Is swelling normal after a cat scratch?

About three to 14 days after the skin is broken, a mild infection can occur at the site of the scratch or bite. The infected area may appear swollen and red with round, raised lesions and can have pus.

Why do cat scratches cause swelling?

Cat scratch disease is an infection caused by a bacterium in cat saliva. The disease causes redness and swelling at the site of a cat scratch or bite and flu-like symptoms. If you are scratched or bitten by a cat or kitten, it is important to promptly wash the area with soap and water.

Is it dangerous to get scratched by cat claws?

Risks associated with cat scratches These wounds can sometimes sting, bleed, and even become infected. Both feral and domesticated cats may also transmit certain viruses and bacteria when they scratch human skin. Some of the possible health complications include: cat-scratch fever (also called cat-scratch disease)

When should I be concerned about a cat scratch?

Call your family doctor if you notice any of the following problems: A cat scratch or bite that is not healing. A red area around a cat scratch or bite that continues to get bigger for more than 2 days after the injury. Fever that lasts for several days after a cat scratch or bite.

Should I go to urgent care for cat scratch?

Seek immediate medical care if: The wound doesn’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes of direct pressure. The wound is deep or large. The wound is to the face or neck, hand or foot, or is near a joint. The wound becomes red, hot to the touch, swollen, or severely or increasingly painful.

How do you treat an infected cat scratch?

If you get scratched or bitten by a cat, wash the area with soap and water. Look for signs of infection over the next 2 weeks. Call your doctor if you have symptoms. In most cases, you can manage your symptoms at home with pain relievers or warm compresses.

Is it normal for a cat scratch to swell up?

No GRE required. No, it’s normal. There are things you can do to reduce the swelling and speed healing, though. Always wash cat scratches well with warm water and soap. This will hurt, but animal scratches and bites need to be cleaned promptly and well. You can apply a cold pack (with a towel) for 20 minutes.

What to do if your cat has been scratched by something?

There are things you can do to reduce the swelling and speed healing, though. Always wash cat scratches well with warm water and soap. This will hurt, but animal scratches and bites need to be cleaned promptly and well. You can apply a cold pack (with a towel) for 20 minutes. This reduces swelling and thus reduces pain.

What should I do if my cat bites my leg?

What to do if a cat bites you First, you want to try to flush out as much bacteria as possible and then irrigate the wound with water. Next, wash the wound with mild soap and water. Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth and apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream if you have it.

What happens if you get a cat scratch on your arm?

An infection of the lymph nodes can also develop. This happens most often in the glands closest to the scratch or bite. If the scratch is on your arm, the glands in your armpit or near your elbow may become tender and swollen. Call your family doctor if you notice any of the following problems: A cat scratch or bite that is not healing.