What should you do if you have an open infected wound?

The first thing you should do if you feel you have stitches that are infected, is to see your doctor. Your doctor can determine if the infection is internal or if it is an infection on the surface only. Your doctor may need to do a culture or a culture/sensitivity, to determine what bacteria is present, the quantity of bacteria and which antibiotics the bacteria is sensitive to.

If the infection is internal, it may need to be drained; if it isn't too deep, your doctor can probably do this in the office. A small drain can be inserted and left in place until your doctor feels the wound is sufficiently free of bacteria. The tube will then be removed, usually a pain free procedure and the wound can then begin healing

If the infection is only on top of your wound/stitches, warm moist compresses, using a clean cloth or gauze applied to the area several times a day will help clean out the wound and will help reduce the pain by allowing the wound to drain. If the wound is in an area that can be exposed to the air and sunlight, doing so for a short time each day will help the area to dry out and also promote healing.

If the wound starts to bleed hold gauze or Cotton over it. Apply gentle pressure for about 10 minute's if it continues, contact the doctors office. Wounds usually heal between 3 weeks to 3 months.