Concerns About Possible Infection of Scrotum Cut
I went to the emergency room a week ago due to a laceration on my scrotum that bled profusely for several hours. After my initial visit, I sought advice from others on this platform, which I truly valued, although none came from healthcare professionals. I've since removed that post. A week has passed, and the wound has shown little progress in healing or in being adequately covered. During my first ER visit, the doctor merely placed a dressing over the cut without first cleaning it, which I found alarming. Unsurprisingly, it fell off while I was showering. I returned to the ER out of concern for potential infection, especially as I noticed small traces of blood on the gauze more than a day later. The physician examined the area and dismissed it, providing no specific guidance for aftercare. In fact, they mentioned it didn’t even require covering, so I chose to follow that advice. Now, over a week later, the injury is still unhealed. It feels like the ER isn’t taking my situation seriously, and if I go back, I anticipate receiving a similar response. It's Saturday, and finding an open walk-in clinic is impossible until tomorrow. My only option is to wait for a scheduled doctor's appointment. This leaves me relying on online information regarding whether my wound might be infected. The area appears somewhat uneven, and occasionally my entire scrotum looks reddish. The edges of the cut are slightly swollen but sometimes appear to be healing well. Due to the warm weather and the fact that I drive frequently throughout the day, I've been sweating a lot. Additionally, the cut has not had any dressing on it at all since the initial visit.
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 8:01:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about your scrotum injury, especially given the time that has passed without significant healing. Based on what you've described, it's important to monitor the area for signs of infection and to take steps toward promoting healing.
Main Points:
- Monitor for Infection: Redness, swelling, and any discharge can indicate infection.
- Promote Healing: Keep the area clean and allow it to breathe.
- Follow-Up Care: Seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Explanation:
Your scrotum is sensitive, and while some swelling and unevenness can be part of the normal healing process, ongoing redness and lack of improvement may suggest the need for further attention. It’s good that you’ve been attentive to the wound, and your concerns about potential infection are valid, especially since it has not healed after a week.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Check for increased redness, warmth, pain, or discharge from the cut. If you notice pus, or if the area feels increasingly painful, this could signal an infection.
-
Gentle Cleaning:
- Clean the area gently with mild soap and water. Pat dry softly. Avoid using alcohol-based products, which can be irritating.
-
Assess Moisture:
- Given the warm weather and increased sweating, consider changing into breathable underwear and avoid tight clothing that could trap moisture and warmth in that area.
-
Apply a Moisture Barrier:
- If you feel comfortable, you might use a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to help keep the area moist and avoid open wounds drying out. Ensure you’re applying it on clean skin.
-
Wait for Follow-Up:
- Since you mentioned having a scheduled doctor’s appointment, be sure to address your concerns during that visit. If symptoms worsen before your appointment, don’t hesitate to seek further medical attention, even if it feels repetitive.
These steps should help you manage your concerns and promote healing. Remember, while online advice can be helpful, always prioritize professional medical assessment for ongoing issues. Take care, and your health should be your paramount focus!
Related Questions
Seeking Advice on Hair Thinning and Scalp Health
Hello community, I’m a 29-year-old academic residing in Germany, and for the past 2 to 3 years, I have been noticing significant changes to my hair. Your input would be invaluable as accessing specialized care is quite difficult (the closest hair clinic is located three hours away and the initial consultation costs between €200 and €300, an expense that I cannot currently manage). Background: - My hair was once very thick; however, in recent years it has become increasingly thinner and less vibrant. Over the last year, the thinning has escalated dramatically. - I have observed indentations on my scalp, particularly in the areas where there is thinning. This part of my scalp feels unusually dense and I occasionally experience mild discomfort. When I cut my hair, the entire scalp seems to vibrate and has trouble moving. - My beard remains full with no noticeable patches, yet it too has lost some density compared to a year and a half ago. Health Information: - I have been diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa (also known as acne inversa). My treatment history includes long-term clindamycin, followed by Humira (adalimumab) for the past 2 to 3 years, and currently, I am on Cosentyx (secukinumab). - Laboratory tests (conducted when the hair loss initiated 2 to 3 years ago) showed DHT levels below the normal range, while iron, zinc, B12, and thyroid levels were all within standard limits. - There is a family tendency towards mild hair thinning in older generations, but there are no instances of severe Norwood patterns appearing at a young age. My current hair care routine is quite basic, limited to simply shampooing. I have yet to explore treatments such as minoxidil, finasteride, or ketoconazole because I am uncertain whether I am actually experiencing androgenetic alopecia. My inquiries are as follows: 1. Does my situation suggest androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, a side effect of medication, or an autoimmune issue linked to my biologic treatments? 2. With my low DHT levels, would it be reasonable to consider minoxidil, finasteride, or ketoconazole? 3. Could my condition of hidradenitis suppurativa or the prolonged use of biologics be factors contributing to this widespread thinning? 4. Since seeing a specialist is not feasible for me at the moment, what actionable steps can I take at home or with my family doctor (such as further lab tests, photographs, or preliminary treatment trials) to gain more clarity? I realize that a diagnosis is not possible through Reddit, but any guidance or insights would greatly help. Thank you!
Concerns About Potential Diabetes
I am a 13-year-old girl, standing at 5'3" and weighing 117 pounds. I have a history of ADHD, and I suspect I may have bipolar disorder as well. Additionally, I deal with a tic disorder, gluten intolerance, depression, asthma, and anxiety. Recently, I've been experiencing some alarming symptoms, including: - Swelling in my hands - Intense thirst - Extreme fatigue - Frequent watery stools - An almost nonexistent menstrual period - Minimal growth in height - Eating significantly more than usual - Urinating often If anyone has insights or advice, I would truly appreciate your help. Thank you!
Concerns Over Ongoing Symptoms
I am an 18-year-old woman who has been smoking for about a year and a half, using a mix of vapes, tobacco, and cannabis. I also deal with anxiety and have symptoms consistent with ADHD. For the last two months, I’ve been experiencing involuntary twitching in various parts of my body, including my face, limbs, and even my tongue. These sensations feel like a peculiar mix of popping and pulling. Initially, I attributed this twitching to my smoking habits, stress levels, and poor sleep quality. However, as time passes, I find myself increasingly anxious about it. Around the time these twitches began, I noticed a significant dark floater in my right eye. I consulted an optometrist, who assured me that my eye was perfectly healthy. While I have had floaters in the past, this particular one was notably darker and larger. Since I first spotted it, it hasn’t changed in size. I also addressed my twitching during a visit to my general practitioner. He suggested that it was likely related to my anxiety and observed no alarming signs that would indicate a neurological issue based on a few questions he posed to me. I didn’t mention the floater during this appointment, and no further tests were recommended. About a week ago, I began experiencing discomfort on the right side of my throat. I often feel a lump-like sensation, especially while swallowing, and it seems like I am having difficulty letting food and drinks go down on that side. Oddly enough, sometimes it feels as though food is accidentally going down my left side instead. After visiting another GP, she examined my throat and found it to be normal, also noting that my neck showed no signs of any abnormalities. Although I explained the strange swallowing sensation, she stated I had "no dysphagia" and ordered a blood test to check my overall health and thyroid function, which is scheduled for the next couple of days. She mentioned the possibility of these symptoms being linked to acid reflux or post-nasal drip, though I am skeptical since I don’t frequently experience reflux, just the occasional sensation of acid rising. What troubles me most is that this discomfort is localized to only one side. Whenever I think symptoms are improving, the swallowing sensation seems to worsen again. The waiting period for my blood test results is driving me to distraction.
Managing Symptoms of a Compressed Nerve
I’m a 28-year-old male, weighing 215 pounds and standing 5’10". For the past six years, I have been relying on omeprazole to manage my gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I don’t smoke, and I drink occasionally. I suspect I might be dealing with a compressed nerve, and while I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled in a couple of weeks, I’m hoping to find some solutions before then. Since I work remotely, I spend extended hours in front of a computer, leading me to believe I may be experiencing symptoms associated with tech neck. Recently, I’ve been feeling a peculiar tingling sensation just below my right shoulder blade, as well as tingling in the fingertips of my left hand. These sensations have been intermittent. Additionally, I have been experiencing unexpected chills and some unusual chest discomfort just beneath my left collarbone. When I press on that area, it feels as though I need to burp, which makes me wonder if it might be due to gas. There’s also occasional sharp pain at the top of my head that lasts only a few seconds before disappearing. Two months ago, I underwent a CT scan for an unrelated issue, which showed no abnormalities. Could these various symptoms indicate a compressed nerve? Besides the neck stretches I’ve found on YouTube, do you have any suggestions to alleviate my discomfort?
Concerns About My Uvula's Length
I’ve noticed that my uvula is notably elongated, extending quite a bit into my throat. This often leads to an accumulation of mucus, requiring me to intentionally push my uvula back while brushing my teeth, as it frequently drapes over my tongue. It feels as though it might be at risk of being bitten accidentally. I’m curious if there’s a surgical option available to address this issue. Details about me: - Age: 28 - Gender: Male - Height: 6 feet 7 inches - Weight: 265 pounds - Ethnicity: Black - Duration of symptoms: Approximately 10 years - Location: New York I do not have any significant medical conditions at the moment, though I occasionally use cannabis for relaxation.