The leakage of liquid or fluid through the wounds is something characteristic in the process of healing them. This fluid comes from the lymphatic system and blood vessels; it is a favorable sign during wound healing. It is considered a body defense reaction since it is responsible for eliminating cell and bacterial waste creating an environment ideal for this process to complete successfully.
When there is an excessive leakage of this transparent liquid through the wounds, so much so that our body cannot absorb it and it accumulates inside the injuries, it is called a seroma. If you want to know more about this topic, we invite you to continue reading this article by FastlyHealabout the causes of a wound that oozes transparent liquid and its treatment.
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Why does a Wound ooze clear fluid
We know that wounds typically ooze clear fluid as part of their healing process. This fluid comes from the lymphatic system and blood vessels and is a clear signal considered as a defense reaction of the body to eliminate bacterial and cellular waste.
When there is excessive leakage of this liquid, and our body cannot absorb it, it accumulates inside the wounds, and what is known as postoperative seroma is formed. This happens after highly invasive surgeries that tend to damage the lymphatic vessels in the area and, consequently, due to tissue inflammation.
This clear fluid is the clear, watery part of the blood that remains after being separated from the blood cells. A wound may ooze clear fluid between the seventh and tenth day.
The surgery which usually appears transparent liquid suppuration are:
- Breast augmentation.
- Mastectomy.
- Abdominoplasty.
- Liposuction.
- Surgeries that require post-surgical drains.
- Surgeries that injure various tissues.
They are considered invasive surgeries that damage blood and lymphatic vessels, making it impossible to drain the exudate fluid and with the consequent accumulation and exudation through the wounds.
Signs and symptoms of a seroma
This complication usually manifests:
- Apparent fluid leakage through the Wound is a characteristic sign.
- Feeling bloated
- In some cases, there may be a pain.
- There may be bulging of the scar.
- At first, there may be reddish or brown coloration when the seroma mixes with blood, but as it heals, its coloration becomes lighter.
Its diagnosis is easy to identify due to the clinical grounds with which the seroma originates and manifests.
Treating a wound that drains clear fluid
This liquid is usually reabsorbed on its own after a time, approximately 20 days-1 a month.
In other cases, drainage of the same is usually required; this will depend on the amount of fluid and the association of other symptoms. The drainage will be done with a syringe, a needle, or with the placement of a tube inserted into the skin that facilitates the complete exit of the liquid.
In pain, the doctor may order over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
It is appropriate that after performing abdominal surgeries or in the case of segmental cesarean section, you use compression girdles. Also, avoid strenuous exercise.
To promote proper healing, it is essential that you have a balanced diet, mainly that includes foods such as pineapple, carrot, orange, green leafy vegetables, meat, whole grains, eggs, and fish, which stimulate and facilitate healing and wound healing.
It rules out that the leakage of this liquid is an infectious process since the liquid that comes out through the Wound is not properly pus; in this case, the indication and use of antibiotic therapy will not be necessary.
Caring for a wound that drains clear fluid
Regardless of the leakage of fluid through the Wound, at home, the patient must follow basic hygiene measures :
- Wash your hands before and after handling the wound dressing.
- Do not reuse the bandage.
- Try to keep the Wound dry.
- Wash the Wound daily with soap and water unless the doctor rules out this procedure.
- If the application gets wet, change it right away.
- Avoid scratching and handling the Wound.
In the days after a surgical procedure, you should be attentive to the signs and symptoms that you manifest since these are representative of the state of wound healing and healing. If there is liquid leakage of another color, redness, bad smell, or even fever, go to the doctor.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.