Caring for surgical wounds Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, June 2009.
Answers to questions about caring for surgical wounds
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- I think I may have an abscess in my wound. What should I do?
- I have heard that I may develop cellulitis - what is this?
- What are 'superbugs'?
I think I may have an abscess in my wound. What should I do?
You should visit your hospital or GP to confirm if you have an abscess. If you do have one you will need to have the pus drained from it before it's cleaned.
Explanation
An abscess is a collection of pus and infected material that can occur anywhere on your body.
If you get an infection in your surgical wound it can lead to the development of an abscess. The pus that forms as your immune system fights the infection can collect in your skin to form an abscess. An abscess can take up to 10 days to form so it may not be spotted before you go home after surgery.
Wound abscesses are easily diagnosed and require treatment. If you have a wound abscess it will need to be drained of pus and cleaned to remove damaged or infected tissue. You won't usually need antibiotics to treat an abscess unless your infection has spread. If you have a deeper abscess, for example, in your abdomen (tummy), you may need surgery to drain and clean the abscess.
If you think you're developing an infection you should visit your hospital or GP.
Sources
- McLatchie GR, Leaper DJ. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Surgery. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002:51
- Intra-abdominal abscess. MedlinePlus. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus, accessed 8 May 2008
I have heard that I may develop cellulitis - what is this?
Cellulitis is an infection of the deepest layer of your skin. It usually affects your face or lower legs.
Explanation
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of your skin. Your skin usually has many bacteria living on it that don't cause problems. However, if your skin is damaged these bacteria can enter your body and grow.
If your wound becomes infected you may notice that it becomes red, inflamed or swollen.
If you have cellulitis you will have flu-like symptoms such as:
- feeling unwell
- fever or chills
- lack of energy
- muscle ache
If you notice any of these symptoms, visit your GP for more advice. He or she may prescribe you antibiotics. If your infection is severe you may need to go into hospital for treatment.
You can help to prevent cellulitis by cleaning wounds properly and watching them for symptoms of infection. You should also try to stay healthy. If you're unwell or if you have a condition or treatment that affects your immune system you're more likely to get an infection.
Sources
- Cellulitis. MedlinePlus. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus, accessed 8 May 2008
- Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007:669
- McLatchie GR, Leaper DJ. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Surgery. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002:52; 67
What are 'superbugs'?
The term 'superbug' is used to refer to a type of bacterium that has become resistant to the antibiotic that would usually be used to treat it. It can also be used to refer to healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).
Explanation
HCAIs are infections that are caught in a hospital or as a result of healthcare treatments. HCAIs include resistant strains of bacteria (sometimes called "superbugs") as well as infections that arise as a result of other treatments, such as surgery. Bacteria that cause HCAIs include:
- MRSA (meticillin [formerly methicillin]-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
- Clostridium difficile
- multi-resistant Acinetobacter species
- glycopeptide-resistant enterococci
To help prevent the spread of these infections always clean your hands with soap and water, or an alcohol gel, before and after visiting people in hospital or a care home.
Further information
- Health Protection Agency
020 8200 4400
www.hpa.org.uk
Sources
- Healthcare associated infections. Health Protection Agency. www.hpa.org.uk, accessed 8 May 2008
- Surveillance of healthcare associated infections report 2007. Health Protection Agency, 2007. www.hpa.org.uk
- MRSA Frequently asked questions. Health Protection Agency. www.hpa.org.uk, accessed 8 May 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: June 2009
Caring for surgical wounds factsheet
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