Should you put a bandage on a cat bite?
Don’t use tape or butterfly bandages to close the wound. This could trap harmful bacteria in the wound. Call your child’s healthcare provider for help in reporting the attack and to decide if more treatment is needed. This may include antibiotics, a tetanus booster, rabies vaccine, or repair of the wound with stitches.
What if a cat bites you but doesn’t break skin?
If your bite is minor and doesn’t break skin, wash the area with soap and water. Apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream to the bite area and cover with a bandage. Your risk of contracting infections or diseases from this type of animal bite is low.
Is it a bite if it doesn’t break the skin?
Even when a bite doesn’t break your skin, there is a potential for injury. A bite could lead to crushing or tearing even if infection isn’t likely. For example, if a dog bites down on you and you’re wearing a coat, your skin might not break.
When should I be concerned about a cat bite?
“If the wound is very large, such as 2 inches or greater in length, deep enough to see fat or muscle through the wound, the edges are not together, or it does not stop bleeding easily you should seek medical attention immediately,” said Torvinen. “In some cases, bites or scratches require stitches.”
What does an infected cat bite look like?
Briefly, infected bites will often appear red and swollen. It may be painful or tender when touched or pressed. A more serious infection may lead to pus or what looks like red streaks down your skin and may cause fever. These red streaks are from the infection traveling down your lymph system.
Do I need a tetanus shot for a cat bite?
Tetanus. Tetanus is a serious infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. It’s recommended that you have a tetanus booster after a cat bite if it’s been more than 5 years since you’ve had the vaccine.
How do you tell if a bite broke the skin?
See a doctor about any bite that breaks the skin. Seek medical help right away if you have pain, swelling, or redness in the area of the wound….Recognizing if a bite is infected
- redness, swelling, and heat around the wound.
- a wound that discharges pus.
- pain or tenderness on or around the wound.
- fever or chills.
What is a scratch that doesn’t break skin?
A cut (laceration) goes through it. A scratch or scrape (wide scratch) doesn’t go through the skin. Cuts that gape open at rest or with movement need stitches to prevent scarring. Scrapes and scratches never need stitches, no matter how long they are.
How long does cat skin take to heal?
You need to clean the drainage holes twice a day for two to five days, or until the drain is removed. Once the tissues have completely healed, which usually takes about two weeks, any remaining sutures will be removed.