How to treat a cat scratch wound. Cat bites: what is dangerous and how to treat

Alas, the marks left by the claws of cats on human skin are also not harmless. Their consequences even have a special name - " cat scratch disease» ( BCC).

cat-scratch disease, or felinosis- This is an acute bacterial disease that a person becomes infected from cats through bites, scratches and just licking.

The curved claws of a cat penetrate the skin, bringing pathogenic bacteria into the wound, which then spread to the surrounding tissues. The saliva of a cat, hitting the skin or conjunctiva of the eyes, causes their damage. In the future, inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs.

The causative agent of felinosis

Bartonella henselae (bartonella), which gets to the cat through flea bites and can live in the blood, saliva, urine, on the paws of the cat. At the same time, the cat itself does not get sick, but is a carrier of bacteria.

Infection with bartonella does not bypass even the most “undomesticated” pets. Probably every cat at some point turns out to be a carrier of bacteria. And the younger she is, the more likely she is to be infected.

Symptoms of felinosis:

swelling or swelling at the site of the scratch, suppuration, swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes an allergic reaction, fever, signs of toxicosis appear.

The severity of CCC is directly dependent on immunity, so children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, for example, after an illness, are most susceptible to the disease. Man cannot infect man.

Felinosis can occur in typical and atypical forms.

Typical form of felinosis

Develops gradually. In place of an already healed scratch or bite, a small bubble appears, then a sore or crust. General health is good. After some time (15-50 days), lymph nodes (usually one) of the axillary or inguinal region, elbow and popliteal fold, and neck increase near the damage. The lymph node becomes soft and painful, enlarged up to 3-10 cm, sometimes it suppurates and opens on its own.

There is an increase in temperature (38 ° -41 °), signs of intoxication (weakness, headache, poor appetite, increased sweating, slight pain in the abdomen and muscles, etc.). The depression usually lasts two weeks, inflammation of the lymph nodes - 2-4 months. The disease heals itself in 3-6 months (with complications it lasts up to a year). After an illness, a strong immunity develops.

Atypical form of felinosis

Fortunately, it is rare, usually seen in children and people with low immunity. Atypical signs appear after enlargement of the lymph nodes.

When a bacterium enters the eye, conjunctivitis develops, nodules and sores form in the eye, the temperature rises, symptoms of general malaise appear, the submandibular and parotid lymph nodes increase, sometimes with suppuration and further scarring of the skin. With complications, temporary loss of vision in one eye is possible. After some time (from several weeks to several months) complete recovery occurs.

Very rarely, CCC causes damage to the central nervous system (encephalitis, meningitis, polyneuritis), in the most severe case, encephalopathy (dystrophic change in brain tissue) develops. With an atypical form, damage to internal organs is possible - the spleen, liver, heart and lungs.

Diagnosis of BCC

It is difficult, since its symptoms are also characteristic of other diseases, and the fact of contact with a cat often does not even “pop up” when contacting the clinic. The diagnosis is established in the laboratory on the basis of bacterial culture with the definition of the pathogen. The analysis is informative only a few weeks after infection.

CSC treatment

The typical form is characterized by self-recovery. With a severe course of the disease, in order to avoid serious complications, it is important to seek medical help in a timely manner.

Treatment is prescribed individually depending on the symptoms of the disease. If necessary, pus from the lymph nodes is removed surgically - through an incision or puncture. The patient is not contagious to others, and with a relatively good state of health does not need regime restrictions. Hospitalization is necessary only in severe forms of the disease and the presence of immunodeficiency.

Prevention of CCC

If you get scratches and bites, you should let some blood drain (possibly infected), then wash the wound with running water and laundry soap and treat with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine. If necessary, apply a gauze bandage. A little something - immediately to the doctor!

Protecting yourself from CSC is to minimize the risk of being bitten or scratched by a cat:

play with your pet until it releases its claws. Communicate with kittens in clothing that covers arms and legs.
do not climb to the cat when she is in an excited state. Do not tease her, do not touch her while eating, etc.
do not stroke or pick up strangers (especially homeless!) cats.
and, as usual, wash your hands after interacting with the cat.

Dear Parents! Children are the most vulnerable "risk group". Please explain to your daughters and sons that you can not touch other people's and street cats. Of course, I want the child to grow up kind and sympathetic. But damn it, it's really dangerous!!
P.S. Hey, we all love our pet too!

Possible dangerous infections through cat scratches.

The cat is one of the most beloved pets. Many owners find them full-fledged and full members of the family. But in our time there are a lot of homeless animals that live on the street and can show aggression. Scratches or bites from such a cat, in some cases, are a serious danger to humans. The manifestation of aggression is sometimes found in pets.

Why are cat scratches dangerous for humans?

The marks left on the body of the owner by cute cat claws are not so harmless
Their consequences can lead to a serious ailment called cat scratch disease - "CTS"
A cat with felinosis, having bitten, scratched or licked a person, can “reward” him with this bacterial disease
Curved claws of a pet violate the protective layer of the epidermis, which contributes to the spread of pathogenic bacteria around the affected area
As the disease progresses, painful enlargement of the lymph nodes occurs.

Consequences of cat aggression

Video: The most dangerous scratches

Unlike other skin lesions, cat scratches penetrate deep into the skin, tearing several layers of skin at once.
Ragged wounds heal harder, and are much more painful for a person than even ones.
A deep scratch forms a closed lesion, in which bacteria and microbes accumulate, brought in by dirty cat nails - this makes the wound difficult to access for treatment and treatment.
The damaged area must not only be overgrown with new tissue, but also cleaned of infection, dirt, and when pus forms, the body will also have to deal with it.

Modern pharmaceutical remedies for bites and scratches of pets are available in the form of powders, ointments, liquids. Some of them help faster, others slower. In many ways, healing depends on the characteristics of the skin and the human body as a whole. One of the conditions for speedy healing is the timely treatment of the resulting damage.

The simplest and most effective remedy is hydrogen peroxide.

It is enough immediately, after receiving an injury, to apply this remedy to the wound, as the process of neutralizing harmful bacteria and blood clotting will immediately begin.
In addition, peroxide at the cellular level heals the wound and quickly restores the epidermis.
Thanks to these properties, the damaged area heals very quickly. A few days after application, there is no trace of a scratch.

Is it possible to get rabies, HIV through a scratch of a cat?

Rabies is transmitted only from a sick animal. When the virus of this disease multiplies, the cat becomes aggressive, saliva flows in a stream from the oral cavity. It is she who contains the rabies virus. It is impossible to get infected through the claws of an animal; the virus can only spread through a bite or when infected saliva gets on a scratch.
HIV infection through a cat scratch is possible, but very low. This can only happen if:

The cat will scratch with claws stained with fresh blood of the patient within 8 minutes after the blood with the immunodeficiency virus hits the cat's claws. Since it is such a period of time that the virus lives outside the carrier
According to experts, feline HIV is not transmitted to humans in any form.

A cat scratched - irritation, inflammation and suppuration of a scratch: how to treat?

Possible Complications

If the scratch is not treated in time and correctly, the inflammatory process begins in 1.5-2 hours.

If visible symptoms of inflammation are detected, we take urgent measures:

We disinfect the affected areas with chlorhexidine or miramistin
We apply a gauze bandage with Levomekol
After 3-4 days after the reduction of edema and redness, we stop treatment with Levomekol. We begin to lubricate the wounds with Solcoseryl ointment, at least 5 times a day
After another 7 days, we apply Contractubex or Mederma to the remaining scars. Rub 2-3 times a day until complete healing

Important: With severe inflammation, swelling, fever, the appearance of pus, after a few days, we turn to the doctor.

How to treat bites and scratches from a cat?

We warn of possible dangerous consequences

It is possible to reduce the consequences of cat bites and scratches, to prevent further inflammation and swelling, with the correct and timely treatment of the damaged area.

First, we wash the scar with purified cool water and soapy water, preferably household.
Next, we process it with a three percent solution of hydrogen peroxide. We repeat the procedure several times.
Then we lubricate the edges with any alcohol-containing agent:

iodine
Fucorcin
Brilliant green

Alcohol solutions should not get inside the abrasion, as this can lead to burns.

Video: The cat scratched his hand - what to do?

List of the most effective ointments

Miramistin - has antiseptic properties. It is considered an ideal remedy for preventing the inflammatory process and the formation of pus in scratches caused by a cat. Apply the drug directly to the damaged area or to a sterile dressing 1-2 times a day. Application per day should not exceed 100 g. The duration of therapy depends on the condition of the affected area.
Levomekol - has an antibacterial effect. The ointment contains an antibiotic that promotes the rapid healing of scratches and enhances the regeneration of the epidermis. Apply in the presence of suppuration or pathogens. Apply a thin layer on the abrasion, cover with a sterile bandage. Repeat the procedure one to three times a day.
Rescuer is the most famous and popular balm for the treatment of any scratches. The drug, in addition to accelerating the process of scarring of the wound, anesthetizes well. Apply directly to the affected area at least 3 times a day. In the absence of an allergy to the agent, it can be used as needed without restriction.
Solcoseryl is an excellent tool that quickly heals cat scratches. It helps to absorb oxygen by the cells of the epidermis, initiates the metabolic process in the damaged area, activating its recovery. A particular advantage is the ability to increase collagen synthesis, which has a huge impact on the traceless scarring of deep scratches. Use the ointment only on a dried wound in the healing stage. Since it does not have an antimicrobial effect, it cannot be applied to an undisinfected purulent inflammation. Apply a small amount to the treated wound, cover with a sterile dressing. Dressing is enough to do 1 time per day.
Actovegin is an effective drug to combat inflammatory processes of the skin. Perfectly treats even very large and deep scratches. Apply directly to the wound, cover with a sterile bandage. Repeat the procedure until complete healing 1 time per day.

To avoid serious consequences after scratches from a cat, follow preventive measures for pets:

Visit your veterinarian regularly to monitor your health
Keep all necessary vaccinations up to date
Check your pet for fleas
Give the cat a claw point

If a stray cat scratched:

Treat the wound as suggested above
Immediately go to the emergency room for anti-rabies therapy

Video: Cat scratch disease

Heaclub.ru

How to treat scratches from a cat?

Cats most often have a playful nature, which is reflected in the number of scratches on the owner. During the game, the animal often ceases to control its claws, and therefore inflicts wounds. These consequences are even given a special definition - CSC, which stands for "cat-scratch disease." However, not every owner knows how to treat cat scratches and why skin lesions take so long to heal.

Why are scratches dangerous?

Small longitudinal wounds left by pets are not so safe. Bacteria ingested can cause felinosis or CCC. For an infection to occur, the animal must be itself contagious and be a carrier of the disease.

The sharp claws of a cat violate the integrity of the epidermis. Pathogenic bacteria get into an open wound from claws or when licking. Cat scratches are also dangerous for humans because a small pimple without liquid inside begins to form around the skin. As the disease progresses, it is possible to damage the lymph nodes and other complications of the lymphatic system of the human body.

Symptoms of felinosis

From the beginning of contact with a cat, felinosis does not manifest itself in any way. A small spot forms at the site of the scratch, which later develops into a papule and a small ulcer. The wound heals very slowly, constantly festering. Its surface remains moist despite the use of healing agents.

Swelling or swelling occurs at the site of the scratch. Rarely, the following symptoms appear:

allergic reaction;
toxicosis;
pain in the bones and body;
fatigue;
insomnia.

Three weeks later, a person develops a fever, which is the first sign of damage to the body. Lymph nodes in the armpits and elbows increase, and on palpation they cause discomfort and even pain. Suppuration, the occurrence of tonsillitis and a red rash are possible.

Why do wounds take a long time to heal

Ragged wounds heal much harder than regular ones. That is why a crust forms on the surface for a long time, which is periodically moistened. Insufficient treatment of the wound immediately after its appearance only blocks healing, as bacteria and microbes accumulate in the scratch. The shape of the scratch makes it difficult to process.

How to treat scratches

When a wound is formed, it must first be disinfected. This helps prevent the spread of felisone bacteria and other carriers of infectious diseases.

This can be done with hydrogen peroxide, as well as chlorhexidine. After the wound can be smeared with brilliant green, fucorcin or iodine.

If the scratch turned out to be deep and blood oozes from it, then it is clamped with a sterile bandage for several minutes. Bleeding stops quickly and helps facilitate wound care.

You can restore skin damaged by a cat in a short time with the help of healing ointments. The most effective are Levomekol, Panthenol, actovegin ointment. All of them have regenerative properties and are able to restore skin cells.

Cat scratches can be treated with traditional medicine. Plantain juice, which every person used in childhood, contributes to the rapid healing of wounds. The mashed leaf is applied to the scratch for several hours. Instead of a plantain leaf, you can use beet tops, as well as yarrow leaves or weak compresses from it.

It is strictly forbidden to mask a scratch with cosmetics, since this manipulation can bring an infection inside. Cat scratches should not be left unattended, as they can cause the development of pathologies of the lymph nodes.

koshkamurka.ru

How to treat scratches from a cat

Inveterate cat lovers are well aware that scratches on the skin left by their beloved pets heal poorly and take a long time, often become inflamed and bring a lot of trouble. This can be avoided if you immediately use special tools, which, for sure, can be found in every home first-aid kit.

Of course, it is better not to bring the matter to the appearance of scratches or bites. It is worth anticipating the critical moment when your beloved animal is ready to use its claws. But if it still comes to the appearance of scratches, immediately treat them with a two percent solution of hydrogen peroxide and grease with brilliant green or iodine. Such traditional methods will avoid infection, redness and suppuration of wounds.

The causative agent of lymphoreticulosis is transmitted through the blood. If the pussy scratched you, take all preventive measures immediately so as not to get sick. So that blue or red stripes do not appear at the site of scratches, which look unattractive and attract the attention of others, take care of buying products that help rapid healing and regeneration of skin cells. Miramistin is an antiseptic based on myristic acid. This tool is considered the best drug for the prevention of inflammation and suppuration of wounds and scratches left by a cat. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin in the morning and evening. Within a few days, there will be no trace of the scratches received. Scratches must be handled carefully. No less effective drug under the trade name "Emu Fat". When the two products are combined, your scratches will heal even faster. You can buy the drug at a pharmacy. The cost is affordable. There is a mention of cat-scratch disease in the legend of Akhenaten, the Egyptian pharaoh. His legal wife gave her husband's new concubine a kitten, from the scratches of which the beautiful Nefertiti died.

Why you shouldn't leave cat scratches unattended

In the body of many cats, the causative agent of lymphoreticulosis, or non-bacterial lymphadenitis, lives. At the same time, the animal itself does not get sick and looks cheerful and healthy. The infection is transmitted to humans through scratches, bites. If, despite all the measures you have taken, the places of scratches begin to become inflamed, redden or rot, consult an infectious disease specialist.

Based on the results of the examination, you will be prescribed treatment. Most often, the doctor prescribes antibiotics for internal and external use. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and ranges from 7 to 14 days.

Would you like to avoid such consequences from communicating with your beloved Murka? Get your cat vaccinated on time. It is worth noting that even a vaccinated animal can be re-infected if it freely visits the street. Therefore, one should not lose vigilance. After all, even a beloved owner can be scratched.

How to Treat Cat Scratches The medical articles on the Site are provided for reference only and are not considered sufficient advice, diagnosis, or medically prescribed treatment. The content of the Site is not a substitute for professional medical advice, medical examination, diagnosis or treatment. The information on the Site is not intended for self-diagnosis, prescribing medication or other treatment. Under any circumstances, the Administration or the authors of these materials are not responsible for any losses incurred by the Users as a result of the use of such materials.

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What to do to quickly heal scratches from a cat?

To begin with, disinfect, like any other wound, with any antiseptic. You never know what kind of infection can be on the tips of cat's claws? And then - anoint with any wound healing agent, such as a Rescuer or Bepanten.

in pharmacies there are a large number of remedies for scratches, cuts, punctures, abrasions, these are various powders, ointments, liquids, and as a rule, everything helps - one is faster, the other is slower, it also depends on the characteristics of your skin and the body as a whole.

and there is also the simplest, cheapest and most easily accessible remedy known to everyone - this is hydrogen peroxide - we can safely say that this is a very effective remedy, since hydrogen peroxide has many healing and disinfecting properties, when peroxide enters the wound, we see how it hisses - this happens because during the reaction oxygen is released, which very effectively cleans a scratch, wound or cut from harmful bacteria and quickly stops the seeping blood from the scratch, and another very important property of peroxide is that it has a quick healing effect - mainly at the cellular level - as a result of a scratch after some time there will be no trace and often not even a scar from a strong cut will remain, and all this is due to its miraculous property.

there is also such a drug as MIRAMISTIN, which has an antiseptic property and helps very well with scratches and various suppurations and does not cause allergies

Take cotton and medical alcohol

Dampen the cotton and wipe the cat marks on the arms, legs, face

It will burn, but you will have to be patient

Apply to scratches a couple of times a day until they are gone.

You can of course smear scratches with iodine or brilliant green.

But you will walk all in yellow or green).

So smear the scratches with alcohol, do not pick them and let them "breathe".

Sooner or later they will pass. It's best not to tease cats.

A wound is a wound. E needs to be disinfected first. Without this, the scratch will not only not heal quickly, but also fester under unfavorable circumstances. Treat with any traditional means for this. For example, alcohol.

After that, I would not take any emergency measures. Not that wound to invent a lot of new, complex and fast-acting. Leave the wound alone, create conditions for minimal movement, do not wrap, do not wrap, let it breathe fresh air. In addition to antiseptics, I sometimes rub a plantain leaf in my palms (if I find it) and apply it for a while. This can stop the blood, and in all other respects it will not hurt.

First of all, in the first-aid kit at home, cat lovers should have 3% hydrogen peroxide in order to immediately treat the wound and stop the bleeding. Then treat with an antiseptic chlorhexidine or miramistin so that there are no complications. Only after septic treatment can you use brilliant green to dry the wound.

there is a good Vishnevsky ointment or pee

Scratches from cat claws are no different from any other scratches. Therefore, the means of healing are the same. When the hand is severely scratched by cats, there is approximately the same frequency as if mosquitoes had bitten. You can tie a piece of agave to the places of scratches (it is also called yarrow) or plantain, if there is no agave. Then the wound will heal a little faster.

In any case, it is not the drug that heals the wounds, but the body itself, and everything mainly depends on it. A person is only required to protect the wound site from new damage.

If you have good immunity, and the wounds from the cat's claws are not deep, you just need to wash the damaged areas with hydrogen peroxide. After such a procedure, your scratches will heal like on a dog. Of course, you should not delay if the wounds fester. Other methods should be used, one of which is going to the doctor. And be healthy.

Wash with soap and water, then treat with hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green or iodine. I would not be so careless about scratches, very often a virus gets through them, leading to inflammation of the lymph nodes. The disease is called felinosis.

Probably sun individually. I have two cats, they often beat me and scratch me, I don’t do anything except treat scratches with cologne or vodka, everything heals very quickly and without problems.

Of course, pharmacists fussed and now you can buy special products from , but the basis is the same alcohol.

And scratch. For some owners, scratches do not pose any danger, while for others they cause a serious complication - felinosis, or cat scratch disease. What is this disease and how it is dangerous for people, and we will tell in our article.

Causes and ways of human infection

A person becomes infected through close contact with a cat during the game (scratches, bites).

As a result of numerous studies, it was found that most felines are carriers of the microbial bartonella bacillus, the causative agent of bartonellosis. The disease is zooanthroponotic, that is, both animals and people are ill with it.

Bartonella, constantly circulating in the blood of animals, in the bulk does not cause any clinical signs in pets (with rare exceptions), while cats are carriers of a dangerous infection.

A person becomes infected through close contact with an animal, when it scratches or bites the owner during the game. There were also cases of infection when the cat licked the owner in places with open wounds or scratches.

Risk group

According to statistics, young children, as well as adolescents, boys and girls under 21 years of age are susceptible to the disease.

People can also become infected:

with a weakened immune system;
suffering from chronic diseases;
HIV-infected;
having problems with cellular immune response;
taking hormones or steroids for a long time;
experiencing constant stress.

It has also been observed that owners of kittens become infected ten times more often than owners of already adult cats.

In more rare cases, an outbreak occurs within the family, when all household members notice unpleasant symptoms of the disease one after another within a month. By the way, a person cannot get infected from a person.

The manifestation of the disease in humans

The incubation period, that is, the period from the penetration of the pathogen into the body until the first clinical signs appear, can last several weeks. At the same time, the scratch seems to have dragged on, but again makes itself felt by the inflammatory process:

suppuration;
bloating;
the presence of a bubble filled with a cloudy liquid.

The mechanism of the development of the disease is as follows:

from the site of damage, the stick enters the lymphatic system;
from there, with the flow of blood and lymph, it enters the nearby lymph node;
that, in turn, becomes inflamed, increases in size, leading to a pain reaction.

In addition to the increase and soreness of the lymph nodes, the patient feels overwhelmed, suffers from headaches, and the temperature may rise. The most interesting thing is that the signs pass as unexpectedly as they began: a person at one fine moment feels completely healthy.

In very rare cases, the disease takes on a generalized character, when almost all lymph nodes are affected: they are several times enlarged, painful and inflamed, in some cases purulent inflammation occurs.

In addition, it is possible to damage the liver and spleen, the nervous system (there are signs of inflammation of the brain, sciatica, etc.).

In cases where the stick enters the human eye, for example, with the saliva of a cat, one-sided develops:

mucous red and swollen;
small bubbles are visible on the cornea;
a regional lymph node located in the ear area reaches a huge size;
the lymph node undergoes suppuration, bursts, forming fistulas on the skin.

Diagnosis and methods of treatment

To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory methods are used to identify the pathogen.

The diagnosis is not difficult. Suspicion of felinosis (cat-scratch disease) arises after collecting an anamnesis, when the time that has elapsed since the last contact with a cat has been established for certain.

The laboratory confirms the diagnosis, where they send scrapings from the site of injury, punctate from the lymph nodes, blood to detect and identify the pathogen.

Unfortunately, today there are no antibiotics that would act on bortanella, and some of them even adversely affect the course of the disease. Therefore, treatment is reduced to symptomatic therapy and the use of immunostimulants. In most cases, self-healing occurs, after which the person acquires strong immunity and is not threatened with re-infection.

Prevention

In order to prevent the development of the disease, it must be prevented, that is, to carry out the necessary hygiene measures immediately after a bite or scratch:

The wound is well lathered and washed with plenty of water. This should be done as carefully as possible in order to remove as many microbes as possible from the surface of the skin and the site of damage.
After that, the scratch is treated with a disinfectant solution: miramistin, alcohol solution, etc. By the way, the wound can always be filled with 3% hydrogen peroxide, which kills pathogenic microorganisms by almost 100%.
Additionally, iodine or a solution of brilliant green is applied to the damaged area.

Bortenellosis in cats

It has already been written above that cats in the bulk are only carriers of the infection, while they themselves do not experience any discomfort. If there are clinical signs in some pets, they are blurred and smoothed out, periodically appear and just as suddenly disappear.

During the disease, almost all body systems are affected, especially the hematopoietic organs.

Of the symptoms noted:

swollen lymph nodes;
the appearance of ulcers in the oral cavity;
lack of appetite;
depression and weakness;
emaciation;
dyspnea;
conjunctivitis;
signs of disease of the heart and digestive system.

If bortnelliosis is suspected, the following are carried out:

or bacteriological culture of biological fluids;
or instrumental diagnostic methods: ELISA, PCR.

All manipulations are aimed at isolating the infectious agent or detecting its genome.

As a preventive measure for cats, there is only one single rule: the destruction of fleas on the animal's body with the help of special drops or tablets.

Felinosis in humans is not so common and certainly not a fatal disease to become a stumbling block in the way people communicate with such charming and sweet creatures as our beloved cats. Take care of yourself and those you have tamed!

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Pathogens can both poison the body and release their toxins (endotoxins) as their bodies break down. The incubation period is the period from the time of infection to the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease. It may take several hours or even several years.

The list of symptoms of the disease "scratches":

swelling of the damaged area of the skin,
prolonged wound healing, inflammation, suppuration,
swollen lymph nodes closest to the site of infection.

In children, the disease may be accompanied by weakness, lethargy, increased drowsiness and lack of appetite. If left untreated, the disease may worsen: fever for 1-2 months.

In the treatment of this disease, proven folk remedies are most often used. The complex requires bed rest and a calm environment, and compresses are also applied to the site of inflammation of the lymph nodes. It must be remembered that the permissible temperature during illness is 37 degrees, but if the temperature is higher, drugs should be used (only after consulting a specialist) to lower it.

In the treatment, mainly juices of various herbs, tree resins, or special powders are used. It must be remembered that a healthy immune system of the body is an important factor in the fight against disease.

Treatment by means of alternative medicine.

Celandine.

Celandine juice should be taken in the form of drops. For children - up to 5 drops of juice, for adults - up to 20 drops. For greater effect, it is recommended to dilute with warm milk.

Calendula.

Calendula juice should be taken every day after meals. It has a good disinfecting effect and accelerates the wound healing process.

Nettle.

Wounds are treated with nettle juice. Nettle juice compresses are quite an effective treatment: the compress must be changed as often as possible - every couple of hours, the number of wound treatments with nettle juice compresses should reach ten to fifteen times during the day.

Yarrow.

Yarrow juice is used in the treatment of damaged skin. Accelerates the healing process, can stop bleeding and significantly reduce inflammation in the wounds, helps prevent the formation of pus in the wounds.

Plantain.

Plantain juice has long been known as a good anti-inflammatory agent. It can significantly reduce the suppuration of wounds and relieve pain. The gauze bandage must be thoroughly soaked in juice and then applied to the damaged area of the skin. The dressing should be changed three to four times a day.

Lungwort.

Lungwort juice also has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Used as compresses. Change the compress two or three times a day.

Raincoat mushroom.

Crushed puffball mushroom is used as a powder for wounds. When ripe, spores can reduce the suppuration of wounds and stop bleeding, the process of wound healing when using powder from a puffball mushroom is significantly accelerated.

Resins of fir, pine, cedar and spruce.

Treatment of the disease with resin is carried out daily. It lubricates the damaged area of the skin. The course lasts several days until the condition improves and the wound healing process is noticeable. This method of treatment was considered very effective in ancient times.

Bee Honey.

When xeroform is added to bee honey, we get a healing ointment. She needs to lubricate the wounds several times a day until the swelling and redness pass. This method of treatment is also effective for other possible injuries or skin cuts.

Pork fat, beeswax and tree resins.

The recipe for the treatment of a disease from these components was very popular among our ancestors in conditions where there were no drugs. All ingredients must be mixed, add a small amount of water and cook over low heat. When the mixture boils, a film will appear on the surface, which must be carefully removed. It is necessary to boil for several minutes, after which the broth should cool. It is possible to use not only for the above disease, but also for any other skin lesions.

Fish fat.

Fish oil, like bee honey, when mixed with xeroform, is a potent healing ointment. It is also used to lubricate damaged areas of the skin. These ointments are a fairly effective remedy even with prolonged unsuccessful treatment of this disease.

At first glance, the disease seems quite simple and not dangerous, but you should not let everything take its course. Very dangerous complications can arise: inflammation of the lymph nodes, disorder or damage to the central nervous system of the body, an increase in the size of the liver. All these complications can lead to undesirable consequences for human health.

Prevention.

Cats are one of the most beloved pets for both children and adults. Due to the fact that cats are animals in close contact with humans, their disappearance from human daily life is impossible. As a prophylaxis of the disease, one can resort to a correct and accessible explanation of the causes of the disease to children, warnings about dangerous games with animals that can lead to scratches, and subsequently to the disease. It must be remembered that when receiving scratches, it is necessary to immediately treat the damaged area of \u200b\u200bthe skin with an antiseptic, then thoroughly wash it with plenty of warm soapy water and repeat the treatment of the wound.

Update: October 2018

A cat is not only a source of tenderness and removal of a bad mood in a natural way, without taking any herbs or pills. This relative of wild predators, especially at a young age, can transmit felinosis, a cat scratch disease, through its bite or scratching. This disease has a long course, accompanied by inflammation, and sometimes suppuration of the lymph nodes near the scratched area. If at the time of infection the person's immunity was not suppressed by the disease or drugs, the disease passes without complications. Otherwise, complications from the liver, brain and spleen may occur.

About the causative agent

Felinosis is caused by a very unusual bacterium - Bartonella (Bartonella henselae). This is an intermediate form between a bacterium and a virus: it does not differ in shape from a bacterium and even has a flagellum; destroyed by antibiotics. But, like a virus, it lives inside the cell and is grown not on nutrient media, but on living cells. Her "cousins", Rickettsia, are the causative agents of many diseases, including typhus, a pathology that appears in some people on whose head lice appear.

The name of the disease - felinosis - comes from the word "Felis", which is called cats in Latin. The "name" of the same bacteria - Bartonella hensel - was given to her in honor of the microbiologist who discovered the microbe and described its properties, Diana Hensel.

How and from whom do they get infected

The main number of bartonella "lives" in the body of domestic and wild cats. Cat fleas carry bacteria to each other, in the intestines of which the microbe lives up to 9 days. These insects are not dangerous to humans.

According to statistics, this pathogen is found in almost half of cats in the blood, while the animals do not experience any symptoms of the disease, although they have been sick for several years. There is even an opinion that this bacterium normally inhabits the mouth of cats. They excrete the bacterium in urine and saliva, from where it gets on the paws of cats.

Therefore, you can get infected:

when bitten by an animal;
through damage by a cat's claw;
through the ingress of saliva into the eye (on the conjunctiva) or on damaged skin;
if the water / food that the cat drank got on the mucous membranes or injured skin;
if there was a prick with a fishing hook, a splinter or thorns of plants that got the saliva of a cat.

The most dangerous in terms of infectiousness are kittens who are not yet 1 year old. Adult cats are slightly less dangerous. But dogs, monkeys, and rodents can also become a source of infection. You can even get infected by pricking a hedgehog needle or a bird feather.

Usually affected:

arms;
leg skin;
head;
face;
rarely eyes.

Man cannot infect man. And in a person who has undergone felinosis, the disease will not develop again once. 5% of people are immune to felinosis (of which 25% are owners of domestic cats).

Some statistics

In temperate climates, they most often become infected from September to March (almost 2/3 of all cases). This is explained by the closer contact of a person with pets during the cold season. There is no seasonality in the tropics.

About 90% of cases are children and adolescents under 20 years of age. Boys get sick more often. Family outbreaks are rare: usually only 1 child gets sick, although everyone played with the same kitten.

What increases the chance of a more severe course of felinosis

A person who has come into contact with Bartonella henselae develops a severe or even atypical form of felinosis in the following situations:

there is a congenital pathology of the cellular link of immunity;
after a serious illness or operation;
when you need to take glucocorticoids (for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, psoriasis, and so on);
after treatment with cytostatic drugs (cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, azathioprine);
in persons who abuse alcohol;
in patients with diabetes mellitus;
in HIV-infected people.

In the latter case, felinosis proceeds very hard and for a long time; sometimes its manifestations are so atypical that they don’t even think about this diagnosis.

How the disease manifests itself

A scratch or a cat bite site heals slowly for the first 3-10 days, without causing any concern on the part of a person: it may hurt a little or hurt, like a normal skin injury. This is the incubation period; the pathogen at this time overcomes the barriers of the integumentary tissue and multiplies. This period can be extended up to 3 weeks, then at the time of the appearance of the first symptoms of felinosis, skin injury no longer exists.

After the time it took for the microbe to penetrate and accumulate (3 days-3 weeks, on average 7-14 days), a rash appears at the place where there was a scratch or a crust from it remains. It looks like a few nodules ranging in size from a millet grain to a pea, which do not itch or hurt.

After 2-3 days, the period of the peak of the disease begins: such nodules suppurate and open themselves, after which they become covered with a crust and may begin to itch slightly (especially if the child has been scratched - allergic). Within 1-3 weeks, the crusts dry and fall off, after which the bite site ceases to be noticeable: there are no scars or a darker area of skin. This means that Bartonella multiplied in sufficient quantities, overcame the local immunity of the skin area and got into the lymphatic channel.

After 10-14 days (less often - longer) from the moment the first nodules appear, the microbe is captured by regional lymph nodes - local filters that try to keep it out further.

If the arm below the elbow was bitten, one or more groups of lymph nodes increase: elbow, axillary, cervical. The order of appearance of lymphadenitis can be just that, but the axillary nodes can immediately increase, while the elbow nodes remain unchanged. Also, starting from the armpit, the lymph nodes will increase if the claws or teeth of the forearm or shoulder are damaged.

If the bite / scratch fell on the leg, the lymph nodes in the femoral and inguinal region become inflamed. When scratching the face, the submandibular, anterior or posterior ear groups may be the first to react; after which one or more lymph nodes from the cervical group increase.

Signs that say that the lymph nodes have suffered due to felinosis:

lymph nodes gradually increase, reaching from 5 to 10 cm in diameter;
they are dense;
it hurts to feel them;
the skin above them is not red, not hot to the touch;
lymph nodes can be displaced - they do not pull the skin along with them;
with an increase in the entire group of nodes, probing them, you can “roll” them independently of each other: they are not soldered to each other.

An increase in lymph nodes is accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition of a person. The following symptoms appear:

fever, sometimes up to 39°C or higher;
headache;
malaise;
weakness;
bad sleep;
sweating;
loss of appetite;
heartbeat.

Not everyone's temperature rises to such high numbers: in some cases, it may be completely absent. The temperature rise lasts from a week to a month, the remaining symptoms gradually disappear within 2 weeks. Lymph nodes remain enlarged for up to three months. In half the cases, they suppurate and can spontaneously open up: then thick yellow-green pus is released on the surface, which, when taken for bacteriological examination, does not show signs of a bacterial infection (as you remember, Bartonella does not grow on nutrient media).

In the same period, a reddish rash may appear on the skin of the body or limbs of a person, occupying larger or smaller areas of the skin. It does not itch or hurt, disappears after a few days.

During the period of enlargement of the lymph nodes, the following can also be observed:

discomfort and pain in the right hypochondrium - this increases the liver, which is also a filter in the way of Bartonella, which have entered the blood by this moment;
a feeling of “needles” or discomfort in the left hypochondrium: this can manifest itself as an enlargement of the spleen, which can also suffer from felinosis. Enlargement of the liver and spleen can also be detected on abdominal ultrasound, without being accompanied by any symptoms;
heart pain, arrhythmia. These are signs of heart damage;
an increase in lymph nodes that lie far from the site of infection.

The above symptoms of cat scratch disease occur in people whose immunity is not sufficiently active and allows the infection to enter the bloodstream. In the same people who are called "immunocompromised" (receiving drugs that depress the immune system, suffering from diabetes, congenital immunodeficiency, HIV, chronic alcoholism), felinosis proceeds completely atypically. In them, the infection can remain in the body forever, causing a chronic disease.

Usually, the disease ends in a month or a little less after the first lymph node is enlarged: the temperature decreases, the headache goes away, sleep and appetite are restored, the lymph nodes gradually decrease and become dense small “balls” that are not soldered to each other and the skin. Very rarely, with moderately weak immunity, felinosis can last 1-2 years, when its symptoms either subside or reappear.

Atypical forms of the disease

This term is called:

a disease that has arisen in response to the microbe entering not on the skin, but on another place (for example, on the conjunctiva of the eye);
bartonellous organ damage, characteristic only for people with "compromised" immunity.

Atypical forms are not complications of felinosis, it is a difficult, atypical current infection.

Eye damage

If the cat's saliva gets on the conjunctiva of the eye, it can develop:

Conjunctivitis Parilo. In this case, only one eye is affected. It is red, swollen, difficult to open. It does not hurt, and nothing stands out from it. On examination, the optometrist will see nodules and ulcers on the conjunctiva.

Simultaneously with the defeat of the eye, the parotid lymph nodes on the same side become inflamed. The anterior ear node is always affected: it grows to 5 cm or more, can suppurate and open, after which a scar forms. The submandibular and cervical lymph nodes may also increase. At the same time, the general condition worsens: weakness, palpitations appear, body temperature rises, sleep worsens.

Neuroretinitis. This results in poor vision in one eye. Feeling has not changed. Changes characteristic of felinosis are seen by an ophthalmologist during examination.

Damage to the nervous system

When Bartonella enters the blood, 2-3 weeks after inflammation of the regional lymph nodes, signs of damage to the nervous system may appear. This is a decrease in sensitivity only in the area of socks and gloves, or spreading higher, this is a violation of the motor function of one or more limbs, and trembling, and impaired coordination.

Also, felinosis can cause convulsions, inappropriate behavior, impaired consciousness, paralysis of the facial nerve.

Atypical forms in immune deficiency

In people whose immunity is greatly reduced, felinosis proceeds according to the type of bacillary angiomatosis or peliotic hepatitis.

Bacillary angiomatosis

This is the name of the pathology (it often develops only in HIV-infected people), when, in response to the presence of a bacterium of the genus Bartonella, vascular proliferation occurs.

Here, after damage by a cat's claw or teeth, an incubation period of several weeks or even months passes, that is, the wound heals. Skin manifestations of the disease do not appear in the place where the cat scratched, but in an arbitrary one. The mucous membranes of the mouth, genital organs, and larynx are also affected.

The disease begins with the fact that not small red nodules appear on the skin, but red or purple spots that do not protrude above it. Nodules appear later, against the background of these spots. Moreover, the nodes are not small, but large, up to 3 cm in diameter, painful, covered with red inflamed skin. There may be several, individual, but there may be hundreds. Around each of them there is a "collar" of thin, eroded (reddish and oozing) epidermis.

The disease is accompanied by malaise, fever, weight loss. Other organs may be affected: liver, spleen, heart, central nervous system, muscles, bone marrow.

Bacillary angiomatosis proceeds in different ways: it can go away on its own, but it can, with severe damage to internal organs, lead to death.

Peliotic hepatitis

In this case, cavities filled with blood are formed in the liver, due to which the liver tissue takes on the appearance of a sponge. Symptoms of liver damage in cat scratch disease:

prolonged fever;
periodically there are chills;
the stomach is felt as "inflated", which is associated with the accumulation of gases in it;
the skin takes on a pale yellow appearance;
increased bleeding gums;
areas of hemorrhage associated with damage to the blood coagulation system may appear on the skin.

Complications

When bartonella, which causes felinosis, is carried with blood to various internal organs, the following may occur:

pleurisy;
myocarditis;
abscess of the spleen;
osteomyelitis;
arthritis;
atypical pneumonia.

Also, the bacterium can cause significant blood complications, consisting in a decrease in various blood cells:

thrombocytes (trmbitsitopenichesky purpura);
erythrocytes (hemolytic anemia);
eosinophilic leukocytes (eosinophilia);
leukocytes ().

Diagnostics

An infectious disease specialist deals with the treatment and diagnosis of felinosis. This specialist already in appearance will distinguish the disease of cat scratches from suppuration of the wound. So, if a cat scratched and a hand swelled, it is most likely (although it is necessary to inspect) infection of the wound with an ordinary (non-specific) flora: strepto- or staphylococci, proteas, maybe fungal flora. Such suppuration begins already on the second day after a scratch or bite, the site of damage is red, painful, a clear liquid can be released from it, and later - pus. With felinosis, the scratch heals, and already against the background of a crust or even without it, nodules appear in this place that do not fester, do not hurt or itch.

“Swelling” of the hand after a bite or scratch is most likely a description of phlegmon (purulent fusion of tissues) or, even worse, an anaerobic infection of the type. Here, urgent help from a surgeon is needed, most likely with hospitalization.

If a person began to be disturbed by an increase in lymph nodes, a consultation with an infectious disease specialist is required. Best of all, not a doctor of the KIZ, but a doctor in the admissions department of an infectious diseases hospital. There is less chance of infecting other patients, because such manifestations, in the absence of already nodules on the skin, must be distinguished from HIV infection, lymphogranulomatosis, infectious mononucleosis, as well as such dangerous diseases as plague and tularemia.

Suspecting felinosis according to the medical history (contact with a cat, the appearance of nodules), the infectious disease doctor will help confirm the diagnosis with the help of studies for which he needs tissue material either from nodules, or from an abscess, or from a lymph node, for which the doctor must pierce the pathological element and take its contents for the following types of research:

polymerase chain reaction (PCR): this is how B.hanselae particles are detected and recognized. The analysis is performed by paid laboratories;
histological: under the microscope, characteristic changes in tissues, as well as bacteria, are visible.

Serological studies also help in the diagnosis - the determination of antibodies to Bartonella. To do this, perform reactions called either ELISA or RSK.

At 3-4 weeks of illness, a skin-allergic test can be performed by injecting a solution with Bartonella particles under the skin: in 90% of people with felinosis, the answer will be redness and swelling in this place. Such a study is not carried out in children.

A general blood test, in which the number of eosinophils is increased and ESR is accelerated, does not confirm the diagnosis, but allows us to draw a conclusion about the severity of the disease. Determination of liver tests will help to find out if the liver function is affected and how much, and abdominal ultrasound will reveal an increase in the liver and / or spleen, which will give reason to adjust the regimen to half-bed (the spleen is a delicate organ, its capsule can be damaged by a person’s pronounced activity).

Treatment of the disease

Felinosis is treated as follows: medicines for systemic administration, compresses are prescribed, surgical treatment can be used.

Typical uncomplicated damage to the heart, liver, spleen, nervous system can be treated at home. Other forms require hospitalization of a person.

Medical treatment

Appointed:

Antibiotics: doxycycline, erythromycin, tetracycline, ofloxacin, gentamicin, clarithromycin. They are used in the form of tablets, and in case of eye damage - also in the form of eye drops.
Anti-inflammatory and pain medications: ibuprofen, mefenamic acid.
Antihistamines: Cetrin, L-cet, Zodak, Erius and others.
In severe cases, glucocorticoids can be prescribed: dexamethasone, prednisolone.

Compresses

It is recommended to apply compresses to the area of inflamed lymph nodes. Take 1 part of dimethyl sulfoxide to 4 parts of water, wet the gauze with this mixture, put it on the lymph node, put polyethylene on top, and then fix it with a bandage and warm it with a warm cloth.

Physiotherapy methods

The area of inflamed lymph nodes is affected by UHF, diathermy.

Surgery

If the affected lymph nodes are tense and painful, they are punctured for the purpose of drainage: this way the pressure in the node decreases, which helps in relieving the pain process.

cat scratch disease in children

Felinosis in children usually proceeds in the form of a typical form: a scratch from a cat's claw disappears, nodules appear in its place, which suppurate and open. After that, 1 or more nearby lymph nodes increase. The disease lasts about a month, it can pass even without treatment.

The atypical form can develop in an HIV-infected child, a child who has undergone chemotherapy or organ transplantation. In this case, it is impossible to predict which organ or system will be affected. Symptoms of atypical forms in children correspond to those described above.

Diagnosis in children is the same, punctate PCR is its main method.

Treatment is carried out with Sumamed at a dose of 10 mg/kg per day. From the age of 8, doxycycline or tetracycline can be used. Drugs such as ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin are allowed from 16-18 years of age.

Disease prognosis

In most cases, the disease ends with the complete disappearance of all symptoms. With timely treatment, even severe forms of pathology can be cured. The prognosis for damage to the nervous system is doubtful, since Bartonella can cause irreversible changes in the brain.