How should a wound from a mouse be treated? - briefly
Thoroughly wash the puncture with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and cover it with a sterile bandage. Obtain medical assessment promptly to address tetanus booster needs and evaluate rabies exposure.
How should a wound from a mouse be treated? - in detail
When a mouse bite occurs, immediate care reduces infection risk and promotes healing.
First, stop bleeding. Apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze pad for one to two minutes until bleeding subsides. If bleeding persists, seek medical assistance.
Next, cleanse the wound. Rinse the area under running water for at least 30 seconds. Use mild soap around the periphery, avoiding direct contact with the wound itself. After rinsing, irrigate with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine.
Disinfect the site. Apply a thin layer of an over‑the‑counter antiseptic ointment (e.g., bacitracin or mupirocin) to inhibit bacterial growth. Cover with a sterile non‑adhesive dressing to protect the area and absorb any exudate.
Assess the need for tetanus prophylaxis. If the patient’s immunization status is uncertain or the last tetanus booster was administered more than ten years ago, administer a tetanus toxoid booster according to local guidelines.
Consider antibiotic therapy. Mouse oral flora often includes Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., and Pasteurella spp. For moderate to severe bites, prescribe a broad‑spectrum oral antibiotic such as amoxicillin‑clavulanate (875 mg/125 mg) three times daily for 5–7 days. In cases of penicillin allergy, use doxycycline or a fluoroquinolone, ensuring coverage of Pasteurella species.
Monitor for signs of infection. Advise the patient to watch for increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, fever, or worsening pain. If any of these symptoms appear, re‑evaluate promptly and adjust treatment.
Schedule follow‑up. A review within 48–72 hours confirms proper healing and allows early detection of complications.
Finally, educate on wound care. Instruct the patient to keep the dressing dry for the first 24 hours, then change it daily or whenever it becomes wet or soiled. Encourage hand hygiene after dressing changes to prevent secondary contamination.
By adhering to these steps—hemostasis, thorough irrigation, antiseptic application, appropriate immunization, targeted antibiotics, vigilant observation, and proper dressing management—the risk of infection and delayed healing from a rodent bite is minimized.