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What Causes Redness And Hardness Around The Cut After Cat Bite?

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Posted on Thu, 3 Sep 2015
Question: My daughter got a cat scratch a week ago. 4 days ago the area was scabbed over, no indication of puss, but red around the cut, very hard surrounding the redness. A doctor at a medical clinic treated her with antibiotic and tetanus shots, also told her to treat it with heat. It looked better for 2 days, but now the leg hurts more and a small circle of puss appeared on the scab. Should she XXXXXXX it? Go to the emergency room tonight? Or return to the clinic first thing in the morning?
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Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, pus has to be drained.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

If the pus is collected, it has to drained. Redness and hardness are due to inflammation.

It would be better to visit the ER or urgent care clinic where this pus can be lanced and drained. You might also need a course of antibiotic. I prescribe antibiotic like Clindamycin capsule along with Anti inflammatory tablet to my patients with similar complaints.

In the interim, encourage her to rest the limb and keep it elevated.

Hope I answered your query.If you have any questions,I will clarify further.
Wish you good health.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Hari Charan Perigela

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1995

Answered : 2716 Questions

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What Causes Redness And Hardness Around The Cut After Cat Bite?

Brief Answer: Yes, pus has to be drained. Detailed Answer: Hi, If the pus is collected, it has to drained. Redness and hardness are due to inflammation. It would be better to visit the ER or urgent care clinic where this pus can be lanced and drained. You might also need a course of antibiotic. I prescribe antibiotic like Clindamycin capsule along with Anti inflammatory tablet to my patients with similar complaints. In the interim, encourage her to rest the limb and keep it elevated. Hope I answered your query.If you have any questions,I will clarify further. Wish you good health. Regards