Is This Healing or Is Urgent Care Needed?
A 28-year-old assigned female at birth, standing at 5'2" and weighing 150 lbs, has been diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and anxiety. Currently, I am taking several medications, including Cymbalta, Zyrtec, Pepcid, and Wellbutrin. To manage my hEDS, I utilize KAFO braces (the type similar to what Forrest Gump wore). Unfortunately, I made the error of wearing them with shorts and without any padding between my skin and the leather backing this past Tuesday. Due to a lack of wheelchair service while traveling, I ended up walking more than planned, causing severe friction that led to skin damage, resulting in a heat rash and blistering. Since then, I’ve been diligent about keeping the area clean and regularly changing the dressings. However, I'm noticing some smaller blisters forming around the main wound, along with a strange, gooey layer on top of the larger area, making it difficult to discern whether it’s healing or if I’m dealing with pus. Additionally, the site has become increasingly itchy. I'm considering whether I should seek medical attention or if my current self-care approach is sufficient. I’ve yet to find a primary care physician and rely on Medicaid for assistance.
Answers (1)
8/25/2025, 7:02:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a difficult situation following your recent injury, and it's great that you've been proactive about keeping the area clean and managing the symptoms. Based on what you've described, it's important to assess whether your skin injury is healing adequately or if there are signs of infection that need attention.
Key Points
- Monitor for Signs of Infection: The formation of new blisters, gooey discharge, and increased itchiness may indicate an infection.
- Proper Wound Care is Essential: Continuing to care for the wound properly is crucial, but additional steps may be necessary if signs of infection are present.
Explanation
- Healing vs. Infection: Healthy healing typically involves drying up and reducing swelling without the formation of new blisters. Pus, a gooey texture, and intense itchiness can suggest that the area is either becoming infected or has not healed as intended. Infections can also lead to further complications if not addressed.
Next Steps
- Assess the Wound: Carefully examine the area for any signs of increased redness, warmth, or swelling, which are common indicators of infection. If the discharge is yellow or greenish, or if it has a foul odor, these are further signs that may warrant immediate attention.
- Continue Cleaning: Keep the area clean; wash gently with mild soap and water, and then apply a suitable sterile dressing without irritating the skin.
- Moisture Management: If the discharge is excessive, consider using a non-stick dressing designed to manage moisture, which can aid healing while preventing the area from becoming overly wet.
- Seek Help if Necessary: If you start noticing escalation in symptoms, such as spreading redness, fever, or increased pain, it would be wise to seek medical attention. Since finding a primary care physician can take some time, consider visiting an urgent care center, especially if you feel the wound is worsening or at risk for infection.
Reassurance
It's understandable to have concerns given your medical history and the condition of your skin. You're taking the right steps by being vigilant about healing. Make sure you're listening to your body; if you're in doubt about what you're seeing or feeling, don't hesitate to seek further assistance. Healing can take time, and getting the right care is a vital part of that process.
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