Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Animal scratch or dry skin break
I saw this wound on my hand when I woke up ...I don't know what has caused it .. is it a rat or bat scratch or just a dry skin break on my hand .
I got rabies vaccine a year before on October 2023 for a dog bite ...should I need to take another shot or am I safe ...
I am concerned.
I have attached pictures...
Answers (25)
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
Wash the area with soap and water thoroughly.
Apply any antiseptic cream like mupirocin ointment or dettol wash.
Next Steps
Visit any nearest clinic and take a tetanus vaccine.
Health Tips
In case there is any furthur symptoms, kindly schedule a consult.
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Advised to clean the area thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. If the abrasion is open or appears contaminated, antiseptic application is recommended. If you have seen presence of rat or and if you have habbit of sleeping on the floor, a physical examination and should be assessed for potential exposure to rat-borne diseases like leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, and rabies, even though rabies transmission from rodents is extremely rare. Antibiotics to prevent suspecing infection may be considered in if rat bite or bat bite is highly suspected and tetanus immunization should be updated if not current. (and further rabies vaccination may not be needed but TT if not taken along with last Dog bite history, then should be taken)
Next Steps
Monitor for symptoms like fever, redness, swelling, or systemic signs of infection and seek medical attention promptly if they occur.
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
No.
I think a situation often comes in Medical Practice where the patient has to take a call.
It is your hand. You woke up after a sound sleep and you find it on your hand. There was no pain whenever it occurred ( because otherwise you would have woken up in the night itself). You didn't see any animals in your house.
And now you want a medical opinion on the cause of this mark.
A simple answer is
"Your guess is as good as mine".
And you take a call whether you want Anti-rabies vaccine or not.
Answered
0/1 people found this helpful
Judging by the photo inserted, it is pointing more towards dry skin break on the hand. But I would like to know if you came in contact with bats in recent times.
For dog bites, if you have taken proper dosages of rabies vaccine, then u can go for booster dose on day 0 and day 3
Next Steps
use good quality moisturizer.
Health Tips
just confirm whether exposed to bat or rat
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Wash the wound thoroughly with flowing water and soap.
Since it looks like a bite and not a cat or Dog , there is no need for Rabies vaccine . But would advice to get a tetanus vaccine
Next Steps
Get tetanus vaccine. Follow up for any skin injection.
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.