What does this mean? (might be just healing) - #15013
i got an injury the size of a cat scratch like 2 days ago and i also had a anxiety attack the same day (not because of the injury) it was like a small cut from metal (it was not rusty) it didnt bleed a lot, and now my hand is like swelling a bit and it changes temprature a lot, its the left hand and the injury was in the middle back hand like not behind my palm but now i feel some weird pressure on my wrist sometimes, and also i have other symptoms like high anxiety and i feel weak and when i tilt my hand like the wrist it feels weird, also my hand is a little red around the cut it might be just my body recovering but what could it be? i am kinda worried
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Doctors’ responses
Hello dear It seems minor injury now undergoing proper healing. Usually tetanus is must along with anti-rabies vaccine to prevent chances of rabies Fortunately the sensitive time has gone so I suggest you to please get rabies prophylaxis done since there are chances that cat might not be vaccinated Regards
Hello Elias, I understand your worry and here is my advise. I advise you to get your wound checked by a certified doctor. It is impossible for a doctor to understand the seriousness or non-seriousness of your wound with a wordy explaination. A doctor needs to physically examine your injury and treat or investigate further according to their findings.
Plus, if you haven’t recieved TT injection in the past 6 months. Please get it immediately. Inj. TT 0.5ml IM stat.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Med
The swelling and redness around the cut suggest mild local inflammation, which is common in the first few days, but the temperature changes and wrist discomfort could also indicate an early infection rather than something serious like tetanus (especially if the metal wasn’t dirty or rusty). Your anxiety symptoms can make the sensations feel stronger than they are, but it’s still important to clean the wound daily and monitor for increasing redness, pain, warmth, or discharge. Please visit a doctor or urgent care to have the wound examined and to check if you need a tetanus booster or a short course of antibiotics to prevent infection.
Hello Elias By going through your history and evaluation of your health status I must say that - - Mild swelling and redness after a cut can be normal as your body heals. - However, if the area is getting more swollen, red, warm, or painful, it could be a sign of infection. - The pressure feeling and temperature changes might be due to inflammation or mild infection. - Weakness and anxiety could be related to your anxiety attack, but if weakness is only in the injured hand, it’s important to watch for worsening symptoms.
Precautions and Adviced - - Keep the area clean—wash gently with soap and water, pat dry. - Apply a clean bandage if needed. - Watch for signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever. - If the swelling gets worse, you develop pus, or you have trouble moving your fingers, visit a nearby doctor soon. - For anxiety, try calming techniques like deep breathing or talking to someone you trust .
Rx - apply BNC tube ( Beclomethasone, Neomycin, and Clotrimazole cream ) on cut
Thank you
Hello Elias,
It is likely healing.
But since it’s been two days and your hand feels swollen, changes temperature, and has pressure near the wrist, it’s best to keep it clean. Use an antibiotic ointment- Oint. Polysporin
🛑Its good to have a supervision by your parent.
Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date.
Most small cuts heal on their own, but if the redness spreads, pain worsens, or you get a fever, you should see a physician in person right away.
Anxiety can also make these sensations feel stronger, so try to rest, breathe calmly, and monitor how your hand looks over the next day or two.
Stay hydrated and healthy dear Feel free to talk Thank you
You got a small metal cut on your hand 2 days ago. Mild redness, warmth, and swelling are likely part of normal healing. If these symptoms increase, or if pus, spreading redness, pain, or fever appear it could mean a mild infection starting. The “weird pressure” or weakness may partly come from anxiety or mild swelling around your wrist.
From what you’re describing, it sounds like your symptoms could be related to either an infectious process, an inflammatory response, or simply the natural process of wound healing. Since you noticed swelling, redness, and changes in temperature, these are all classic signs that can hint at an infection, even if the original injury wasn’t very severe or bloody. A small cut can introduce bacteria into the skin, potentially leading to a condition called cellulitis, which might cause localized redness, warmth, and swelling. The increased pressure you’re experiencing in your wrist might be related to swelling, affecting the surrounding tissues and nerves. I recommend inspecting the wound closely for any pus or increased redness spreading from the area, as these would be red flags indicating the infection could be spreading and might require prompt medical attention. Sometimes even a clean-looking cut could develop an issue, especially if underlying bacteria or foreign material was introduced. Given you’re also feeling systemic symptoms like weakness and anxiety, although those can be exaggerated by stress or an anxiety attack, it’s important not to ignore these. In certain cases, a topical or oral antibiotic may be necessary to combat any infection, especially if symptoms worsen or fail to improve. Otherwise, keeping the wound clean, dry, and lightly covered should be part of your routine. Avoid unnecessary movements that put strain on the wrist until it feels more comfortable. Over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen can alleviate some pain and reduce inflammation, but be sure to follow dosing recommendations. With any increasing or persistent symptoms, especially systemic signs such as fever, chills, or rapidly spreading areas of redness, seek medical attention quickly. Your body’s likely doing its work to heal, but ensuring the support of a healthcare provider could help prevent complications or alleviate your worries more effectively.
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