Contrary to popular belief, cat scratches are not so harmless. In fact, any damage caused by sharp claws must be decontaminated with the help of special means. Even with minor violations of the integrity of the skin, you can encounter a lot of unpleasant consequences if you do not show anxiety and vigilance in time. So what to do in such a situation in order to avoid all sorts of problems and how to remove scratches from a cat? This and more will be discussed further.
How to handle cat scratches
- The first step is to quickly wash the damaged area. It is best to use soap.
- Deep scratches from a cat should be treated with some kind of disinfectant, for example, hydrogen peroxide or an alcohol solution. Lubricate the skin until the bleeding stops completely. It is most convenient to do this with a cotton pad.
- Then the lesions need to be lubricated with some wound healing agent.
- It is also advisable to apply a bandage. But such a need depends on the location of the damage and its depth. In some cases, this is optional. Although, according to user reviews, it is the bandage that can significantly reduce the intensity of pain. In addition, it prevents the penetration of bacteria and accidental injury.
- For several days after the incident, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the scratches. Usually, obvious improvements are observed after only a couple of days. If you notice swelling, severe redness, pain or fever, you should immediately consult a doctor. After all, such signs may indicate wound infection.
Drugs and folk remedies
To prevent infection and faster healing of scratches from a cat, it is advisable to use appropriate medications. Such funds should be kept in the medicine cabinet for all owners of pets with sharp claws.
One of the most effective drugs is the Desitin ointment. It allows you to quickly heal the skin without further scarring. In addition, its composition contains a large number of vitamins D and A, which contribute to the speedy regeneration.
Traumeel ointment is also considered no less effective. This is a homeopathic medicine that combines a variety of salts that stimulate the regeneration process, reduce inflammation and improve the skin's response to extraneous interventions. In addition, this ointment has a good analgesic effect, so that it also reduces the severity of the pain syndrome.
But traditional medicine in such cases suggests using a product that is usually found in every home - honey. It is he who is very useful in the treatment of all kinds of skin lesions, including cat scratches. This is due to the fact that honey produces hydrogen peroxide and activates the immune response of cells. In addition, honey is famous for its antioxidant and moisturizing properties that have long been used to treat wounds.
Is it possible to get infected from scratching a cat
A site damaged by sharp claws, with proper treatment, should look much better on the second day. If you notice the appearance of negative symptoms - redness, swelling, swollen lymph nodes and other signs, you should immediately seek medical help. All these are manifestations of an infection or pathology, which is also called cat scratch disease. This condition is very dangerous and requires immediate treatment.
The thing is that the saliva of cats is filled with a specific stick of Bartonella. Penetrating into human tissue and reaching a nearby lymph node, it contributes to the development of the inflammatory process. Gradually, the stick enters the bloodstream, due to which the infection spreads throughout the body.
The insidiousness of such a pathology lies in the fact that it develops quite slowly and sluggishly. That is why a person does not take seriously the changes taking place in his body.
Symptoms of the disease
There are several signs that should occur after getting a cat scratch, you should worry:
- redness of the damaged area;
- the appearance of bubbles with a colorless liquid, which over time begin to burst;
- enlargement of a nearby lymph node;
- increase in body temperature;
- general malaise, fatigue, weakness;
- migraine.
In the inflamed lymph node, the pathological process takes about six months, after which the inflammation gradually subsides, and the node itself returns to its normal size.
Conclusion
After the disappearance of feline disease, approximately 2-4% of people develop nervous system complications. Most often, polyneuritis, sciatica, myelitis and even meningitis appear. To prevent the occurrence of such problems, do not delay the visit to the doctor and self-medicate.