What type of infection?

[Wolf2142]

I have this quarter size wound on my leg (Left side of leg above knee) and Ive had it for almost a month now. Most of the time, i never even notice it is there except when I do not have a band-aid covering it and it is irritated by my pants or other fabrics. It looks like an open wound right after tripping and skinning yourself. Some times scabs form, but the scabs are weak and fall off in water or peeling off a band-aid. It has been mostly the same way for about a month, and the only thing i can say is it has slightly grown in size probably due to agitation of the wound. It does not have many of the symptoms, if any, that i can say from a normal infection. I do not feel pain etc. There has always been a very small amount of puss on the wound( just barely covering the skin now) and it is quite annoying when i run out of band-aids :). I try to give it as much air as possible. What is this? And what would be the treatment? I am 16, slender, and healthy.

[Wolf2142]

Thanks for replying.

It seems that the wound is starting to scab over, and there is no more pus. I am wondering what can happen if you leave a infected wound unattended. I am decently healthy, and drink a lot of vitamin waters every week. I heard that it can easily cause death to people with a weak immune system? Anyway, if the scab falls off again, ill go see a doctor right away.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is surprising that the wound has taken so long to heal. From the symptoms it looks like there can be an infection of the wound. I suggest you to consult your doctor and get a culture sensitivity done of the pus swab done. Then specific antibiotics need to be prescribed.

Please keep the area clean and apply some warm compresses and topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.