Abutment Question

[keithk]

It has been on month since my BAHA surgery. Today when I was cleaning around the post I found a scab followed by some slight bleeding. I cean the post everyday and today was the first time i found that. Has anyone here had the same issue?

[dalern]

Hi Keith,
I had that in the beginning.  I think it is very normal and I wouldn't worry. I would put a little neosporin or Bacetracin around that area for a few days.  It should heal.  Perhaps you are scrubbing the area too hard.  I had some scabbing right up agains the abutment and just had to wait til it fell off.  The doctor actually cleaned it out at one of my post op visits.  Just keep using something on it.  If it persists after a few more weeks and it is bleeding, or it won't heal, then I would see your doc.
~Dale

[another NY postie]

I also had what my dr. termed "crusting" around the baha post...it did seem scabby to me - and also had some dried blood in that area for a couple of weeks after that I would pull out...He cleaned that area (ie picked stuff around it) the week after surgery and the following week when he took out the stiches.  I don't recall bleeding but I would agree that it is entirely normal.  My doc also had me dab peroxide around it twice a week so you also could do that if you are worried about infection.  Remember they did drill into your skull so a certain amount of scabbing, crusting is normal

[dalern]

Hi, just an FYI (speaking as a nurse now). Peroxide is very drying, and I don't think that is the best thing to use around your abutment.  I would stick to Bactroban (prescription) if there is a chance of infection.  Neosporin is also fine, but some people have a reaction to that.  Bacitracin is also good and you can get that over the counter.  It will keep it moist and also loosen the scabs and hopefully prevent more.  Make sure you clean around the abutment.  The first week may be too soon to use a small brush around it, but ask the doctor when it is safe for you to do that.
~Dale

[Kencutus]

I would use Saline water instead of Peroxide for daily cleaning.   Peroxide can burn and make the skin raw.  Saline water is more safer and easier on the skin.

[Goldie]

I've had a similar experience..."clean" for quite a while and then a little bloody crusting.  I've wondered why, but no sign of infection so I just attribute it to the healing process.  I apply Vaseline twice a day with a Q-tip around the abutment and that's working nicely.  My surgeon's nurse said no brushing for 6-8 weeks, so I've just starting doing that with no problem.

Denise D.

[leapyrtwins]

Keith -

this is very common while healing.

Don't use peroxide - as Dale said, it's very drying.  Stick to bacitracin or polysporin and if you are using a washcloth or soft toothbrush to clean your abutment lay off until the area is healed.  Often people who use toothbrushes or washcloths don't realize how hard they are "scrubbing" due to numbness on the skull.

This too shall pass.

Jan