[Paige008]

I have been cutting a lot in the past week, around 30 or 40 cuts. I've been keeping neosporin on them, but I'm noticing an odd smell and I'm a bit concerned about the possibility of an infection. My cuts are along one side of my pelvic area and they are not deep, but there is a lot of them for the time frame. What do I do? Do I wait and see if it gets worse? Do I see a doctor? What do I do if I see a doctor? Can they force me to do anything - hospital or something like that? My therapists know, but a doctor would not.

Help please

[HealingTimes]

I would make sure that you are washing the wounds out with warm water, leave the area to dry naturally, put on a thin layer of anti bacterial cream/spray.

The cleaning should be done every few hours.

((hugs)), hope it clears up soon. But if it doesn't, go along to the doctors.

[i dont matter]

Originally Posted by HealingTimes

I would make sure that you are washing the wounds out with warm water, leave the area to dry naturally, put on a thin layer of anti bacterial cream/spray.

The cleaning should be done every few hours.

((hugs)), hope it clears up soon. But if it doesn't, go along to the doctors.

Soon being the key word.

[splitimage]

Go to a Dr. now. You do not want to risk an infection, especially not in that area.

I had an accidental cut that was fairly deep, that I thought would be ok, so I didn't go to the hospital to get it cut. It was on my butt (long story) so I couldn't see it.

It became badly infected and I wound up needing 4 weeks of IV antibiotics and 21 days of oral antibiotics.

The worst thing that will happen if you go to a Dr. in the ER is they will probably ask you to talk to a psych nurse or Dr., or to a social worker to make sure you're not suicidal.

The absolute worst case scenario is you wind up being admitted for a few days for observation, but believe me that's a lot better than infection.

splitimage

[tealBumblebee]

If you are sure the smell is coming from the cuts and its not part of say, sweat in that area etc. then it is most likely infected. Continuous swelling, warm to the touch, odd smell, puss, excessive tenderness after the fact can all be signs of infection.

I can not tell you whether to go to the doctor because I can't guarantee the reaction. My gyno saw some pretty superficial cuts and referred me to a Psychiatrist and documented it in my chart. You could tell he wanted to do more but the cuts were not dramatic enough for him to argue any case. I'm cautious around docs. Maybe though, you could try an urgent care?

On the other hand, if it is infected - a trip to the doctor is almost necessary; and the sooner the better. Antibiotics may most likely be needed. Also, is your tetanus shot up to date? Something else they may give you.

Try to make sure whatever you use is sterile if you can, and stay away from rusted tools. I say, keep the area clean and dry. Use some peroxide (not continuously as it delays healing but definitely irrigate it if possible) on it, keep it dry and apply neosporin on it occasionally.

I hope you get to feeling better and everything is alright; I say keep an eye on it but don't wait to long. Be vigilant and if the smell or symptoms progress - go to a doctor!