Wound Not Healing Properly
Hello everyone! I’m a 22-year-old female and I recently had an unfortunate incident with my cat that left me scratched on the underside of my palm. This occurred during playtime when she got a bit too enthusiastic. After the incident, I immediately cleaned the area with soap and water and applied a bandaid. The bleeding stopped within a few hours. However, by Friday, I started experiencing significant pain, prompting me to visit a walk-in medical facility. There, I was prescribed antibiotic ointment which I have been diligently applying. Unfortunately, the appearance of the scratch hasn’t improved at all since the day it happened, and the pain persists, particularly when I apply the ointment. My job at the hospital requires me to frequently wash and sanitize my hands, which keeps the area clean but also leads to excessive dryness. From my untrained perspective, the scratch appears to be rather deep. I’m wondering if it would be advisable to seek further medical attention. If not, could anyone offer suggestions on how to aid the healing process, especially considering that my hands get dry at work? I should also mention that I have a heart arrhythmia and have been experiencing new symptoms such as debilitating fatigue and easy bruising over the past few months. I am actively discussing these issues with my doctor, but I’m curious if these might be connected to the slow healing and discomfort I’m experiencing with this wound.
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 1:10:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating situation regarding your wound, especially with your job's demands and the underlying health conditions you mentioned. The lack of improvement in your scratch and the persistent pain warrant close attention, especially considering the new symptoms of fatigue and easy bruising.
Explanation:
Your initial self-care steps were appropriate, and it's good that you cleaned the wound and sought medical advice. The fact that the wound hasn't improved and is causing pain may suggest that it's not healing properly, which could be due to a range of factors—including the depth of the scratch, potential infection, or underlying health issues like your heart arrhythmia.
Actionable Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms Closely:
- Continue to observe the wound for signs of infection, which include increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus or any discoloration around the scratch. If any of these occur, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
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Moisturize the Area:
- Since handwashing and sanitizing increase dryness, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or healing ointment (like Aquaphor) around the wound but not directly on it while the healing is ongoing. This can help prevent excessive dryness that may slow healing.
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Limit Irritation:
- When at work, try to minimize contact with water and sanitizers on the wound as much as possible. Consider wearing a protective glove over the bandage if you need to wash your hands often.
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Pain Management:
- Over-the-counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help with the discomfort. Follow the package directions and consider your health conditions when choosing the right one for you.
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Further Medical Attention:
- Given that you have a heart arrhythmia, coupled with the new symptoms you are experiencing, it is advisable to inform your healthcare provider about these changes. While the wound may require observation, your overall health should be the priority, especially when associated symptoms arise.
Conclusion:
You’re doing well in caring for your wound, but given the persistence of symptoms and your existing health concerns, reaching out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation might be the best course. They can assess both your wound and new symptoms to ensure comprehensive care. Take care and don't hesitate to seek help if things don't improve!
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