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You have taken the right steps. Don't panic just yet. Was the scratch fresh when you first noted it in the doctors office? Its true that the sooner you can wash a cut and apply antibiotic cream the better, but as long as you do not see any dramatic redness, swelling or heat in the area of the cut you are probably just fine. At this point just keep the area clean. You may want to check it before bedtime, apply more cream and new bandaid, then do the same thing in the morning. If you have to do any house cleaning, wash dishes, gardening etc. be sure to put on some protective gloves over the bandaid. The cut should normally heal in a matter of a few days. Just keep a close eye on things until then. I have had several minor scratches, including cat scratches since developing my LE but with prompt attention have not yet had any infections.
Of course if you do develop spreading redness, swelling, pain or drainage from the cut you should seek medical attention asap. Chances are good you will be just fine. It is great you are observant and vigilant in trying to maintain good skin health in your affected arm. I will make one suggestion however, start carrying a small bottle of antiseptic hand wash and a small tube of antibiotic ointment in your purse. They will come in handy for the future episodes since none of us can completely avoid small skin breaks from time to time
Linda
May 15, 2007 04:54 PM LindaLou53 wrote:
Gracie,You have taken the right steps. Don't panic just yet. Was the scratch fresh when you first noted it in the doctors office? Its true that the sooner you can wash a cut and apply antibiotic cream the better, but as long as you do not see any dramatic redness, swelling or heat in the area of the cut you are probably just fine. At this point just keep the area clean. You may want to check it before bedtime, apply more cream and new bandaid, then do the same thing in the morning. If you have to do any house cleaning, wash dishes, gardening etc. be sure to put on some protective gloves over the bandaid. The cut should normally heal in a matter of a few days. Just keep a close eye on things until then. I have had several minor scratches, including cat scratches since developing my LE but with prompt attention have not yet had any infections.
Of course if you do develop spreading redness, swelling, pain or drainage from the cut you should seek medical attention asap. Chances are good you will be just fine. It is great you are observant and vigilant in trying to maintain good skin health in your affected arm. I will make one suggestion however, start carrying a small bottle of antiseptic hand wash and a small tube of antibiotic ointment in your purse. They will come in handy for the future episodes since none of us can completely avoid small skin breaks from time to time
Linda