Post surgery for squamous skin cell cancer on the thigh, just above the knee. Surgery was 1 week ago. Today the site smells strongly like yeast. It seems to be very sore and getting sorer. There seemed to be a hot reaction to polysporin 5 days ago, so for the last 3 days we have used only vasoline to keep it lubed. The pathology report says the margins are good and the stitches will be removed in about another week.
Hi, Thanks for writing in. Wound healing after surgery depends on care taken following surgery. It is important to talk to your doctor regarding addition of a good oral antibiotic to control any infection that might have started at the surgery site. Surgery has been done properly, and the cancer is removed. However, there can always be a focus of infection that has started after surgery and this can be due to many causes including multiplication of bacteria which has entered through the stitches. As polypoid is causing reaction, you must immediately add another oral antibiotic which is recommended by your doctor. This will stabilize the bacterial infection and reduce the soreness. Anti-inflammatory pills are also to be taken to reduce inflammation and for better healing. Please do no worry.