How can an infected surgical wound be treated?
Patient: Nearly 2 months ago I had melanoma surgery and the removal/testing of 2 groin glands. Have an infection that lingers and a 3 inch red, swollen gland surgery site. Have used ice faithfully. Would hot paks give better results? (Am finishing a 10-day course of penicillin... an iffy treatment deal because of multiple chemical sensitive to most big drugs. In the past , several pen... Rxs have been refilled with the same nothing effect on infections. Sulfa has been substituted afterwards, but the last 3-day Sulfa drug resulted in infection healing but also the development of a rash. Thanks for your wisdom. Doctor: Hello,Continue with the ice pack. Do not switch to a hot pack. Complete your Penicillin course. If it doesn't resolve, you could get a swab taken from the wound to see what bacteria are growing. A lot of people are allergic to sulfa drugs. You could ask your clinician to prescribe an alternate antibiotic. In the meantime, take a Cetirizine for the rash and you can use calamine lotion as well. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.Regards, Dr. Pranav Balakrishnan