I have an open wound that is healing...but this is new. Should I go back to the hospital?

Question

*Note: contains details of an injury*

I injured the top of my foot pretty badly a week ago, and got some stitches, but there was an area that couldn't be closed and must be left open for a scar to heal. I've been back twice for wound checks, but the next time I'm scheduled to go in isn't for another 6 days. Today when I was changing the dressing, I noticed that in the open part that's healing, there is one spot that has suddenly become dark. I can't tell if it's dried blood or if it's black, meaning that the dried blood would be normal and nothing to worry about, but black obviously=very bad. I'm guessing, anyway. I unfortunately, live in NYC, and a trip back to the ER would be long both in getting there (I live in Queens but the ER is in Manhattan, and in wait time, average is 5 hours), especially if this is nothing to worry about. I think i'm just going to sleep on it and see what happens in the morning, but I figured it couldn't hurt to hear what you fine people have to s

Answer 1

Keep a very close eye on the black area. If it gets bigger it may be a problem. If it is dried blood it will likely become more brown over the next day or two. If you are really concerned you should phone the doctor who is looking after you there. If you don't know his office number you need to call them and get it. You could call and ask for instructions rather than driving there immediately. You are right it could be a necrotic area too. Watch the edges of the opening for increased redness and swelling, and check the bandage for yellow pussy color when you remove it. The doctor may tell you to rinse the area with sterile water or some special prescription or he may ask you to go and see him. Keep a check on your temperature with a home thermometer and record it twice a day. If it goes up over normal you will definitely need to see someone. Increased heart rate is also a sign of increasing infection. I hope this helps you realize what you need to look for and if you note any of these things you need to call right away.

Answer 2

i would watch the wound closely over the next few hours.

usually if necrosis is involved (death of tissue), the area surrounding the dead tissue would be very red,hot,and irritated. it would also be draining pus (usually green or yellow in color).

if the area around the black spot is healing well and is of normal color (a little pink is ok due to new skin growing) and you don't have any drainage,pain,tenderness, or swelling then i think it's ok to wait for your next appointment but CALL your doctor in the am to let him/her know what is going on b/c they may want you to come in sooner to eval the change.

if you have the following symptoms then report to the er at once

-swelling around black area
-increased redness around black area
-the black area increases in size
-your wound begins to drain liquid of any kind
-you begin to run a fever of 100.5 or higher


these are signs of infection and you'll need to seek treatment asap

Answer 3

THE BLACK area could be necrosed tissue..dead tissue.
I would go back to the er and get it checked

Answer 4

That black area could be dead skin. You need help now!! Go to the hospital.

Answer 5

I think that I would go back and let them check it out.