A 22-year-old member asked:
what steps should be taken after a cat bite that breaks skin?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Ferguson answered
Pediatrics 46 years experience
Clean well,Ttnus ? : A thorough cleaning may suffice for most simple cat bites. Verification of tetanus protection and monitoring the site for redness or oozing after the event are also important.Especially worrisome are bites into the web space between the fingers as infection here can travel into the hand quickly.When in doubt, have it looked at.
5746 views
Dr. Walter Hoerman answered
Pediatrics 36 years experience
Needs antibiotics: Should be cleaned thoroughly with topical antibiotics, needs to be treated with oral augmentin, (amoxicillin and clavulanate) and should assess the cat for rabies risk.
5746 views
Dr. Antonio Cruz answered
Dermatology 15 years experience
Potential infection: Once the skin is broken there is a risk for an infection. I would recommend going to a walk in or urgent care center to be examined and given antibiotics to prevent infection.
5746 views
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Similar questions
A 34-year-old member asked:
Cat bite punctured skin, kinda crusty. Infected?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Joseph Eastern answered
Dermatology 44 years experience
See doctor.: First of all you need a tetanus shot if you haven't had one for 5-10 years. Cats have relatively "dirty" mouths, meaning they have a lot of bacteria on their teeth, which get injected into you when you get bitten. Even if your tetanus immunization is up to date, you will likely have to see a doctor, who will determine if you need an antibiotic.
5936 views
A 32-year-old member asked:
Red dots developing on my skin where cat bit me?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Cat bites: Cats mouths carry harmful germs. Cat bites can easily become infected. You may require tetanus booster or medical evaluation.
5322 views
A 37-year-old member asked:
When my cat bites/scratches me the skin raises?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Carla L. King answered
Pediatrics 23 years experience
Normal vs. allergy: Your skin raising at the area where the cat scratches or bites can be a normal skin reaction. If the skin surrounding the scratch raises and turns red then you may have a possible allergy. If this occurs with itching and swelling beyond the scratch you may need to have this evaluated.
5506 views
GA
A 68-year-old female asked:
How to treat a cat bite just through skin?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Zoey Goore answered
Pediatrics 24 years experience
Cat bite: If the cat punctured the skin you will probably want to call for doctor. About 50% of cat bites get infected (because of the shape of the teeth and depth of bite they create). Many doctors will start antibiotics to prevent infection. Look for redness, oozing, swelling and/or fever as sign of infection.
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90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Jul 29, 2013
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