Infection Following Cat Bite Despite Antibiotic Treatment
Greetings everyone. I’m a 24-year-old female with no prior medications. My vaccinated cat accidentally bit me on Monday, creating a noticeable puncture on my right calf. I promptly cleaned the wound and applied isopropyl alcohol right after the incident, then carried on with my daily routine. It wasn't until yesterday that I experienced some discomfort, and upon checking the wound, I noticed significant swelling and signs of possible infection. By around 9 PM, the condition appeared to deteriorate, prompting me to mark the area with a pen for monitoring purposes. When I awoke at 7 AM, the bite had visibly worsened. Concerned about the swelling, I rushed to urgent care at 8 AM. The medical personnel prescribed a ten-day course of Cephalexin, 500 mg three times daily. Currently, it seems to be expanding and becoming increasingly inflamed. Although I've only taken two doses of the antibiotics thus far and understand that healing can take time, I’m wondering how much longer I should wait before seeking further medical advice. Additionally, any moisture observed in images is due to the antibiotic ointment I applied yesterday, and not a discharge from the wound.
Answers (1)
9/11/2025, 5:50:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're taking your situation seriously, and that's important, especially with a cat bite that shows signs of infection. Since you're experiencing worsening symptoms despite starting antibiotics, it’s essential to act appropriately.
Explanation
Cat bites can introduce bacteria into the body, increasing the risk of infection. It's encouraging that you've consulted urgent care and are on antibiotics. However, the presence of swelling, pain, and inflammation that's worsening after starting treatment suggests that the infection may not be responding as expected. This can happen for several reasons, including antibiotic resistance or the depth of the wound.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the area for any increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or change in drainage. Take your temperature to check for fever, which indicates your body is fighting an infection.
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Continue Antibiotics: Be sure to complete your prescribed course of Cephalexin as directed, even if symptoms seem to improve. Antibiotics can take a few days to start showing improvement, but worsening symptoms are concerning.
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Seek Further Medical Attention: Since you’ve noticed an escalation of symptoms despite medication, it’s wise to return to urgent care or your primary care physician if the situation doesn’t improve significantly within 48 hours. You can mention the concerns you’re having, and they may perform additional evaluations, such as imaging or a change in your treatment plan.
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Wound Care at Home: Keep the wound clean and dry. You can wash it gently with soap and water and reapply antibiotic ointment as per your initial care plan. Avoid any harsh cleaners like alcohol on the open wound, as this can delay healing.
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Pain Management: If you're experiencing pain, consider over-the-counter pain relief such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the dosing instructions on the package.
Remember, while waiting for improvement is sometimes necessary, if you notice rapid worsening, such as increased pain, swelling, or if you feel unwell overall, do not hesitate to consult with healthcare professionals sooner. Your health and comfort are a priority!
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