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How Do I Treat a Weeping Wound?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

The most effective method of treating a weeping wound may vary depending on the discharge that is oozing from the wound. If the discharge is thick and yellow, this typically indicates an infection that needs to be treated by a medical professional. Blood that seeps from a wound may be stopped by applying pressure to the area. Dirt and debris should be gently cleaned from the area with warm soapy water. Do not scrub a weeping wound.

Depending upon the severity of the wound, constant pressure should be applied for at least 20 minutes or until bleeding has stopped. Always use a clean cloth or gauze, and avoid using tissue as this may cause further damage to the skin. If the wound is due to a burn blister, do not attempt to break the blister. If you notice fluid seeping from the blister, keep the area clean by gently patting it dry, then cover it with a loose sterile bandage. Change the bandage on daily, or more often if it becomes wet from fluid seeping through.

A weeping wound should be soaked three times daily in warm water.
A weeping wound should be soaked three times daily in warm water.

Forming a blister from a wound is your body's way of protecting you from foreign matter and infection. Although a blister can be annoying, it serves an important function, and must not be forcefully broken or popped. If, however, the blister is larger than 4 inches (10.2 centimeters), you should consult with a physician. Be aware of signs that indicate a burn may have become infected. If you experience redness, pus, or severe pain, see your doctor promptly for treatment.

Antibiotics may be required to treat a weeping wound.
Antibiotics may be required to treat a weeping wound.

Doctors often treat an infected wound by performing a procedure known as incision and drain. After performing the procedure, your doctor may advise you to soak the wound up to three times daily in warm water. He may also prescribe a course of oral antibiotics to be taken for about 10 days. You should not attempt to treat an infected wound without advice from a medial professional.

Applying a bandage will help keep dirt and debris out of the wound.
Applying a bandage will help keep dirt and debris out of the wound.

Quite often, a minor scape or cut will cause slight weeping. A weeping wound that causes a small trickle of blood to ooze is generally nothing serious. After the area is thoroughly cleaned, apply some antibiotic ointment and a bandage. The bandage will prevent dirt and germs from entering the bloodstream through open skin. A bandage will also help the wound heal by allowing the broken skin to eventually close.

If a wound is severe, see a doctor or go to a hospital emergency room.
If a wound is severe, see a doctor or go to a hospital emergency room.

If your weeping wound is 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) or larger and you are unable to stop the bleeding or oozing of blood, you should seek medical treatment. If your physician's office is closed, go straight to the hospital emergency room. A deep wound might require sutures. Your physician may also recommend having a tetanus shot if you haven't received one in 10 years.

Discussion Comments

anon1003631

To ZX872478: You need a new doctor. That's just lousy doctoring if they're not even examining the wound and telling you to quit complaining. I would also consider making a complaint to the medical board about them.

But see a new doctor now, before it gets any worse.

zx872478

I have had a wound that weeps for over 3 years now, it's washed daily, and always clean but can't get it to heal - when I visit my Doctor - who will not examine it, told to use Sudocrem or Vaseline and stop asking questions. The wound itself is now growing much larger and each time I see the doctor tell them this but still will not look at it or provide any recommendations on what to do. Suggestions on how to heal it or stop if growing any bigger? After 3 years it has trebled in size.

anon354153

@anon328673: I really suggest you go to your doctor.

anon328673

I cut my labia majora while shaving about a week ago, and the wound won't heal and keeps weeping a clear fluid - the area has swollen up, and the glands in the groin are swollen too. How do I treat this?

anon276727

Thanks for the informative article.

I hurt myself on my computer tower (seriously) and received a tear on my leg that wouldn't heal for a week, despite cleansing and antibiotic ointment. After seeing lots of the yellow discharge mentioned in the article (eew), I went to a walk-in clinic.

I was worried my doctor would be dismissive ("it's only a cut," "why are you wasting my time?") but he spent quite a while checking on my leg, cleaning it out and giving me prescriptions. He also mentioned that if it got worse, I should go to the ER.

Make sure you read the articles carefully -- cuts can sometimes get more serious and an ounce of prevention saves a lot of problems in the long run.

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    • A weeping wound should be soaked three times daily in warm water.
      By: Jan H. Andersen
      A weeping wound should be soaked three times daily in warm water.
    • Antibiotics may be required to treat a weeping wound.
      By: Sasa Komlen
      Antibiotics may be required to treat a weeping wound.
    • Applying a bandage will help keep dirt and debris out of the wound.
      By: rikaphoto
      Applying a bandage will help keep dirt and debris out of the wound.
    • If a wound is severe, see a doctor or go to a hospital emergency room.
      By: SeanPavonePhoto
      If a wound is severe, see a doctor or go to a hospital emergency room.
    • A sterile adhesive bandage can help with wound treatment.
      By: PinkShot
      A sterile adhesive bandage can help with wound treatment.