A surgical wound on the back is being kept damp to promote skin regrowth, dressed daily and treated with antibiotics. But it is persistently infecting and ulcerating, and causing some serious problems. It needs to heal up as quick as possible.
My question here is what would happen if it were allowed to dry? Cooler drier conditions would obviously make a real difference to infection and thus healing, but what would be the price? Would the difference simply be in the appearance, or would the resulting scar cause physical difficulties? If so, of what level? The damage is 3" across and located on the back.
A surgical wound on the back is being kept damp to promote skin regrowth, dressed daily and treated with antibiotics. But it is persistently infecting and ulcerating, and causing some serious problems. It needs to heal up as quick as possible.
My question here is what would happen if it were allowed to dry? Cooler drier conditions would obviously make a real difference to infection and thus healing, but what would be the price? Would the difference simply be in the appearance, or would the resulting scar cause physical difficulties? If so, of what level? The damage is 3" across and located on the back.
There is no way to know without seeing the wound. What is left? Granulation tissue? Exposed subcutaneous fat? Has any of it epithelialized already? If so, how much?
If there are persistent problems then consultation with a plastic surgeon, if not done already, may help, to see if you could benefit from a skin graft.
[email hidden] (PF Riley) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
(N. Thornton) said:
A surgical wound on the back is being kept damp to promote skin regrowth, dressed daily and treated with antibiotics. But it is persistently infecting and ulcerating, and causing some serious problems. It needs to heal up as quick as possible.
My question here is what would happen if it were allowed to dry? Cooler drier conditions would obviously make a real difference to infection and thus healing, but what would be the price? Would the difference simply be in the appearance, or would the resulting scar cause physical difficulties? If so, of what level? The damage is 3" across and located on the back.
There is no way to know without seeing the wound. What is left? Granulation tissue? Exposed subcutaneous fat? Has any of it epithelialized already? If so, how much?
If there are persistent problems then consultation with a plastic surgeon, if not done already, may help, to see if you could benefit from a skin graft.
PF
Thanks, I'll go ask them those questions. I know a skin graft has been recommended but I assume that is impossible while the thing is constantly infecting and tissue dying. Its not for me, fortunately. I need to find out more about the options here, for a couple of reasons.
