wound care - yellow gunk round wound

I had a hysterectomy 3 weeks ago (removed womb and cervix, but left ovaries) and have noticed that, in a small area at the bottom of the wound, there is some yellow gunk (sorry - I can't remember the technical term). It doesn't smell, the area isn't hot and I have no symptoms of a fever or others that would indicate wound infection. The doctor gave me fucidin antibiotic cream to put on the area. I've been putting it on 3 times a day with a thin gauze dressing so the wound can breathe but the cream stays on the area. Am I doing the right thing? Is this normal?

Did you call the doc about the symptom and he gave you the cream or did he give it to you after your surgery? If you haven't discussed this with your doc, please call him. You could have an infection that needs oral antibiotics.

I went for a checkup with the doctor who examined the wound and prescribed the antibiotic cream. He said to use it for a few days and, if it made no difference or worsened, to come back for oral antibiotics. It seems to be working well and the wound has almost completely healed together.

I don't know what its called but I had it too. My Docter said it was part of the healing and the cream turns it that color. Check with your Dr. but I think its normal.

Thanks! I didn't realise the cream did that and was wondering why it had changed colour. I have a follow-up appointment with the gynaecologist next week to make sure everything's on track.

I saw my surgeon today who removed a suture from the affected area and said there's a small amount of infection. He told me to put savlon and a bandaid over it to draw out the gunk (he's adopted my word). I've to give it a few days and, if it doesn't improve, go back to the clinic. It already looks like the savlon's helping so, hopefully, that'll clear it up.