My belly button, again; how long will this take to clear up?

Question

My plastic surgeon is in Mexico. I have no way of getting back to him. My belly button is infected and has a slight odor. I went to the emergency room in my town and they put me on doxycycline-hyc 100 mg 2 a day for a week. I'm on my last two and there is no change. they said it was a superficial infection. How long will it take to clear up? Am i going to die from this?? I'm seriously afraid.

Robert P. Schmid, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! As a US Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, I think that I speak for all of us when I say that we wish that you had chosen to stay home to have your aesthetic surgery. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. This is certainly not to say that we never get infections here in the US, but the odds would be definitely lower, & you'd have a reliable surgeon to go back to. My advice is to go to back to the ER, or find a good primary care physician, or beg your way into a local Board Certified US plastic surgeon's office. Either way, I hope that it's truly superficial, & heals up fairly quickly. Best of luck to you!

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Hi, sorry you are dealing with this, but if you've already had antibiotics and there is no change, then you need to have another evaluation.  Go to your primary doctor or urgent care center.  If they can't  treat you, then they will refer you to a surgeon or wound care clinic that can help.  Don't delay as this could become worse!

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

If your condition has not improved, you should be seen again by an urgent care clinic or your primary care physician. If necessary they could refer you to a wound care center or a plastic surgeon.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, if the infection does not look better, please see your primary care doctor to see if further management is required.  Without an exam it is impossible to advise.  I hope you have a speedy recovery.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear Belle1968,
  
 
  I have not seen any of your pictures.  If the bellybutton is infected, usually it is due to ischemia or lack of circulation.  You will need to be on antibiotics to prevent it from infecting the surrounding skin flap.  Doxycycline is rarely used for these skin infections.  You will need to be reevaluated by another physician and probably be put on a different antibiotic

My belly button, again; how long will this take to clear up?

Answers (5)

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