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Suggest Treatment For Puncture Wound And Swelling

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Posted on Thu, 6 Nov 2014
Question: Hi, I am diabatic and I dropped a pair of garden shears on my foot 5 days ago, got a little puncture wound and swelling ,I starting talking amoxicillin and some of the swelling went down,also the inside of the wound looks like its developing a scab . My questions. Is it normal to have some swelling after 5 days? And does it sound like my foot is infected ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Infection/Inflammation can cause swelling

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
Swelling following the injury could be due to an infection and associated inflammation. Infection could have been partly/fully settled by Amoxycillin, however, it might take some more days for the inflammation to go away. Hence swelling can be there for few days. More than swelling, the redness is important. IS there redess on top of swelling ? You may require an anti inflammatory drug along with the antibiotic.

However, it is extremely importan to rule out persistiing infection and an underlying fracture from the trauma. Again, amoxycillin alone is not a superb choice in a skin wound, especially in a diabetic patient. We need to cover for the most common bacteria ( staph aureus) in such lesions and Amoxycillin doesnt effectively kill this baceria. You may need higher antibiotics or Dicloxacillin .

If swelling is still there, it is highly recommended to meet your GP and get your feet checked. He may have to run few tests like CBC and CRP to look for evidence of infection. If suspcious, sometimes an Xray of foot also may be required to rule out a fracture.

Regards
Binu


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (18 hours later)
I attach a picture that I took at 7am . I went to a Urgent Care and I didnt receive the proper amount of medicine . I am planing on returning today for a follow up . I am goi g to inquire anout the additonal medication . I am a little worry because I was told to clean the wound and take Amoxcivinn .I want you opion of the picture I uploaded . I no that irs better to see it in person . Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Got the photo

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Good day,saw the photo. Thank you.
It dosent look very big or hugely infected.However, there is some slough in it. Do not remove it manually. Apply a dry, sterilized clean bandage. You may continue Amocycillin. But I prefer Flucloxacillin or Dicloxacillin as the first choice antibiotic.
Infact the wound is not in foot. It is over shin. So fracture is unlikely. Please do not worry. However, please try to meet a doctor in person
Regards
Binu
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1439 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Puncture Wound And Swelling

Brief Answer: Infection/Inflammation can cause swelling Detailed Answer: Good day, Noted your concern. Swelling following the injury could be due to an infection and associated inflammation. Infection could have been partly/fully settled by Amoxycillin, however, it might take some more days for the inflammation to go away. Hence swelling can be there for few days. More than swelling, the redness is important. IS there redess on top of swelling ? You may require an anti inflammatory drug along with the antibiotic. However, it is extremely importan to rule out persistiing infection and an underlying fracture from the trauma. Again, amoxycillin alone is not a superb choice in a skin wound, especially in a diabetic patient. We need to cover for the most common bacteria ( staph aureus) in such lesions and Amoxycillin doesnt effectively kill this baceria. You may need higher antibiotics or Dicloxacillin . If swelling is still there, it is highly recommended to meet your GP and get your feet checked. He may have to run few tests like CBC and CRP to look for evidence of infection. If suspcious, sometimes an Xray of foot also may be required to rule out a fracture. Regards Binu