how long does it take for a cat bite to heal. on augmenton, but not healing well?


Question:
My indoor cat got outside, when I picked him up he bit me hard right below my thumb. By next morning hard and wrist swollen, red and streaks going up my arm. Off to the doctor I went, cultured and gave me Augmenton antibiotic. Redness is down but hand still extremely swollen and painful. This was 4 days ago, how long before swelling and pain go away?

Answers:
I'm very glad you went to the doctor! Those red streaks up your arm are very dangerous. Basically, you had an intense infection from the bite. Cats have some of the worst bacteria's possible in their mouths.

With proper care, I'd say that the swelling and pain should cease with a week, week and a half at most.

If it hasn't ceased by then, go back to your doctor and have him look at it.

Or, to be on the safe side, give him a call and ask, just to be sure.

Good Luck!

Other Answers:
Cat bites are usually hard to deal with. Keep your hand elevated the best you can to controll swelling and take pain med on a regular basis. If the doctor didnt give you any, try Tylenol or probably Advil because of the inflammation in the bite. Of course, if things worsen, call your doctor.
I had a dog bite on my finger, sort of the same scenario and I took augmenton (sp) but I also went for whirlpool treatments on my hand for 3 days. It took FOREVER to heal and in fact, is still swollen and it's been 2 months. See if you need the whirlpool therapy, the betadine and water get into the bite and really disinfect it.
Clensing the wound properly along with the antibiotic will help the healing process. the antibiotic is an internal medication and works from inside the body. You can call your doctor to ask for a topical or a suggestion of an over the counter one to use after clensing the wound. this would also require the use of exterior bandage in order to keep the medicine on and keep the wound itself clean to heal without more bacteria getting in.
The hands are the hardest to keep clean as we use them for everything and germs are on anything you touch that is not disinfected daily. you may wash them regularly, however, others do not and leave behind bacteria that can be dangerouse.
If the red streaks are still visible, then would suggest that you return to your doctor. This could mean that the infection is different than first thought and your coultures could be in by then and he/she could better treat the infection.
Dont take the risk of not seeking further treatment if it is still painfull and continually red even after several days of antibiotics.
Cat bites are the worst bite it could take several weeks to heal.


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