A dog bite wound that healed thirty years ago has suddenly started itching.

May 17, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Feng

Introduction

A dog bite wound that suddenly itches after thirty years may be due to hypertrophic scarring, contact dermatitis, thromboangiitis obliterans, or other causes, and can be improved through general care or medication. Hypertrophic scarring refers to excessive growth of scar tissue during the healing process, forming keloids or granulation tissue. If proper wound care is not maintained, localized itching may occur.

A dog bite wound that suddenly becomes itchy after thirty years may be due to hypertrophic scar, contact dermatitis, thromboangiitis obliterans, or other causes. Symptoms can be improved through general care or medication. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Hypertrophic Scar

Hypertrophic scar refers to excessive growth of scar tissue during the healing process of an injury, forming keloids or granulation tissue. If proper wound care is not maintained, localized itching may occur. Patients may use topical medications such as madecassol ointment or polysulfated glycosaminoglycan cream under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

2. Contact Dermatitis

During contact dermatitis, nerve endings are stimulated by allergens or irritants, leading to symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, and pain. Patients may follow medical advice to use calamine lotion or mometasone furoate cream for treatment.

3. Thromboangiitis Obliterans

In thromboangiitis obliterans, inflammatory secretions cause blood vessel dilation and increased blood flow to the skin surface, which stimulates the skin and leads to symptoms such as swelling and itching. Patients may take medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets or clopidogrel sulfate tablets under a doctor's supervision.

Besides the above causes, localized itching could also result from peripheral neuritis, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or other conditions. If itching occurs at the site of the old wound, avoid scratching with hands to prevent local infection.

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What should I do if a dog bite wound is hurting slightly?

The wound from a dog bite is causing mild, persistent pain. Measures such as thoroughly cleaning the wound, assessing its condition, preventing infection, relieving pain symptoms, and monitoring healing progress should be taken to avoid worsening complications. If the wound is deep, continues bleeding, or shows signs of redness, swelling, or pus, seek medical attention immediately. Rinse the wound alternately with running water and soapy water for at least 15 minutes.

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Is it only when a person is bitten by a rabid dog that they can get rabies?

Under normal circumstances, rabies is not transmitted only by bites from dogs with rabies; other animals carrying the rabies virus can also spread the disease, and the virus may even be transmitted indirectly through specific routes. In daily life, people should avoid contact with stray or wild mammals, and household pets should receive regular rabies vaccinations. If scratched or bitten by an animal, regardless of whether the animal shows abnormal behavior or not,

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Can you get rabies from eating food without washing your hands after petting a dog?

Under normal circumstances, eating without washing hands after touching a healthy dog that does not carry the rabies virus will not lead to rabies infection. However, there is a risk of contracting rabies if you touch a dog carrying the rabies virus or come into contact with its saliva and then eat without washing your hands. To reduce the risk, it is important to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and running water immediately after contact with any dog.

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Is Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gram-positive or Gram-negative?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, also known as *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, is a Gram-negative bacterium. It has a thin cell wall with low peptidoglycan content and loose cross-linking, appearing red after Gram staining. As an opportunistic pathogen, it is widely distributed in nature and on the mucosal surfaces of the human body. Individuals with weakened immune systems are susceptible to infection, and medical attention should be sought promptly if related symptoms occur. This bacterium is an aerobic rod capable of producing