"What Steps Should I Take to Address a Wound Thats Discharging Pus and Not Healing?"
If there is minor discharge from a wound, it can be squeezed out, wiped clean with a cotton swab, treated with hydrogen peroxide, disinfected with iodophor, and then bandaged. If the infection is severe, incision and drainage may be necessary. If necrotic tissue is present, it should be promptly removed, followed by disinfection and bandaging. Post-treatment, regular disinfection is crucial, and severe cases may necessitate regular hospital visits and oral antibiotics under medical supervision.
1. Handling Mild Infection
When a wound exhibits mild infection, the infected area should be promptly squeezed to expel contents, and the pus cleaned with a clean cotton swab. Following hydrogen peroxide or physiological saline cleansing, the wound can be disinfected with iodophor and subsequently bandaged with clean gauze or a band-aid.
2. Handling Severe Infection
Larger wounds lacking proper care may become inflamed and secrete copious amounts of pus. Some wounds may externally appear free of pus but harbor a "wavy" sensation beneath the skin, indicating the need for hospital incision and drainage. If the wound secretes substantial pus, appears black, or emits a foul odor, necrotic tissue should be removed at a hospital prior to disinfection and bandaging.
3. Regular Disinfection
After cleaning and bandaging the wound, regular re-disinfection and gauze changes are essential. Once a minor wound has healed to a satisfactory degree, bandaging may be discontinued, and only disinfection is required to expedite wound recovery. Patients with severe wounds should regularly attend hospital follow-ups for wound treatment.
4. Medication
Prolonged bacterial infection can result in excessive wound pus. Beyond wound cleaning, disinfection, and bandaging, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial medications, such as penicillin V potassium tablets, amoxicillin capsules, levofloxacin tablets, among others, can be prescribed by a doctor to promote wound healing.
