Understanding Tetanus Risks After a Squirrel Bite: What You Need to Know
A squirrel bite can lead to tetanus? Hello Dr. Huang, I was bitten by a pet squirrel at home about a week ago (it was raised since it was a baby). I read online that tetanus can cause muscle stiffness. About half a month ago, I had a neck muscle strain, which has improved, but af...
Dr. Huang Junxiong Reply:
Hello: The incubation period for tetanus is approximately 3 to 21 days, with an average of about 8 days. Individuals who are bitten by animals are at a higher risk of infection, and it is recommended to receive tetanus antitoxin injections at a hospital. Possible symptoms of teta...[Read More] Understanding Tetanus Risks After a Squirrel Bite: What You Need to Know
Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Dog Bite?
Dog bite injury? If bitten by a dog, is it necessary to get a tetanus shot?
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
In the case of a dog bite, it is recommended to administer a tetanus prophylaxis.[Read More] Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Dog Bite?
Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Dog Bite?
Dog bite injury Is it necessary to get a tetanus shot after being bitten by a dog?
Dr. Huang Zhihui Reply:
Yes, it is recommended to receive a tetanus vaccination.[Read More] Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Dog Bite?
How to Identify Tetanus Symptoms After a Minor Injury
About Tetanus I had an accident while riding my bike in the rain the day before yesterday, resulting in three abrasions. I didn't get a tetanus shot. The next morning, I woke up with neck pain, which I believe is due to sleeping awkwardly, but I'm also concerned it migh...
Dr. Huang Junxiong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you receive a tetanus vaccination, as once symptoms appear, it is usually difficult to treat, and the incubation period can exceed one week. It is advisable for you to go ahead and get vaccinated for prevention. Dr. Huang Jun-Hsiung[Read More] How to Identify Tetanus Symptoms After a Minor Injury
How to Treat a Finger Injury from a Knife Cut: Recovery Tips
If a finger has been chopped by a kitchen knife, the following steps should be taken for treatment: 1. **Control Bleeding**: Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage to stop any bleeding. If the bleeding is severe, I accidentally cut the upper left corner...
Dr. Huang Junxiong Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, if the severed end is still available, direct suturing can be considered. However, if it is lost, the decision will depend on the size of the skin defect. Typically, if the size is within 1.5 x 1.5 centimeters, it should be able to heal on its own witho...[Read More] How to Treat a Finger Injury from a Knife Cut: Recovery Tips
How Long Does Tetanus Vaccine Protection Last After Animal Bites?
Injury Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask you how long the protection from a standard tetanus vaccine lasts. I was previously bitten by a cat, and now I have been bitten by a stray animal again. I believe I do not need to receive another shot and that I only need to disinfect a...
Dr. Huang Junxiong Reply:
Hello: Based on your wound, if you have received a complete series of tetanus toxoid vaccinations (which means three consecutive doses) within the last ten years, you do not need another injection. If it has been more than ten years or you have not received the complete series, y...[Read More] How Long Does Tetanus Vaccine Protection Last After Animal Bites?
Understanding Cellulitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Cellulitis Hello Dr. Li, about 10 days ago, I had a skin break on my big toe. I didn't pay much attention to it or apply any medication, and the wound is nearly healed now. However, today there is swelling and pain around the wound (the redness and heat are not very noticeab...
Dr. Li Junde Reply:
Hello Mr. Wenhan: The skin on your big toe is broken, and it is continuously swollen and painful. This may be due to a wound infection or a combination of contusion and strain that has not healed. Cold weather, poor circulation, or other circulatory issues such as diabetes can ma...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Injuries from Bicycle Falls: Symptoms and Treatment
Injuries from Bicycle Falls (Emergency) Hello Doctor: Two days ago, on March 5th, I fell off my bike. I later went to see a doctor, who said I had a trauma. Is that a abrasion? The injured areas are my right hand, right knee, and the top of my foot. I did not have a fever, but I ...
Dr. Huang Junxiong Reply:
Hello: 1. A superficial abrasion is referred to as an abrasion. 2. When injured, the wound may show slight redness and swelling of the epidermis, but if the redness and swelling become more pronounced, accompanied by increased warmth and pain at the wound site, it is advisable to...[Read More] Understanding Injuries from Bicycle Falls: Symptoms and Treatment
Why You Shouldn't Mix Tetanus Shots: Understanding the Risks
Why? I would like to ask why it is not advisable to rub the injection site after receiving a tetanus shot. Once, a nurse administered this vaccine to me, and when I asked if I could rub the area, she said it was fine. However, another nurse corrected her and said it was not allow...
Dr. Huang Junxiong Reply:
Dear netizens: 1. The reason why you should not rub the area after receiving the tetanus toxoid injection is that rubbing can easily trigger allergic reactions such as redness and swelling; therefore, it is not recommended to massage the area. 2. There are several reasons why...[Read More] Why You Shouldn't Mix Tetanus Shots: Understanding the Risks
Should You Use Disinfectants on Cuts? Debunking Common Myths
About trauma? Hello, doctor. Regarding wounds like cuts, should disinfectants be used for cleaning? There are some rumors online suggesting that disinfectants can damage granulation tissue and reduce white blood cell activity. If disinfectants are used, should they be immediately...
Dr. Li Junde Reply:
Hello Mr. Adair: Regarding wound management and cleaning, the primary approach is to use saline solution for irrigation along with debridement of the wound. Lacerations typically have a lower degree of contamination and may require suturing. Saline solution can be used for washin...[Read More] Should You Use Disinfectants on Cuts? Debunking Common Myths
Is Applying Gold Ointment Effective for Wound Healing?
Is it good to apply golden ointment on wounds? Hello, Doctor: A few days ago, I was knocked down by a car while riding my scooter... I only have abrasions on my elbow... What should I apply to the wound? I've been using Betadine for the past few days... My sister said that t...
Dr. Li Junde Reply:
Hello Miss Hsiao-Hsin: In the case of trauma from a car accident, there may be abrasions that you can treat with topical medication. Fortunately, these may heal on their own. However, there are many concerns regarding infection prevention and wound care (such as the risk of hyper...[Read More] Is Applying Gold Ointment Effective for Wound Healing?
Should I Get Tetanus or Rabies Shots After a Dog Bite?
Rabies I was bitten by a puppy. Although I was wearing long pants and they didn't tear, I have a scrape. I'm unsure if I should get a tetanus shot or rabies vaccine.
Dr. Chen Junxing Reply:
Hello IVY: 1. Taiwan has been a rabies-free zone since 1961, and animals do not carry the virus. 2. If bitten by a regular dog, one only needs to be concerned about wound infection and healing issues. 3. Unless the puppy has just been imported from abroad, it is unlikely to be a ...[Read More] Should I Get Tetanus or Rabies Shots After a Dog Bite?
Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine After a Dog Bite in Taiwan?
Is it necessary to receive a rabies vaccine after being bitten by a dog? Dear Dr. Tsai, I would like to consult you regarding a dog bite incident that occurred recently in Hualien, where I was bitten by a neighbor's dog (it has been two days). I have already received a teta...
Dr. Cai Xingzhi Reply:
Dear Miss Linda, In Taiwan, rabies is not considered an endemic area, and there have been no cases of rabies for several decades. Although there were two reported fatalities this year, both were due to bites from stray dogs from abroad. The incubation period for rabies typically...[Read More] Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine After a Dog Bite in Taiwan?
How to Handle Wild Mouse Bites: Essential Steps and Precautions
Mouse bite injury If you are accidentally bitten by a wild mouse, here’s how to manage the situation: 1. **Immediate Care**: - Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes to reduce the risk of infection. - Apply an antiseptic solution to the...
Dr. Wang Qichao Reply:
The principles for managing animal bites are generally similar. In the case of venomous bites, specific antivenom treatment should be administered based on the type of toxin. For non-venomous animal bites (such as from mice, dogs, cats, etc.), wound care should be provided, inclu...[Read More] How to Handle Wild Mouse Bites: Essential Steps and Precautions
When Is Tetanus Shot Necessary After Surgical Procedures?
Question Hello Dr. Lee: I would like to ask you a question regarding the circumstances under which a tetanus shot is necessary. A few years ago, I had a pus-filled cyst on my finger that was painful to touch, and it showed signs of pus inside! I wanted to have it surgically treat...
Dr. Li Junde Reply:
Hello Mr. Hei Yu: 1. Tetanus toxoid is generally administered as part of the "DTaP vaccine" (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) given after birth, with 3 to 4 doses for preventive immunization, followed by a booster every 10 years or after an injury with a risk of in...[Read More] When Is Tetanus Shot Necessary After Surgical Procedures?
Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Wire Injury?
My brother received a tetanus shot last winter break due to a car accident? My brother received a tetanus shot last winter break due to a car accident. Now he has accidentally sustained an injury from a wire. Does he need to get another shot?
Dr. Li Junda Reply:
The tetanus vaccine provides immunity for several years with a single dose. To ensure prolonged protection, it is generally recommended to administer a booster dose one month after the initial injection. In the case of puncture wounds from barbed wire, the risk of wound infection...[Read More] Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Wire Injury?