Question:
my incision. I have a pea size area at the top that is slightly

infected....I have a bit of yellow pus. All the rest of the area is clear and healing well. I have put perioxide on it and some Neosporin triple antibiotic ointment...should I be concerned? I am also taking Cipro antibiotic for a urinary tract infection I got after they removed the urinary catheter. Should I keep it covered and continue the treatment...or shall I make an appointment with my Dr. I have no fever and the area is not warm to the touch, but it is slightly pink around the perimeter. I am stressed out over this..please advise...many thanks..Jackie    — Jackie S. (posted on December 18, 1999)

December 18, 1999
I would never want to persuade someone from calling their doctor if they had concerns but my experience is that this is probably a breakdown of fatty tissue at the incision site. The fat liquifies and drains. It is harmless. You should keep it clean and covered with sterile absorbant material. A larger site might even require a sanitary napkin. It will heal. However, if the pink should grow in size or the site become hot, whether or not you are running a temperature please call your doctor.
   — jjames-thomas

December 18, 1999
the antibiotic cream/ointment is a great treatment. the peroxide, however is not. you should only use peroxide to initially clean the wound, continued applications will actually hinder the healing process because it "opens" up the skin cells and cancels out all the helaing and growing that has taken place. you rantibiotic should also help with the healing, you are taking a strong one, so finish the bottle and see what happens. Unless the wound gets larger or tender, you should not be too worried. hope this helps put you at ease. michelle/florida
   — MICHELLE B.

December 19, 1999
Jackie, That is pretty normal. Keep on treatment the Dr recomended. You will have kind of a little piece skin in that area for years. Not much of one but just a little bunch. I believed it was due trauma of the surgery. Each day away from the surgery, you will get better and better. You got to believe in yourself and the care of your doctors. Margaret
   — Margaret G.

December 19, 1999
This is pretty common, and since you're not experiencing pain or fever in the area, it is not likely an infection. My surgeon advised me before I left the hospital to expect some slight drainage at the incison and not to be concerned as it was a fluid that is common with abdominal surgery and would clear up in a few days ... if you start having pain or fever in that area check with your doc. But mine told me not to cover it ... except with loose gauze to protect my clothing if necessary and to just use an antibacterial soap. Good Luck!
   — Sherrie G.

December 20, 1999
Time heals all wounds. Remain calm. What you describe does not sound serious. Keep it clean and observe the healing process.
   — Bruce B.