Signs of an Infection After Skin Cancer Removal

After skin cancer removal surgery, it's normal for the incision site to feel sore. It's not normal, though, for there to be pain, swelling, pus drainage, or red streaks extending from the wound. These, in addition to fever, are signs of infection after skin cancer removal.

If you think your incision is infected, don't try to treat it at home. Instead, call your healthcare provider and ask for advice. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may need to take a round of antibiotics to treat it.

This article explains how to recognize an infection after skin cancer removal, along with when to seek professional treatment.

What to Expect After Skin Cancer Removal

Surgery is a common treatment option for skin cancer and is often performed in the dermatologist’s office. The type of surgery used depends on the type of skin cancer and how advanced it is.

The standard treatment is called skin cancer excision. The procedure involves removing the tumor along with a slightly wider margin of normal skin. In most cases, this is done in office using local anesthetic. It will leave a scar.

Sometimes, a standard excision may not remove the cancer completely. When that happens, you may need to undergo a Mohs micrographic surgery.

There is a small chance of bleeding after Mohs surgery. Minimize this risk by getting plenty of rest during the first days of recovery. Avoid bending, heavy lifting, and rigorous exercise until the wound has closed.

You may notice a little redness around the incision as it heals. This is normal. But, if the redness increases, becomes swollen or very tender, or if it leaks pus, contact a healthcare provider right away.

Sutures should be removed within seven to 14 days after the removal. It may take a few months to a year for the scar to fully mature, depending on the size and depth of the incision.

Signs of an Infection After Skin Cancer Removal

It is common to experience some soreness and redness after surgery. However, if your symptoms seem to be worsening rather than improving, it could be a sign of an infection. 

Signs of infection include:

• Spreading redness and swelling
• Colored or cloudy drainage
• Pus drainage
• Foul smell coming from the wound
• Incision feels hot to the touch
• Enlarged lymph nodes near the surgical site
• Increasing pain
• Fever or chills
  

Risk Factors

You may be more likely to develop an infection after skin cancer removal if you have type I diabetes, or another chronic disease that weakens the immune system.

Research shows that males may be more likely to develop infection after skin surgery, too. Although it's not entirely clear why, researchers believe that males may be less likely than females to adhere to post-surgery wound care instructions.

The risk of developing an infection after skin cancer removal may also be higher if:

• You are taking a medication that alters the immune system, such as high blood pressure medications and corticosteroids.
• The skin excision is large.
• The skin excision is below your knees.
• The skin cancer removed was basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or another non-melanoma skin cancer.

If your surgeon thinks you have a higher risk of infection, you may be prescribed a preventive course of antibiotics to take after your surgery.

Ways to Treat an Infection at Home

If you are concerned that you have developed an infection following skin cancer removal surgery, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider. 

To care for your surgical wound at home, follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully. Make sure to clean the wound according to the recommended schedule and cover it with a new bandage or gauze. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your wound. 

When to Seek Professional Treatment for a Skin Cancer Removal Infection

Always talk with a healthcare provider if you suspect you have developed a skin infection. Call your provider right away if you develop a fever, or if your surgical site has any of the following symptoms:

• Increasing pain
• Pus or cloudy liquid
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• An open wound that can’t be held together by stitches 

If your provider diagnoses you with a bacterial infection, they will likely recommend antibiotics to treat it. Follow the prescription directions exactly, and continue taking the medication for the entire length of time prescribed.

Most rounds of antibiotics are prescribed for seven to 10 days. Depending on how severe your infection is, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics. 

Skin Cancer Doctor Discussion Guide

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If your infection is advanced, your doctor may ask you to return to the office for more invasive treatment. To clean the wound, the doctor will remove the staples or sutures and remove the dead or infected tissue. This process is known as debridement.

The doctor will then rinse the wound with salt water and drain any pus. The wound is generally wrapped with dressings soaked in salt water (saline) and covered with a bandage.

Summary

It is possible to develop an infection after skin cancer removal surgery. Common signs include redness, swelling, pus, a foul smell, increased pain, and a fever. Call your surgeon if you are concerned that you have developed a new infection. Treatment options include antibiotics or cleaning out the wound. To help prevent infection, follow your surgeon’s instructions for wound care carefully.