This article will discuss how to recognize an infection after skin cancer removal, and when to seek professional treatment.
What to Expect After Skin Cancer Removal
Surgery is a common treatment option for skin cancer and is often performed in the dermatologist’s office. The type of surgery used depends on your type of skin cancer and how advanced it is.
Your doctor will numb the area with a local anesthetic before surgery. Once this local numbing medicine wears off, it’s common to feel sore. You may also notice that the surgical site appears red and is draining a small amount of clear fluid.
It is important to follow your dermatologist’s postoperative directions closely. You will receive instructions on how to clean your surgical site. You may also receive a topical medication to apply before covering the site with a bandage or gauze.
Ask your dermatologist about any activity restrictions after surgery. You will want to avoid putting too much stress on your surgical site in order to protect it.
Some questions to ask your dermatologist or surgeon about your recovery include:
How long will the wound take to heal?How long should I keep the wound covered?Do the stitches need to be removed?What medication can I take for pain?When should I follow-up?
Sutures would be removed from the face, where the majority of skin cancers occur, in five to seven days. If absorbable sutures are used, they will be gone in about the same amount of time.
Wound strength would be good in about three weeks. Scar maturation takes several months to a year.
Signs of an Infection After Skin Cancer Removal
It is common to experience some soreness and redness after surgery. However, if your symptoms seem to be worsening rather than improving, it could be a sign of an infection.
Signs of infection include:
Spreading redness and swelling Colored or cloudy drainage Pus drainage Foul smell coming from the wound Incision feels hot to the touch Enlarged lymph nodes near the surgical site Increasing pain Fever or chills
Ways to Treat an Infection at Home
If you are concerned that you have developed an infection following skin cancer removal surgery, it’s best to consult your doctor.
To care for your surgical wound at home, follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully. Make sure to clean the wound according to the recommended schedule and cover it with a new bandage or gauze. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your wound.
When to Seek Professional Treatment for a Skin Cancer Removal Infection
It’s always best to talk with your doctor if you suspect that you have developed a new skin infection. Call your doctor right away if you develop a fever or if your surgical site has any of the following symptoms:
Increasing painPus or cloudy liquidUncontrolled bleedingAn open wound that can’t be held together by stitches
If your doctor diagnoses you with a bacterial infection, they will likely recommend antibiotics to treat it. Follow the prescription directions exactly, and continue taking the medication for the entire length of time recommended.
Most rounds of antibiotics are prescribed for seven to 10 days. Depending on how severe your infection is, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics.
If your infection is advanced, your doctor may ask you to return to the office for more invasive treatment. To clean the wound, the doctor will remove the staples or sutures and remove the dead or infected tissue. This process is known as debridement.
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The doctor will then rinse the wound with salt water and drain any pus. The wound is generally wrapped with dressings soaked in salt water (saline) and covered with a bandage.
Summary
It is possible to develop an infection after skin cancer removal surgery. Common signs include redness, swelling, pus, a foul smell, increased pain, and a fever. Call your surgeon if you are concerned that you have developed a new infection. Treatment options include antibiotics or cleaning out the wound. To help prevent infection, follow your surgeon’s instructions for wound care carefully.
A Word From Verywell
You may be feeling anxious about caring for your surgical site after undergoing skin cancer removal surgery. Read your surgeon’s postoperative instructions carefully, and ask questions if you do not understand the directions. If you are concerned that you have developed a skin infection, call your doctor’s office.
