Contrary to popular belief, cat scratches are not that harmless. In fact, any damage caused by sharp claws must be disinfected with the help of special means. Even with minor violations of the integrity of the skin, you can face a lot of unpleasant consequences if you do not show concern 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 treat cat scratches
- The first step is to quickly wash the damaged area. It is best to use soap for this.
- Deep scratches from a cat should definitely be treated with some kind of disinfectant, for example, hydrogen peroxide or an alcohol solution. Lubricate the skin until the bleeding stops completely. The most convenient way to do this is with a cotton pad.
- Then the damage should be smeared with some kind of wound healing agent.
- It is also desirable to apply a bandage. But such a need depends on the location of the damage and its depth. In somecases, it is not necessary to do so. 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 in just 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 infection of the wound
Drugs and folk remedies
To prevent infection and faster healing of scratches from a cat, it is advisable to use the appropriate preparations. Such products should be kept in the first aid kit by all owners of pets with sharp claws.
One of the most effective drugs is Desitin ointment. It allows you to quickly heal the skin without further scarring. In addition, it contains a large amount of vitamins D and A, which contribute to the speedy regeneration.
Traumeel ointment is also considered to be no less effective. This is a homeopathic preparation that combines a variety of s alts that stimulate the regeneration process, reduce inflammation and improve the skin's response to extraneous interventions. Among other things, this ointment has a good analgesic effect, so it also allows you to reduce the severitypain syndrome.
But traditional medicine in such cases suggests using a product that is usually available in every home - honey. It is he who is very useful in the treatment of all kinds of skin damage, including scratches from a cat. This is because honey produces hydrogen peroxide and activates the immune response of cells. In addition, honey is famous for its antioxidant and moisturizing properties, which have long been used to heal wounds.
Is it possible to get infected from a scratch of a cat
The area damaged by sharp claws should look much better by the second day if properly treated. 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 fact is that the saliva of cats is filled with a specific bartonella stick. Penetrating into human tissues and reaching the 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 this pathology lies in the fact that it develops rather slowly and sluggishly. That is why a person does not take seriously what is happening in his body.changes.
Symptoms of disease
There are several signs to watch out for after getting scratched by a cat:
- redness of the damaged area;
- the appearance of blisters with a colorless liquid, which eventually begin to burst;
- enlargement of a nearby lymph node;
- increased body temperature;
- general malaise, fatigue, weakness;
- migraines.
In the inflamed lymph node, the pathological process takes about six months, after which the inflammation gradually subsides, and the node itself returns to normal size.
Conclusion
After the disappearance of the feline disease, approximately 2-4% of people develop complications related to the nervous system. Most often, polyneuritis, sciatica, myelitis and even meningitis appear. To prevent the occurrence of such problems, you should not delay visiting a doctor and self-medicating.
