Dog Bite Infection: When to Seek Medical Attention for Cellulitis

The finger was bitten by a dog and developed cellulitis?

Last Friday, I was bitten on the finger by my pet dog.
At the time, it was red and swollen, but I didn't think much of it and only disinfected and applied medication.
As the redness and swelling became more pronounced, the wound healed but developed an abscess inside.
On the third day, I went to the hospital for a consultation, and the doctor prescribed a 7-day course of antibiotics, advising me to return if there was no improvement in two to three days.
Currently, after taking the medication, I am experiencing diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and throat discomfort.
The swelling around the wound has decreased, but the wound itself is still swollen and uncomfortable, and the abscess has not resolved.
Should I return to the doctor to discuss the side effects and whether the wound needs to be surgically debrided?

Niu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/11/02

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery

Hello! For dog bite wounds, each time you change the dressing, you should use the smallest cotton swab to clean the wound thoroughly.
Some antibiotics may have gastrointestinal side effects, which can vary from person to person.
It is recommended to return for a follow-up evaluation to assess whether debridement is necessary.
Take care! Changhua Hospital is concerned about you!

Reply Date: 2022/11/02

More Info

When it comes to dog bite infections, particularly cellulitis, it is crucial to understand the signs and symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can occur after a bite, especially if the wound is not properly cleaned or if bacteria enter the skin through the bite. Given your situation, it is important to assess the progression of your symptoms and the effectiveness of the treatment you are currently receiving.

Initially, after being bitten, it is common for the area to become red and swollen. However, if the redness and swelling continue to worsen, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, increased pain, or the formation of pus (as you mentioned with the presence of a pus-filled bump), these could be indicators that the infection is not resolving and may require further intervention.
You noted that you have been prescribed antibiotics for seven days, which is a standard treatment for infections like cellulitis. However, the side effects you are experiencing—diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and throat discomfort—are concerning. These symptoms could be indicative of an adverse reaction to the antibiotic or a sign that the antibiotic is not effectively treating the infection. It is essential to communicate these side effects to your healthcare provider as soon as possible, as they may need to adjust your medication or provide additional treatment options.

Regarding the swelling and the presence of the pus-filled bump, it is advisable to return to your doctor for a follow-up appointment. If the infection is not improving or if it appears to be worsening, your doctor may need to evaluate the wound further. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain any abscesses or to clean the wound more thoroughly. This is particularly important if the infection has spread or if there is a risk of complications.

In addition to physical symptoms, it is also important to monitor your overall health. If you experience systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, or increased fatigue, these could indicate that the infection is becoming more serious and requires immediate medical attention.

In summary, you should definitely consider returning to your healthcare provider to discuss your current symptoms, the side effects of the antibiotics, and the status of your wound. It is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to infections, especially those resulting from animal bites. Your health and safety are paramount, and timely intervention can prevent complications and promote better healing.

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