engage in physical therapy until at least April. Currently, I am left in the dark about my true medical condition. My quality of life has significantly declined; I find it incredibly challenging to walk, and the muscles in my right leg are weakening. The pain has become unbearable, and I’ve reached a point of hopelessness where I don't feel opposed to considering amputation, despite its associated risks. There has to be a resolution for this suffering, doesn’t there?