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How To Avoid Cat Scratch Fever After A Cat Scratch?
Question: Okay so I was trying to help a stray kitten in my neighborhood and got scratched and also bit she broke the skin I didn't think about it first and waited about 10 minutes before I washed my hands and forearm I have been reading about cat scratch fever and it is really scary should I go to the ER right now? I don't know what to do please help
Brief Answer:
No need to rush to ER.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
If it was only a superficial scratch with minimal bleeding then washing the area with soap and water is sufficient. most of the times the cat scratch is not associated with any symptoms or causes a reversible fever or lymphadenopathy that subsides spontaneously without a treatment.
You can apply a local antiseptic ointment in the area and keep the wound covered. Do watch for any signs of infection like redness pain and swelling around the area of scratch. In case any of these symptoms appear then do attend an ER for proper treatment.
If the wound is very deep and has a skin flap or ragged edges then do attend an ER for prophylactic antibiotic course.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
No need to rush to ER.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
If it was only a superficial scratch with minimal bleeding then washing the area with soap and water is sufficient. most of the times the cat scratch is not associated with any symptoms or causes a reversible fever or lymphadenopathy that subsides spontaneously without a treatment.
You can apply a local antiseptic ointment in the area and keep the wound covered. Do watch for any signs of infection like redness pain and swelling around the area of scratch. In case any of these symptoms appear then do attend an ER for proper treatment.
If the wound is very deep and has a skin flap or ragged edges then do attend an ER for prophylactic antibiotic course.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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