Concern After Mouse Bite?
Hello everyone, I’m a 21-year-old female, standing 162 cm tall and weighing 44 kg, without any current medications or health concerns. Today, I had an encounter with a rather feisty lab mouse that resulted in a bite. The mouse punctured my glove, leaving a small wound on the tip of my pinky finger. Initially, it bled a fair amount, so I quickly rinsed it under running water and applied 70% alcohol several times for disinfection. The injury has since diminished, barely visible now, with just a slight reddening compared to my other fingers. It's been about an hour, and although there's slight tenderness (with a pain level around 5-7), it does feel warm, though not excessively so. In addition, I've noted a peculiar sensation that resembles numbness, though I'm unable to pinpoint it exactly. I considered sharing a photo to provide clarity, but the wound is quite small and might not show well. Just to clarify, the mouse was healthy, and in case it had any issues, the most serious would be multiple myeloma, which I understand isn’t an immediate concern regarding infections. I’ve received reassurance from others that I’ll be fine, but I can’t shake off my worries. Any advice or thoughts? Thank you!
Answers (1)
8/9/2025, 1:01:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned after a mouse bite, especially with your symptoms. While the risk of serious infection from a healthy lab mouse is low, there are still steps you should take to ensure proper care and monitor your wound.
Main Points:
- Clean the wound thoroughly and monitor for changes.
- Watch for signs of infection or worsening symptoms.
- Avoid further irritation to the area.
Explanation:
Mouse bites can be concerning due to the potential for bacterial infection, even from household rodents. The fact that you rinsed the wound and used alcohol is a good first step for disinfection. The warmth and tenderness you're experiencing can be normal following a bite, but numbness is worth paying attention to.
Next Steps:
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Monitor the Wound:
- Keep an eye on the wound for any signs of infection over the next few days. Look for increased redness, swelling, pus, or if the pain escalates.
-
Pain Management:
- For the tenderness, you can take over-the-counter pain relief (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed if you feel it's necessary.
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Keep the Area Clean:
- Continue to clean the area gently with soap and water daily, and you may want to apply a topical antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) to prevent infection.
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Avoid Irritation:
- Try to keep the area protected from further injury or irritation, perhaps by avoiding tight gloves or jewelry on that finger.
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Watch for Symptoms:
- In the coming days, monitor for any new developments such as increased numbness, changes in sensation, or symptoms that suggest a growing infection.
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Seek Help if Necessary:
- If you notice signs of infection or if the numbness worsens or persists beyond a few days, consider following up with a healthcare provider for an evaluation.
Remember, feelings of anxiety are normal after an incident like this, but staying calm and observing the wound can help put your mind at ease. Feel free to update if your symptoms change or if you have more questions.
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