Infection

[Somethin]

hi!

My lap was over 2 weeks ago. I've since got an infection in the incision by mt belly button. Anyone else have this?

Anyone else have this, and how long did yours take to heal? I've got antibiotics that i've got to take 4 times a day for 7 days and a sressong that ducks all the gunk out the wound

X

[luthien]

Hi, I didn't get an infection, but I found the following helped dry it out and get it to heal:

Get some non adhesive dressing (like the stuff inside a plaster, usually in first aid kits), cut out a 1cm by 1/2 cm strip, and roll up so that it would just fit inside your belly button. Soak it in a few drops of tea tree oil (diluted), aloe vera gel, or witch hazel (diluted) then put it into belly button. These are all antiseptic and can be used on cuts / incisions, they can be purchased from Amazon, pharmacies and health shops. The rolling it up means air can still get in helping healing and drying it a little - bacteria like warm, wet, enclosed spaces so a swollen incision in belly button is prone to infection. Cover with micropore - non woven tape to stop it falling out, or leave open if you're comfortable with it. Replace twice a day, until it comes out dry, or without gunk on it. If it doesn't come out add a bit of water and try again in 5 mins. If you need to clean it out, use a cotton bud and lightly clean with any of the above you've used.

I've done this for both my laps and haven't had an infection. My specialist was happy with the approach. He says it will help keep the outside clean and stops bacteria coming in while your body can just concentrate on healing.

Hope that helps you feel cleaner xx

[lou840]

I had an infection a week after my lap and it cleared up after the course of antibiotics ( i was given 5 days) and it started to feel / look better by day 6. x