Hi, I was hoping there might be someone about tonight who can give me some advice. I have lympoedema in my right arm following mastectomy last October and Axillary clearance last November. It affects me from my elbow down to and including my wrist and hand and sometimes my thumb but not my fingers. It’s only mild if that is the right expression.
My problem is I got bitten on my little finger tonight by one of my pet rats. There are two kind of cuts, on one of which a patch of skin has lifted but not come right off. Immediately after the bite I gave my hands a good long wash with lots of antibacterial soap and then coated the whole of my fingertip with salvon.
I now need to know what else to do, if anything. I will most likely try to get a plaster on it before bed but it won’t stick at the minute coz of the Savlon. Should I see the doctor for antibiotics just in case? What are the best antibiotics for treating lympoedema (in case the GP doesn’t know)?
if your tetanus jobs are up date and the bite doesnt look infected then you probably dont need to do anything… your gp would be very unlikely to give antibiotics without a clinical indication… ie that you have signs of infection.
just keep the wound clean and dry and let the air at it to help it heal up. if you put a plaster on it you must remove it if it gets wet even if a waterproof one… cos they arent water proof and a warm most plaster is more likely to grow bugs.
Whenever I’ve cut myself I’ve done exactly as you have-washed it and got the antiseptic on, then covered it.
I’d be extra vigilant with an animal bite. I’d certainly keep an eye on it and I would call the GP if you feel generally unwell or the area itself/ around it becomes sore and red.
I’ve had cellulitus following an infection (due to surgery, not a bite), and now carry prophylactic antibiotics in case, which my GP was happy to prescribe. I haven’t taken them since, and would only do so if I showed signs of an infection.(I carry those recommended on my Medi-card: Amoxycillin 500mg for two weeks (or Clindamycin 300mg for two weeks recommeneded if allergic to penicillin)
Its always tricky knowing when to call isn’t it, and what exactly to look out for.My opinion is if you at all concerned it never hurst to give them (or the BCN, Lymphoedema nurse) a call.
I hope that might help a bit until someone with experience of a bite comes on.
C
Thank you too cupoftea. Your post was really helpful too. I’ve had the odd scratch or scrape since developing the lymphoedema but nothing like this, nothing that bled so I just panicked. I hate the thought of needing to ve hospitalised for antibiotics ( or anything else for that matter, lol) if things got too bad.
Mum of 3 hope all goes well see you have had lots of prompt advice.
Hi cup of tea. Can I ask for more explanation about the a-bs. I have an appt with GP as I am about to go o holiday and was going to ask for a-bs to have on hand. With Amoxicillin is that 500mgs per day split into 2-4 doses. I do not have lymphoedema but do a lot of gardening and will be away from home shortly so would like to be prepared in case of scratches/ bites. Or am I just too neurotic for words?. Many thanks Jackie
Hi all,
I have lymphoedema and have had one episode of cellulitus which needed treating with antibiotics.
I think you have done the right thing, cleaning and applying anticeptic and you should be ok, just keep an eye out for rash, more than usual swelling, temperature and feeling unwell.
I too have “just in case” antibiotics from my GP he normally gives me two different types but off -hand can’t remember which, amoxycillin I think is one of them. The LSN (lymphoedema Support Network)do booklets/info sheets you can order or download and I know there is guidance there on antibiotics - hope this helps.
Julie