HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

I woke up this morning and my left hand is swollen. i received a very small cat scratch from a stray cat that we feed last night. however, the scratch itself doesnt look infected. should i seek medical attention. i have had cellulitis in the past?

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Yvette Kratzberg answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Redness, swelling and history of a cat scratch can indicate a skin infection. It is important for this to be addressed immediately. go to an in person urgent care or a telemedicine acute care. the Dr can evaluate your hand and determine if there is need for prescription antibiotics.

Answered 9/15/2022

0 views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

I cut my finger, left index finger medially at the ip joint and it is sore swollen and stiff after a month. Is my joint infected?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I was bit on my thumb on my left hand by a cat 2 hours ago now I noticed my thumb is very swollen and very painful. Should i seek medical attention?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I have a cut on my right hand ring finger. It is swollen now, and I think it may be infected?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Vein on top of hand is swollen. stuck a needle in it as self harm. very painful to touch do I need to go to emerg? may be infected. help

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Bit in the hand by a pitbull 24 hrs ago & I have 3 infected puncture wounds on the thenar region of my hand w/ the surrounding area swollen & purple. Im starting to lose sensation in the tip of my thumb is it nerve damage? I already got tetanus shot?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

Is it normal to have joint pain with cellulitis? Infected wound on knuckle. Pain has spread from just the cut to deep in the knuckle joint
I had cellulitis in my finger (knuckle) 2 months ago and my finger is still very swollen and the knuckle joint is still sore. Is this normal?
Had a small "bruise" fine for 2 days didn't do anything but then got very red swollen and BIG over last few days. Dr said cellulitis. Is this correct?
Woke up with swollen/inflamed big toe. Nail is very sensitive. No trauma, or injury. Seems infected. What could this be?
I think I have an infected hangnail on the left side of my ring finger. It is very red, swollen and quite sore to the touch. Can I treat this at home?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.