HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

How Long Does A Skin Injury On The Leg Take To Heal?

Posted on Thu, 1 Jun 2017

Question: I had a severe skin injury on my lower leg on April 10th. It required six stitches but the large gash in the center of the wound could not be stitiched. Subsequently I developed cellulitis & was given a 10 day round of antibiotics. Physician assistant checked it several days later. Sample taken & cultured, and I was informed that the 2 oral drugs I was given were the correct ones. The stitches seemed to have healed, but the center that could not be stitched is like a jelly substance. How long should that take to heal, & should I be concerned about it.?

Answered by Dr. Dr Manjunath Metri (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need further details

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, I thank you for posting your query here and I'm definitely going to help you out..
Welcome to HealthcareMagic..

I will analyze all your points below..

1. Severe skin injury in lower leg and it needed suturing..
That's fine..

2. Large gash and could not be covered with suturing.. Subsequently you developed cellulitis and antibiotics given..
Yes, such break in the continuity is always a risk factor for cellulitis..

3. So, you were treated successfully for cellulitis and given the proper sensitive antibiotics..

4. Jelly substance and how long will this take to completely heal..
Well, please note these following things..
A. The jelly like thing that you say might be what we call slough, slimy layer etc..
Can you post a picture if possible?

B. Are you diabetic?
If so, old age and diabetes will take little more time than expected.

C. Is the bone exposed?

Please get back to me with the answers, I will advise what exactly has to be done.

You can also contact me directly at http://bit.ly/askdrmetri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr Manjunath Metri (42 minutes later)

I did take a picture on my i phone. If you give me an email address I can send it to you. My I phone gmail.com email address is YYYY@YYYY .
I am not a diabetic. The bone was never exposed.

Thank you for your concern & quick reply.

Answered by Dr. Dr Manjunath Metri (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It should heal

Detailed Answer:
I thank you for the follow-up.
Please attach the picture in the report section and I can see it.

Well, if you are not a diabetic and bone is not exposed then it should heal soon.

Advise you to keep the wound clean by regular cleaning and dressings...
Do not worry, stay positive...

You can either to upload the picture here at the reports section or e-mail them to YYYY@YYYY with subject as "Attn; Dr. Manjunath Metri"

Hope this helps you...
In case you need further assistance, please let me know...

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee