What should I do if a rat is scratching a wound? - briefly
Clean the wound promptly with sterile saline or clean water, apply pressure to stop any bleeding, and cover it with a sterile dressing; then secure the animal and obtain professional medical evaluation for infection or rabies risk.
What should I do if a rat is scratching a wound? - in detail
If a rodent makes contact with an open cut, the priority is to prevent infection and assess the need for professional care.
First, stop any bleeding. Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze until the flow subsides. Once hemostasis is achieved, rinse the wound thoroughly with running water for at least one minute to remove debris and saliva. Follow the rinse with a wash using mild soap around the edges, avoiding direct contact with the wound cavity.
Next, disinfect the area. Apply an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine, chlorhexidine, or hydrogen peroxide. Allow the agent to sit for the recommended contact time, then pat the site dry with sterile gauze.
After cleaning, cover the wound with a sterile, non‑adhesive dressing. Secure it with medical tape or a bandage that maintains gentle pressure without restricting circulation. Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or contaminated.
Seek medical evaluation promptly. A healthcare professional will:
- Examine the injury for depth, tissue damage, and signs of infection.
- Determine whether tetanus prophylaxis is required, based on immunization history and wound characteristics.
- Assess the risk of rodent‑borne diseases such as leptospirosis or hantavirus, and prescribe antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected.
- Provide guidance on follow‑up care and signs that warrant immediate attention, such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, fever, or worsening pain.
While awaiting professional care, minimize exposure to the animal. If the rodent can be safely captured, place it in a sealed container for identification, but do not handle it with bare hands. Contact pest control to eliminate the source and prevent recurrence.
Maintain hygiene after treatment. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after dressing changes. Disinfect any surfaces the animal contacted, using a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) or an EPA‑registered disinfectant.
Monitor the wound for at least seven days. If any of the following occur, return to a medical provider without delay:
- Rapid expansion of redness beyond the wound margins.
- Persistent or increasing pain.
- Unusual discharge or foul odor.
- Fever above 38 °C (100.4 °F).
- Swelling that impairs movement.
Following these steps reduces the likelihood of infection, addresses potential disease transmission, and supports proper wound healing.