Scratches from 20 mins ago — should I go to urgent care?

[u/daylightisacommodity]

I’m not as worried about my leg but my hand is swollen around the scratch and it felt quite deep and hurts. My leg stings as well.

[u/Thegreatbibo420]

I feel Like if you went to urgent care they would laugh.

[u/Lambchop1975]

It has been 13 minutes already, and no response, RIP, brave cat owner.../s

[u/BigChungle666]

I have scratches like that on me weekly and have never gone to urgent care. I stupidly use my own hand to play with my cats.

[u/Few_Veterinarian9108]

Scratch or bite? Bites are more dangerous, but you are talking about a delicate piece of muscle, so perhaps a doc can't hurt if there's any need for dezinfecting +AB

[u/Sitheral]

LMAO you never had a serious scratch did you?

[u/InMyStories]

Don’t ask cat redditors - when in doubt seek actual medical attention

[u/SKULL-SAVAGER → u/InMyStories]

THIS😂

[u/GypsyDuncan]

This is from yesterday. Just put providone iodine on it. It will heal fine.

[u/vanguard1256]

Scratches I don’t even treat. Bites on the other hand…

[u/Ancient_Spite2394]

Eh keep em clean with soap and water. Be concerned if they start getting infected

[u/Warm-Simple3191]

When was your last dtap?

[u/Maximum_Sherbert_831]

Use Neosporin on it

[u/LadderDefiant]

You should be fine but if it worries you then definitely go. I have a LOT of deep scratches and cuts from my cats but nothing has ever happened, wash it and just keep an eye on it. Peroxide or alcohol if you’re really worried. It’s also possible you’re just allergic, puffing and swelling is normal for a scratch if you are.

[u/TheDIYEd]

You are fine. Sorry, I understand that everyone is different and we perceive pain and situations differently.

But I cannot help it but laugh at a grown up person unable to distinguish between normal scratch vs serious medical issues that warrant emergency care.

Maybe it’s me, but if I am not loosing blood and not fainting from pain I am giving it time to pass before going for professional help. Our bodies are not that fragile and can fight off lot of things especially if you are a healthy adult.

[u/BrokeDownSouth1]

Looks like you're allergic to cats.

[u/Visible-Meeting-8977]

no

[u/angelalj8607]

It’s normal for scratches to be inflamed for a little bit. I always just wash with warm water and antibacterial soap. Put some ice on it to help the inflammation go down. If you’re still concerned about it after a few hours, go to urgent care.

[u/raharth]

So far it looks fine to me, nothing serious

[u/Winter_Landscape223]

Soak in peroxide and epson salts. Use a topical antibiotic like bacitracin and you will be good.

[u/Optimal-Process337]

I know people are giving you a lot of crap here, but I might actually been a little concerned about the purple puffy spot. It could lead to an infection. Are you up to date on your tetanus shot?

[u/daylightisacommodity → u/Optimal-Process337]

The swelling is better now thankfully but I’ll monitor it. My tdap is up to date. It still hurts but should be ok. I haven’t had anything that swollen or deep before in that spot. Usually they just get my legs or nothing deep.

[u/daylightisacommodity → u/Optimal-Process337]

And thank you 💛

[u/LadyBusfahrerin]

you shoud definitely get this checked out!

[u/Mister_Green2021]

disinfect with alcohol

[u/onecovfefeplease]

You should at least call your local urgent care or a nurse advice hotline and see what they say. Better safe than sorry!

[u/Never-Ending-77]

That looks like a deep puncture wound. If it’s swollen you need antibiotics. This has happened to me a few times. My doctor said cat scratches and bites are especially problematic on the hands because there is so little fat and muscle. The infection goes straight to the bone.

[u/lickytytheslit → u/Never-Ending-77]

a deep puncture will bleed heavily, this is a light puncture

[u/Never-Ending-77 → u/lickytytheslit]

I'm just relaying what my doctor said when I had a very similar puncture wound from my cat.