How do you treat an infected wound with stitches?

A doctor should clean the area and remove any pus that is present. For stitches that are mildly infected or only involve the skin’s outer layer, a person can treat the infection using prescription antibiotic cream. If the infection has spread deeper below the stitches, a doctor will likely prescribe oral antibiotics.

What antibiotics treat infected stitches?

Doctors frequently prescribe antibiotics for wound infection, including:

  • Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin, Augmentin-Duo)
  • Cephalexin (Keflex)
  • Clindamycin (Cleocin)
  • Dicloxacillin.
  • Doxycycline (Doryx)
  • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)

What are signs of infection in stitches?

Watch out for any signs of infection near or around the stitches, such as:

  • swelling.
  • increased redness around the wound.
  • pus or bleeding from the wound.
  • the wound feeling warm.
  • an unpleasant smell from the wound.
  • increasing pain.
  • a high temperature.
  • swollen glands.

What is the best thing to put on an infected wound?

Antiseptic solutions such as hydrogen peroxide may be used the first day, but not more than once. After the wound has been cleaned, dry it and keep it covered with antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin, and a bandage until new skin has developed over the wound.

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Is my wound infected or just healing?

Discharge. After the initial discharge of a bit of pus and blood, your wound should be clear. If the discharge continues through the wound healing process and begins to smell bad or have discoloration, it’s probably a sign of infection.

Which ointment is best for wound healing?

Gently rub a thin layer of antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or Polysporin over the cut. It won’t help you heal faster, but it will keep an infection away. It also lets your skin stay moist. Some people are sensitive to ointments.

Should you put Neosporin on stitches?

The wound and the stitches that hold it together may be cleansed gently with mild soap and water after 24 hours. Twice daily washing may decrease the risk of infection. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend the use of an antibiotic ointment like bacitracin or Neosporin to help minimize infection.

Is a little pus normal after stitches?

It is absolutely possible to have drainage from a wound that may look like pus or a sign of infection, but is normal drainage. 1﻿ The only way to tell the difference is to seek medical attention, especially if the drainage is from a surgical wound.

How do doctors treat infected wounds?

Antibiotics are used to treat most wound infections. Sometimes, you also may need surgery to treat the infection. You may be started on antibiotics to treat the surgical wound infection. The length of time you will need to take the antibiotics varies, but will typically be for at least 1 week.

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Will infected wound heal itself?

If the infection is minor such as infected hair follicle, scratch, or a small cut, it normally heals on its own with time. In severe conditions, the wound needs medical attention and should be treated immediately to avoid further damage to the body.

Should an infected wound be covered?

Covering a wound prevents infection, keeps the area moist for better healing, and prevents the healing process from being disrupted. However, air can also help a wound to heal. That’s why choosing a breathable plaster is the best option.

What does a infected wound look like?

warm skin around the wound. yellow or green discharge coming from the wound. the wound giving off an unpleasant odor. red streaks on the skin around the wound.