What does it mean if the area around a wound caused by a dog scratch becomes red, and what should be done?

Oct 10, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Haiying

Introduction

In general, redness around a dog scratch wound may be caused by factors such as skin damage, allergy, bacterial infection, fungal infection, or viral infection. Patients can receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific underlying cause. When the skin is damaged—whether from a cut, abrasion, or other injury—the body responds with an inflammatory reaction to the injury, which includes local blood vessel dilation.

In general, redness around a dog scratch wound may be caused by factors such as skin damage, allergies, bacterial infection, fungal infection, or viral infection. Patients can receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific cause. The details are as follows:

1. Skin Damage

When the skin is damaged—whether from cuts, abrasions, or other injuries—the body initiates an inflammatory response to address the injury. This response includes local vasodilation, which increases blood flow and delivers immune cells to the injured area, resulting in redness and swelling around the wound. Patients may use medications such as mupirocin ointment or erythromycin ointment under medical guidance.

2. Allergy

If a patient is allergic to a dog's saliva, fur, or other secretions, contact with a scratch wound may trigger an allergic reaction, causing redness, itching, and inflammation around the skin. Patients may take antiallergic medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets or loratadine tablets under medical supervision.

3. Bacterial Infection

If bacteria from the dog’s claws or mouth enter the wound, a bacterial infection may develop. This can lead to localized inflammation, including redness, pain, and possible pus formation around the wound. Patients may be treated with medications such as fusidic acid sodium cream or compound polymyxin B ointment under a doctor's direction.

4. Fungal Infection

If personal hygiene is neglected after a dog scratch, a fungal infection may occur, leading to redness and itching around the wound. Patients may use antifungal treatments such as naftifine-ketoconazole cream or terbinafine hydrochloride cream under medical advice.

5. Viral Infection

If the wound comes into contact with contaminated substances after a dog scratch, a viral infection may result, triggering an inflammatory response that causes redness and pain around the wound. Patients may be prescribed antiviral medications such as acyclovir tablets or ganciclovir tablets under medical supervision.

If the dog scratch is deep, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention at a hospital for a rabies vaccine to prevent the risk of rabies.

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Do I need to get a rabies vaccine after being scratched by a dog?

Whether rabies vaccination is required after being scratched by a dog depends on the level of wound exposure. If it is a Level I exposure, where the skin is not visibly broken, vaccination may be withheld with close observation. For Level II exposure, where there is no bleeding but there are tooth marks or scratch marks on the skin, the wound should be cleaned and disinfected, and vaccination is necessary. In the case of Level III exposure, where the wound is bleeding, prompt vaccination is required.