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!
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