This is off topic but I need some advice. Years ago I fell down an open trap door and scraped all my shins since then that area has been

[Wildething]

Really tender and the skin rips easy. I've had wounds on both shins that won't heal. They started ozzing clear fluid so I put a dry dressing on them which soon got wet. But now the wounds are smelly and oozing a brownish gunge is there anything I can use to help heal them quicker. Thank you

[AndrewT]

Dear Wildething,

My 'gut' reaction is to see your GP or, failing that, perhaps your local Pharmacist. Never 'knock' this resource, as Pharmacists are actually Highly qualified people. Ordinarily I would have suggested your GP or Hospital Doctors/ Consultants.... but these are not 'ordinary' times.

Call, or even 'Pop' into, your Pharmacy and just Ask. If 'They' refer you to your GP, then mention this to your Doctor's Receptionist. My guess is they might, very well, make some Useful suggestions- worth a Try anyway.

AndrewT

[bubblyalex]

You ought to ring 111. That sounds not at all good. I would call 111 because that sounds like you need quick medical input.

[allanah]

Sorry but that sounds nasty , ring 111 x hope you feel better soon x

[sylvi]

As has been said before either your chemist and speak to the person who runs the chemist or failing that dial 111. Please get some treatment ASAP. xxxx

[Picasso8]

Pre tibial wounds tend not to heal very well - ur local A&E will dress it and if bad enough give you an appointment for their clinic. They are painful nippy wounds which usually need a good clean and if you are on steroids they will take a bit longer to heal . Take care

[Wildething]

Thank you everyone I never thought about the pharmacist the only problem with that is I'm not very mobile and can't get down there. I washed the wounds this morning and was going to leave them to the air but they all started leaking clear fluid again but everytime I put a dressing on that's when they get mucky. I'm on immune tablets to lower my immunity so I know they will take longer to heal. I was really worried last night I needed someone to talk to but since mum passed I've had no one so I was relieved when I wrote on this site thank you

[AgedCrone in reply to Wildething]

There are special non stick dressings for these wounds.

As others have said...please do call 111 if your GP surgery cannot help.

[Gigi71]

I would still ring your GP, they may be able to get a community nurse out to you if you are unable to get to your surgery, or prescribe something for you. Don’t leave it. X

[vonniesims in reply to Gigi71]

I agree, contact your gp .Community nurses do a lot or wound care, and you can get your dressings on prescription. It sound that silver ones would be good, but are very expensive to buy good luck

[Bully915]

Hi you need to see your GP or nurse as this requires dressing with special treatment

[Esmereld]

I really think you need to do something quickly. It could get worse and that’s just going to take longer to heal. If you can’t get to the chemist, call 111 or GP surgery. They should be able to arrange a visit to you. I know the weather isn’t so great but you might stay outside if you have a garden. In the short term, good old fashioned salt water might be an option. I hope you get some relief soon.

[Biofreak]

I agree with the other comments. I would call your GP first and see if he can get a community nurse to see you at home after you explain that you are not very mobile. If you don't get anywhere with that I would call 111. It really sounds like it needs looking at. My heart goes out to you because you seem quite isolated. Let us know how you go on Wildething.

[AgedCrone]

This unfortunately is a very common problem.

You need to get medical attention as soon as possible. Most GP practices have specialist nurses who deal with ulcerated legs.....which it sounds as if you have.

Do impress on the receptionist when you make an appointment that the wounds seem infected.

Everybody’s shin skin thins with age, & if it is not treated swiftly it can become very serious.

So please call for an appointment TODAY.

[Ruth12345]

Yes. As everyone has said. Please be pro active and seek advice. Catch this before this gets any worse. 🌈

[Fruitandnutcase]

Loads of good advice Wildething. From the sound of it you may even need antibiotics and you will need to speak to your GP for that.

[medway-lady]

Go to your GP asap as they can prescribe the silver dressing which my son had for his post surgery wound. doesn't stick but to be honest I think you need to be seen and might need antibiotics.

[happytulip]

From my experience as an A&E nurse for over a decade I would say that "pre-tibial lacerations" are extremely difficult to heal if they are not managed properly.

We can't give medical advice on here but sharing my knowledge, I would say that if it was me they need proper assessment by a qualified nurse and would care management. If they are oozing as you say a swab may be needed aswell.

This is especially important if you are on RA meds.

I would make an appointment with your GP pronto if it were me. All sorts of exciting dressings exist but they are often prescription only and can be applied by a wound care nurse with should be available at your GP. A&E can treat acute wounds done within 24 -48 hrs at a push, but anything more chronic is better treated at a GP because they have access to the special dressings that don't get stocked in A&E.

[Wildething]

Thank you again for all your advice

Update I phoned the GP and he automatically put me on antibiotics and aranged for the DN to call. They didn't put any fancy dressings on they just padded them and put on a stocking thing. They have eventually dried up and are on the mend. All that is left is the skin peeling all up to my knee and the redness that goes from my toes to my knee. At night I can't keep the covers on my legs as they are to hot. Apart from the tenderness the skin peeling and redness only started when I went on RA meds