When can gauze packing be removed?

Question

I have a incision on my chin where a swollen MERSA infection was drained on Sunday.I had it re-packed and the antibiotics are working well.The doctor told me to pull a few centimeters of the gauze out every day.He said it may need to be repacked once more. When the packing is taken out for good,the wound will start to close up.I've been on the the Antibiotics for 7 of 10 days now- ANSWERS FROM TRAINED M.D s or R.Ns only please, unless you've dealt with a similar problem.

Answer 1

  Usually packing is removed after 2-3 days.  The packing acts as a "wick" so that the infection can be pulled out of the wound as not to keep pus and infection trapped inside. I would say that the packing should be all the way out by now.   I am wondering why they did not go ahead and schedule you for a wound recheck.   When you remove the packing- you should see pink or red inside.  Green or pus is obviously not good. But as you are probably aware, the area surrounding the skin abscess is usually red, hot and swollen when infection is present.   If the area is free of swelling, pain, and redness , the wound is probably healing nicely.