Aa
post CABG
8 weeks post op, very storng recovery, (48 yrs old, fit, healthy,etc) and over the last two weeks, I've been getting the odd white head bump on my sternum incision which I would squeeze, treat as if acne, etc; then four days ago, the skin broke, forming a tiny hole (2mm or so) and there was a bit of clear oozing liquid, along with a small amount of puss, etc...the material doesn;t smell..it looks more like the material that comes out of a pimple than an infection of any sort...no pain..no redness....I've treated the initial bumps/pimples with acne med and they cleared up overnight almost...the broken skin leakage is not stopping with this treatment...any ideas? I thought perhaps the titanium wire used to hold the sternum in place (sternum is healed according to the surgeon) is causing my body to go on the defense? thanks for your help.
....the GP confirmed my suspicions...the disharge is a result the wires binding the sternum...as of now, there's no need for antibiotics (swabs done) but the healing process will be slow....
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
A skin infection certainly should be first ruled out, given its proximity to the surgical site.
A wound culture should be done to further evaluate for presence of bacteria. This can help guide appropriate antibiotic therapy. Your surgeon should evaluate the site.
If infection has been ruled out, a dermatology referral can be considered to evaluate the lesion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
A wound culture should be done to further evaluate for presence of bacteria. This can help guide appropriate antibiotic therapy. Your surgeon should evaluate the site.
If infection has been ruled out, a dermatology referral can be considered to evaluate the lesion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
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