Is it normal for a cat scratch to swell?
The first sign of a cat scratch infection is a blister or a small bump several days after the scratch or bite. It may look like a bug bite. Within a couple of weeks of a scratch or bite, one or more lymph nodes close to this area will swell and become tender.
Can you be allergic to a cat scratch?
Reactions to cat allergens include swelling and itching of the membranes that line your eyes and nose, a stuffy nose and inflamed eyes. In some cases, a cat scratch or lick can cause your skin to become red. Some airborne cat allergens can get in the lungs and cause severe breathing problems.
How do you stop a cat scratch from itching?
Put plastic, double-sided sticky tape, sandpaper or upside-down vinyl carpet runner (knobby parts up) on furniture or on the floor where your cat would stand to scratch your furniture. Place scratching posts next to these objects, as “legal” alternatives. Clip your cat’s nails regularly.
How do I know if my cat scratch is infected?
The infected area may appear swollen and red with round, raised lesions and can have pus. A person with CSD may also have a fever, headache, poor appetite, and exhaustion. Later, the person’s lymph nodes near the original scratch or bite can become swollen, tender, or painful.
Why do scratches get puffy?
When people who have dermatographia lightly scratch their skin, the scratches redden into a raised wheal similar to hives. These marks usually disappear within 30 minutes. The cause of dermatographia is unknown, but it can be triggered in some people by infections, emotional upset or medications such as penicillin.
Can you put Neosporin on a cat scratch?
It may be tempting to slather Neosporin on your cat when you see it has a wound. But this first-aid kit staple, otherwise called triple antibiotic ointment, isn’t recommended for use on cats. Neosporin can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in cats.
Why does my skin swell when my cat scratched me?
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.