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Suggest Treatment For Cat Scratch On Right Ankle

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Posted on Sat, 26 Mar 2016
Question: my cat scratched me right above my ankle. i was suffering from cellulitis at the sight of the scratch and had taken antibiotics for it. since the scratch my foot around the ankle has remained swollen, red, and skin is dry feels hard. I get like stabbing pains especially if i cover the area with warm compresses. what can i do
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Swab test to identify the bacteria is necessary.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Cat scratch very often causes serious, long lasting infection of the soft tissues. Its because cat nails are sharp, contains unknown for the human body bacteria and can penetrate to the muscles.
Swelling, redness indicate that the infection is not healed. And it may remain like that for weeks or even months.

The best you can do, is to consult good surgeon. Soft tissues ultrasound should be done to rule out fluid collection. Proper antibiotic treatment is still necessary. Swab test from the wound can help to choose right antibiotic.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (2 hours later)
the wound has heal, it is no longer open. How would you suggest checking for bacteria in this case.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
An incision can be done.

Detailed Answer:
Sometimes it is necessary to make an incision and collect a sample. Your surgeon should decide about that.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Grzegorz Stanko

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 5797 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Cat Scratch On Right Ankle

Brief Answer: Swab test to identify the bacteria is necessary. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. Cat scratch very often causes serious, long lasting infection of the soft tissues. Its because cat nails are sharp, contains unknown for the human body bacteria and can penetrate to the muscles. Swelling, redness indicate that the infection is not healed. And it may remain like that for weeks or even months. The best you can do, is to consult good surgeon. Soft tissues ultrasound should be done to rule out fluid collection. Proper antibiotic treatment is still necessary. Swab test from the wound can help to choose right antibiotic. Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.