Assessing Wound Recovery: Potential Cellulitis or Healing Process?
### Background Information: Recently, I encountered a mishap where I was subjected to the weight of approximately 1100 pounds. Fortunately, I suffered no fractures or broken bones. However, my wound was not adequately treated at the hospital, leading to a delay of nearly 24 hours before I was able to attend to it at home. Initially, I developed a hematoma measuring about 5x7 cm, which unfortunately expanded to 8x10 cm within a day. As the swelling and bruising intensified, I revisited the hospital once it spread down to my foot, raising concerns regarding a possible blood clot. This was assessed and ruled out with a Doppler ultrasound. Concurrently, I experienced daily vomiting for approximately three days. During a follow-up appointment, my doctor expressed concern regarding a potential infection, prompted by the appearance of my leg. I was subsequently prescribed antibiotics. However, by the fourth day of treatment, I noted that the redness around the wound appeared to be worsening. The skin became flaky and scaly, hot to the touch, and itchy, leaving me feeling extremely fatigued. My next check-up with the physician is scheduled for over a week from now.
Answers (1)
9/13/2025, 3:50:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to address your concerns regarding your wound and the signs of possible infection. Based on your description, the worsening redness, warmth, and changes in the skin could indicate that your body is reacting to the injury, and there is a potential for infection—possibly cellulitis.
Explanation:
Your case started with a hematoma from a significant impact, which can lead to various complications, including localized swelling and infection. The presence of increased redness, warmth, and flaky skin suggests that your wound might not be healing normally and could be a sign of cellulitis or another skin infection. It's crucial to monitor these signs closely as they can lead to further complications if left unchecked.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a close eye on your symptoms, particularly the redness, warmth, swelling, and any increase in pain. Note any new symptoms like fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C), chills, or worsening fatigue.
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Continue Antibiotics:
- Ensure that you complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you feel worse. This is essential to fighting any potential infection.
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Home Care for the Wound:
- Keep the wounded area clean and dry. You can gently wash it with mild soap and water, then pat it dry.
- Apply a clean, non-stick bandage if recommended. Change it daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty.
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Rest and Hydration:
- Make sure you rest adequately to help your body recover and stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids can aid in the healing process.
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Immediate Action If Symptoms Worsen:
- If you notice increased redness that spreads, more swelling, developing blisters, or experience new symptoms such as a high fever, seek medical attention sooner rather than waiting for your follow-up appointment.
It’s understandable that waiting for your next check-up may feel concerning, but closely monitoring any changes and adhering to these steps can help manage your situation. If you need additional information or feel uncertain about your condition, please don’t hesitate to reach out for further guidance.
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