time it takes to heal deep cut

[what..the?]

how quickly would you expect a deep cut to heal, I cut myself last week and the wound was not too deep but due the angle it created a little flap, which naturally spread to show fat inside. As a result i had the nurse at my local doctors surgery apply paper stitches and she also put a water proof bandage over and then said leave if 5 days, did that, after 5 days the bandage washed off and found wound was still all wet, open. I left the stitches attached and let it air so it would dry out (usually I dont put plasters on because the lack of air stops them healing drying) now it has been a week and the stitches have lost the glue they came off last night taking the top little scabs to leave a still open wet wound underneath that looks not that much different than a week ago?

Is this normal to not heal like this? i have made appointment to get the wound re stuck with paper stitches I would get the proper stitches but I was told it would scar more with them?

Under my jaw line is very hurting and swollen I think that may be my glans which would mean I am fightly an infection?? Possible in the wound??

[Sqad]

It would be helpful to know the part of your body that received the cut.

[what..the?]

right arm, outside edge just above the nuckle on the wrist

[Sqad]

OK.

The flap is going to hinder healing and MAY have to be removed surgically so that the two skin edges have better apposition before suturing. Time will give us the answer.

The swelling in your neck is almost certainly due to spreading infection affecting your lymph glands.

This is a big deal so see your GP today as you may need antibiotics by injection.

[what..the?]

thank you so much Sqad. got appointment after work so I will make sure I mention the neck.

[Sqad]

Keep us informed eh!

[what..the?]

will do.

I am tempted to go back to the paper stitches but with no waterproof cover this time, I have invented a good temp cover for in the shower to keep it dry. But I really need it to heal soon because I am moving house in a week and a half and will be carrying heavy items I cant have it reopening again.

[Sqad]

what the.......with that skin flap present it will take ages to heal......if ever!

[LoftyLottie]

I might be wrong, and Sqad will correct me if I am, but I have been told and read that wounds heal quicker if covered and that the old idea of letting them dry out and scab up quickly isn't actually correct. A lot of dressings actually keep the area moist. This actually aids healing and prevents a lot of scarring.

[what..the?]

owwww

[B00]

oh dear, i feel really queazy now, what with "skin flaps" and "moist" (shudder), i've gone right off ma dinner.

:-(

[jackthehat]

^If it's the steak and peppercorn pie.............I'll have it.:o)

[B00]

hehe Jack, im supposed to be going up town to send off some Ebay stuff for facache, but as its chucking it down, he can bugger off, so no pie today :-(

[LoftyLottie]

It's really sunny here, somewhat windy though.

(Sorry what..the for butting into your thread. The sooner you get your cut sorted out the better. Are you seeing a nurse or a doctor. I would suggest you actually see a GP about this now)

[what..the?]

My covered wounds always go slimy, green and often smelly maybe cover but change bandage and clean wound regulary. I find covered wounds are like dead people in lead lined coffins they get just sit unchanged in condition

[Sqad]

Lofty, my love, I would never correct you :-)

I really don´t think that it makes much difference. I was always of the opinion that dressings were a focus of infection, because people would want a "shuffty" with their dirty fingers. I was so sure, that none of my post-operative areas had dressing on, just left to the outside air. The Nursing staff and Matron made a song and dance about it, but I didn´t care.
My post operative wound infections were no higher than the average.

[what..the?]

not sure who I am seeing but the nurses are really switched on and I am sure the nurse could get me in with a doctor if ness.

[LoftyLottie]

What the - I think BOO will be put off food for good now - slimy, green and smelly - Yuk!!

The last dressing I had was a seaweed dressing which stopped any air getting in and stopped me fiddling. Put on by a nurse. Perhaps nurses like dressings more than doctors!

[LoftyLottie]

Yes, that's what happens at our surgery. Just concerned about infection and your glands being up. You can always tell them than an eminent surgeon has given you advice!!

[Sqad]

lofty....LOL.....watch it!

[what..the?]

lol will do....its always difficult when people have different views esp in professional situations, in this case dressings v's non dressing maybe we should ask ed for a poll!