Does an unhealed deep cut in the foot need more antibiotics?

Question

Hello doctor,

Eight days ago, I had a deep cut in my foot from a puncture. I got five stitches. A couple of days later, it got infected. So, I went to the doctor and was prescribed antibiotics for five days. While it seems like it is doing better, the redness is not completely gone and now I just took my last antibiotic pill today. Should I go get more antibiotics?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Usually, a five-day course of antibiotics is enough for wound infection. I suggest you send me some photos of the wound in order to give you a better advice. Is there any pain, pus, or redness in the wound site? I suggest taking Ibuprofen 400 mg tablet every six hours for few days if there is pain.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have checked the attached photo (attachment removed to protect patient identity). There is no pus but there is some redness.

I suggest:

Ibuprofen 400 mg tablet every six hours for few days.
Proper wound care every day with Betadine (Povidone-Iodine).
Keep the wound dry (keep water away from the wound).
Use local antibiotics like Bivatricin (Bacitracin and Neomycin) spray twice daily for few days (or Fucidin cream).
Follow up after three days.

Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and start taking the medicines with their consent.