I have a dog bite on my right hand, the fatty pad under my pinky finger. Should I go to the doctor?

The skin's pierced on the pad, and the dog didn't let go quickly. My pinky and ring fingers ache, but I don't think any bones are broken. Both sides of my palm are bruised, and the pad (pinky) is really swollen. I've cleaned the wound several times with soap/water and H2O2, but I'm not sure what to do from here on out.





Thanks
I have a dog bite on my right hand, the fatty pad under my pinky finger. Should I go to the doctor?
If the dog broke the skin, the first thing you should be worried about is infection. Is the dog current on the rabies vaccination? It would be in your best interest to see a doctor and get some antibiotics. If you can't to that, then do this:


1. Soak the hand in a solution of 1 tsp. salt to 1 qt. of water. Soak for 10 minutes at least twice a day.


2. Dry thoroughly and apply neosporin ointment after each soak. Leave the wound open to the air unless it is draining.


3. Watch for signs of infection. An infected wound will be very red, very sore, more swollen, and may drain pus or liquid. If you have any signs of an infection, you need to get antibiotics.





Also, are you up to date on your tetanus shot?
I have a dog bite on my right hand, the fatty pad under my pinky finger. Should I go to the doctor?
Definitely see the doctor to prevent/treat infection. There's also the danger of rabies. If you aren't sure that the animal is current on its rabies vaccines or the animal was acting strange at all, then you should consider being vaccinated yourself.
Reply:Have you had a tetnus shot recently. If the bite broke the skin and the finger is swollen and hurts then you definately need to go the doctor.
Reply:Do you know the dog? (I hope so if you were close enough to get bit...) If so, you need to check with the owner about current vaccinations, including Rabies.





If the bite is open, and bleeding, that's actually better than if it's not. If you have a puncture wound that is beyond 1/4 inch deep, you should see a doctor, as puncture wounds are highly susceptible to gangrene which can lead to amputation if not treated promptly.





If the bite is less than 24 hours old, then you're probably OK to wait either way, but if pink or swelling spreads after 24 hours instead of going down, you should go to your dr or an ER..





And a side note: H2O2 is actually NOT recommended for wounds as it dries out the skin and prohibits proper healing.





~ mother of two, and rescuer of exotic animals :-)
Reply:I was bit by a dog on my hand a few years ago and ended up at the ER. They took x-rays to make sure no tendons were cut or bones were broken. They also cleaned it out and gave me a tetanus shot. I went to see my doctor the day after and he prescribed antibiotics also. I would definitely call your doc as he or she will probably want to see you. Good Luck and feel better soon.
Reply:As long as you are up 2 date on ur tetanus and rabies jabs then everything will be fine.


the chances of actually getting an infection from a dog is highly unlikely due to all the healing bacteria in a dogs mouth, thats y its perfectly acceptable to let a dog lick a wound.


i work in a hospital and all the nurses do is stick a plaster on the wound and prescribe an anti-inflammatory for swelling and painkiller for the pain.


just remember a dog bite is alot more healthy than a human bite!!
Reply:Go to the doctor, it sounds like it might be infected, you may need antibiotics. You can use antibiotic creams but, you may have to take them orally and that requires a prescription.