Infected

SheHulk07 · Jul 18, 2015, 12:13 AM

I feel stupid for asking this, and even more stupid for cutting when I know I have a compromised immune system. Anyway, I think one of the places I cut on the 11/12th might be infected. It still hurts and is pretty red around it. I don't know if I can attach a picture or not...don't want to trigger anyone. I'm not sure what to do apart from trying to keep it clean.

Jul 18, 2015, 09:43 AM

Is there any chance of you seeing a doctor?

SheHulk07 · Jul 18, 2015, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breadfish

Is there any chance of you seeing a doctor?

I can probably get in on Monday to see someone, just keeping an eye on it until then. I really don't want to go to a place like urgent care to see someone who doesn't know me or my history.

Jul 18, 2015, 11:17 AM

Sorry, with it being a holiday I hadn't realized it was weekend. I would advise you against taking NSAID's (Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Voltaren among others) because they lessen the inflammation while the inflammation is what's fighting the infection. At least, I think so. Tylenol should be OK.

Jul 18, 2015, 11:18 AM

And I understand not wanting to go to urgent care, especially with a self-inflicted injury.

mazing · Jul 19, 2015, 12:57 AM

Keeping it clean is the best thing you can do - and use antiseptic sprays/lotions if you have them to clean it properly.

From there I would definitely suggest speaking to your doctor when you can just to make sure that it doesn't spread further or get worse.

Jul 19, 2015, 10:43 AM

And keep an eye on your body temperature. If you have a fever, go to urgent care. Also if you have an almost-fever that doesn't go away. I was hospitalized with erysipelas in 2011 and the highest my temperature got was 37.9 degrees celsius (38.0 is fever).

Jul 20, 2015, 02:11 PM

Have you seen a doctor yet?

SheHulk07 · Jul 21, 2015, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breadfish

Have you seen a doctor yet?

No, I didn't end up seeing anyone. I've been cleaning it and watching it and it seems to be a lot better. Thanks for asking about me.

i dont matter · Jul 22, 2015, 02:08 PM

I have always relied on hydrogen peroxide

SheHulk07 · Jul 23, 2015, 10:49 PM

I ended up going today for another place, and had it cleaned out and glued together. Of course the glue didn't dry, and had stuck to my clothing, so it ripped off not shortly after.

Dr just told me to be on the look out for signs of infection, like I had before and to come back in if I have to.

ensconce · Jul 23, 2015, 11:12 PM

Usually its best to leave it alone and keep it clean hydrogen peroxide if I remember correctly actually inhibits healing because it kills new cells trying to close the cut. So just keep it clean and dry. If it does seem to get infected try an antibacterial cream instead.

Good thing you got it checked out thats one of the best things to do.

SheHulk07 · Jul 24, 2015, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ensconce

Usually its best to leave it alone and keep it clean hydrogen peroxide if I remember correctly actually inhibits healing because it kills new cells trying to close the cut. So just keep it clean and dry. If it does seem to get infected try an antibacterial cream instead.

Good thing you got it checked out thats one of the best things to do.

Hydrogen peroxide can do more damage, like you said, so I just keep it clean. Old fashion soap and water too, most of the times. Definitely will have a scar from this one though.