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Suggest Treatment For Redness, Swelling And Fluid Discharge From Wound On Knuckle

Posted on Mon, 14 Dec 2015

Question: About a week ago, I cut the back of my hand near the middle knuckle when I was pruning an aloe Vera plant with a paring knife. It seemed to be healing well until this morning. Now it is red, swollen, warm and there is liqud seeping from the cut (see picture). Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (43 minutes later)

Brief answer....it is definitely a matter of concern as you require a course of antibiotic now.
Detailed answer....
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
Photographs sent by you clearly show redness along with swelling around the wound.
This shows that you have developed infection in the wound.
You would need a course of a broad spectrum antibiotic like AUGMENTIN 625 mg three times a day ( 5-7 days ) along with regular dressing.
Please consult your doctor for the prescription of either this antibiotic or any other antibiotic as suggested by him.
Make sure that you are not diabetic,because in case diabetes is present and uncontrolled,infection would be difficult to treat unless blood sugar levels are controlled.
I hope it helps,however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (2 days later)

Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Thank you for your kind and thorough reply. Unfortumately, I was unable to see my doctor because my son became ill with vomiting and diarrea Thursday night and Friday morning. I live in a rural area and my doctor's office is only open until noon on Fridays. Last night (Saturday) I was up all night vomiting and now still have diarrea and very intense body aches and chills. Thankfully I am able to keep clear carbonated beverage down and trying to rehydrate. When my son(age 7) had this he was much better than I am by the next day. I do not want to go to the emergency room which is 60 miles away if it is just the stomach flu. The cut on my hand is still warm, red and swollen. I am hoping that I can see my doctor in the morning...what signs might I watch for indicating that I need to go to the E.R.? And what is the worst case scenario?

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (7 hours later)

Hello,
Worsening signs would mean more swelling,more redness,more pain and more yellow discharge. You see you definitely need a course of antibiotic.
As far as stomach flu is concerned,generally it is not to be worried if you are able to drink enough rehydrating liquids. Problem comes if you are not able to take orally because in that case,dehydration would set in fast and you would need intravenous fluids to correct the fluid loss. As long as you are taking enough liquids by mouth there is nothing to worry as this flu would become all right in next 2-3 days.
Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina