What should I do if I have minor bleeding from a cat scratch?

After being scratched by a cat with slight bleeding, there is a risk of rabies infection, so prompt wound cleaning, vaccination, and medical treatment are necessary.

1. Wound Cleaning

Seek immediate treatment after being scratched by a cat. First, rinse the wound thoroughly with water to remove dust, hair, and other debris around the injured area. For more serious scratches, clean the wound using sterile cotton balls and alcohol. If the scratch is deep, seek medical attention for possible suturing.

2. Vaccination

There is a significant risk of infection after being scratched by a cat with minor bleeding. Therefore, it's essential to go to a hospital or disease control center within 24 hours after cleaning the wound to receive a rabies vaccine.

3. Medication

After being scratched by a cat, take medication promptly under a doctor’s guidance to prevent infection. This may include metronidazole tablets, cephalosporin capsules, and oral vitamin supplements such as vitamin C and vitamin B, which help promote skin healing. Additionally, use topical anti-inflammatory ointments such as Mupirocin (Bactroban) ointment or erythromycin ointment to reduce the risk of scarring.

Maintain a light diet in daily life and avoid spicy or irritating foods.