Oozing and weeping
What is Oozing and Weeping?
Oozing and weeping are two types of drainage from wounds. Oozing is a slow, continual release of fluid from the wound, while weeping is a more rapid loss of fluid. Both are normal signs that a wound is trying to heal itself, but excess drainage can become a sign of an infected wound.
Causes of Oozing and Weeping
Oozing and weeping due to healing can occur after an injury, cut, sore or lesion. The wound will start to produce a thin, clear fluid, which is made up of serum and white blood cells. This fluid helps the wound to clean and protect itself from further infection.
Excess oozing and weeping can also be caused by a wound infection. A wound or infection may start to produce a thick, yellow discharge that can be a sign of the presence of pus. This will have a foul odor and can indicate the presence of bacteria, fungus or other foreign material in the wound.
Treating Oozing and Weeping
Treatment will depend on the cause of the fluid. If the wound is producing a clear, thin fluid, it is a sign that the healing process is underway and no further treatment is needed. If the fluids are thicker or have an unusual color or odor, this could signal an infection and the wound should be assessed by a medical professional.
If the wound is infected, the doctor may recommend:
- A course of antibiotic medication
- Draining or debriding the wound to remove infected tissue
- Keeping the wound clean and dry to promote healing
- Covering the wound with a sterile, waterproof bandage
In some cases, skin grafting may be necessary if the wound does not heal properly.