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ShawnaB
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| Posted: May 16 2007 at 11:21am | IP Logged
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OK, I'm trying not to be a worst-case-scenario-worrier here...so I'm looking for information.
Ds had a sticker in his pinky yesterday. It had become very painful and festered, and I removed it and then used an antiseptic. It was small, but deep. Today, his finger hurts more, is more red and swollen, and there was a filled blister on the site. I opened it up, drained it, and he squeezed to make sure there was not part of the sticker that remained. Then we put iodine on it again. It remains swollen and hot, and very painful.
No biggy, right?? I previously, I wouldn't have thought twice, but recently, I have had 2 friends with MRSA Strep skin infections, and it kind of freaks me out. One friend had it twice, and it just presented as an infected place on her skin, hot and red. When do you know that a skin infection is nothing to worry about, and when do you need to have it checked out? What should I be watching for?
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Shawna, wife of Jacob, mom to Abraham 8 Amelia 5 and Jillian & Jonathan age 3 years http://www.psalm121family.com
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Tami
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| Posted: May 16 2007 at 11:55am | IP Logged
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Shawna, It's probably not serious, take heart! I have but a little experience here, so keep that in mind....but one of my children had that skin infection, from a little scratch.
One sign of a serious infection is red streaks, moving away from the primary site (an commonly in the direction of the heart). But if it's draining, that's a good sign (even if you're doing it).
If the swelling doesn't recede by tomorrow - and you should use hot compresses, maybe every 2 hours for 15 min - or spreads, then I'd take him in. Obviously fever would be an indication to go in anyway.
I'm not sure which of your boys this is, but if it's the younger, I'd recommend some water play, with warm water.
Treatment was simple for my son, but the dr. cautioned me as to how serious it was, and to watch closely. She was most concerned about him.
I'll keep you two in prayer. Let us know how he progresses.
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God bless,
Tami
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. (Nouwen)
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PDyer
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| Posted: May 16 2007 at 4:28pm | IP Logged
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You could try some epsom salt soaks as well...hope you see improvement soon.
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Patty
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Dawn
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| Posted: May 16 2007 at 5:33pm | IP Logged
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Shawna, my youngest had a sore area on his thumb recently that took a while to heal. It was a small cut that scabbed over and he kept picking at it and re-opening it.  It was kind of red and a little swollen, but I never saw the streaks and it never got any worse than that.
We kept it scrupulously clean and dry, and applied Neosporin and a band-aid when he slept. (Otherwise he peeled the band-aid off and smudged the ointment everywhere.) It took a few days but it finally healed - but now it's scarred! 
Saying a little prayer it all works out for your little one. 
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stefoodie
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| Posted: May 16 2007 at 5:45pm | IP Logged
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I've had a scare with possible MRSA as well (hubby last year after surgery) -- fever is your #1 indication that something's not right. You've gotten good advice about keeping it clean, etc. So I'll just add my prayers for you and your little one!
ETA: I cleaned hubby's wound with hydrogen peroxide and a saline spray, 2x a day. We also used gloves and sterile gauze pads to drain away any fluids, though this may not be necessary in your case.
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stef
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stacykay
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| Posted: May 17 2007 at 8:23am | IP Logged
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Professional Worrier here ,
I would call the doctor. It could be cellulitis. My oldest ds had it in March, and it has come back!
A friend's dh had to get IV antibiotics for a rug burn! He had the streaks and was really sick!
I also had a patient who was in for a week of IV antibiotics for cellulitis. He only had a tiny nick on his knuckle, but wound up almost losing his hand. (He was ok, and the antibiotics worked fine.)
Don't want to scare you, but I would take him in. You won't always get a fever, and it is better to catch it earlier than later.
Let us know how he is!
God Bless,
Stacy in MI
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ShawnaB
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| Posted: May 17 2007 at 11:57pm | IP Logged
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Thank you all so much! His finger is improving, and is obviously better than yesterday. I forgot about the Epson salt soak...I'll have to employ that trick in the future.
Stacy...I hadn't EVEN THOUGHT about cellulitis! Now I have something new to research and obsess about!  
Truly though, its hard not to jump to the worst case scenario. I really appreciate the input from those of you who have had MRSA experience...thanks for talking me off the ledge!
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Shawna, wife of Jacob, mom to Abraham 8 Amelia 5 and Jillian & Jonathan age 3 years http://www.psalm121family.com
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4Real Forums : Our Lady of Good Remedy and Care
Topic: Skin Infections
