AskDocDoc
/
/
/
Is my shoulder bruise from a monkey bite or scratch?
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 56M : 22S
background image
Click Here
background image
Infectious Illnesses
Question #29061
99 days ago
269

Is my shoulder bruise from a monkey bite or scratch?

Client_87810a

I have the asked this question multiple times and i thank doctor for their reply and reassurance.I want ask some more. Please read the description of brusie carefully and tell me if it's a monkey bite o r scratch. I chased by a monkey one week ago i jumped and broke my leg i didn't feel anything but after few seconds I felt and also after 3 days of my fracture I got leg surgery . AFTER 3days of monkey chase i noticed on my shoulder there is a black mark. I don't know if it's a monkey bite or not.But i didn't fall on the left shoulder. My doubt is i slept 3-4hours on left shoulder and the next dayI see the black bruise when I touched it felt like powdered rough surface.After 3 days of monkey chase my bruise looked like a black oval and there is no bite marks but i suspect scratch and when touched rough powdered surface,now it's been 7 days now the bruise is oval with little like black stitches connected in oval shape inside it white skin even now I don't see monkey botes and also scratch .But from day1-7 don't feel anything on the bruise until when I undressed.Even with doubt i want to vaccine but my parents telling me to don't take it's might be monkey scratch. I need few doctors response soI can relax

How would you describe the initial pain or discomfort in your shoulder?:

- None at all

Have you noticed any other symptoms besides the bruise?:

- Fever

Do you have any history of allergies or reactions to animal bites?:

- No, never had reactions
FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Hello Thank you for explaining your situation in detail. I understand how stressful this must be, especially with the uncertainty about the bruise and the risk of rabies.

### Key Points About Your Situation

- No clear bite or scratch: You did not see or feel a bite or scratch at the time, and you only noticed a bruise after several days. - Bruise characteristics: The bruise appeared after sleeping on your shoulder, was black and rough, and now has a white center with a black line around it. - No symptoms of rabies: You have not described any fever, pain, tingling, or other early rabies symptoms at the site. - Monkey exposure: You were chased by a monkey, but there is no definite evidence of a bite or scratch.

### Rabies Risk Assessment

- Rabies is only transmitted if the animal’s saliva enters your body through a bite, scratch, or open wound. - If you did not have any break in the skin (no bite, scratch, or open wound), the risk of rabies is extremely low. - Bruising alone, without a break in the skin, does not transmit rabies.

### What Should You Do?

- If you are still unsure whether there was a bite or scratch, it is always safest to consult a doctor in person. - In India, doctors often recommend vaccination if there is any doubt about exposure, especially with monkeys, as a precaution.

### My Recommendation

- Please consult a doctor as soon as possible. They can examine your bruise and decide if you need the rabies vaccine. - If there is even a small chance of a bite or scratch, it is better to be safe and get vaccinated. - Do not delay—rabies vaccine is most effective when started early after possible exposure.

Your health and peace of mind are most important.

Thank you

1361 answered questions
43% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Hello dear See as per clinical history it seems bruise only Usually after monkey bite there is Scratch Mild injury Absence of bruising In case of salivary exposure you need to take anti rabies vaccination However as per history It seems no exposure do there is no need for vaccination However for bruise kindly observe for Swelling Deformity Pain if unbearable Absence of change of colour within 3-5 days In case you need to consult general surgeon Hopefully iam clear with your query Regards

3585 answered questions
69% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Based on your description, the bruise on your shoulder could potentially come from several sources, but without a direct examination, determining if it’s a monkey bite or scratch is challenging. It’s not uncommon for stress or physical trauma, like your monkey chase incident, to result in unexplained bruising due to minor injuries or even unnoticed pressure on the skin. However, if it truly was a monkey bite or scratch, it’s crucial to consider the risk of rabies and other zoonotic infections. Rabies, though rare from non-bite exposure, is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) essential if there’s suspicion of exposure. If there is any possibility of a contact with the monkey’s saliva, whether from a bite, lick, or scratch, seeking a rabies vaccine is important. I completely understand that parental advice is valued, but the risk factors here should not be overlooked. In solidifying this decision, a consultation with a healthcare provider as soon as possible is advised to accurately assess the need for rabies PEP based on the details of the encounter and any visible wounds. Until then, monitor the area for any signs of infection like warmth, redness, or purulent discharge, and maintain strict hygiene. Applying an over-the-counter antiseptic can prevent possible secondary infections. Should any signs of worsening or systemic symptoms like fever arise, immediate medical attention is advised.

20894 answered questions
90% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


How I'll be treated for a bacterial and blood present in urine?
What to do with absess on my but
How to get cure and what medication shouldItake?
How can I heal the infectionon the penis.
What to do if I got scratched by a bone from the butcher and fear it might be contaminated with rabies?
Concerns About Shortness of Breath, Fast Heartbeat, and Gastrointestinal Issues
Frequent Coughing and Nose Irritation
Am I at risk after being nipped by a stray cat?
Experiencing Fever, Cold, Cough, Back Pain, and Kidney Stones
Is it safe to take ciprofloxacin for glandular fever and throat infection with dizziness and high temperature?
Concerns About Possible Monkey Bite and Bruise After Injury
What to do if my 16-year-old ingested 12g of paracetamol 80 hours ago and has elevated liver enzymes?
What to do if my 16-year-old ingested 12g of paracetamol 80 hours ago and has elevated liver enzymes?
How to get rid from fungal infection that's on my hips and itching
Ear infectiion, no puss but little like itching
What does a high WBC count and abdominal pain indicate for my mother in the hospital?
Viginal / pubic area iching and redness
What to do about persistent nasal discharge and fatigue after sinus surgery for aspergillus infection?
Feeling Weak with Chest Pressure and Throat Pain
Persistent Lightheadedness After High Fever
Concerns About Bruise After Monkey Encounter
Should I take my grandma to the hospital for her leg symptoms?
Est-ce que je dois m’en occuper rapidement et consulter ?
What are the possible complications of advanced tuberculosis in a 17-year-old with severe symptoms and family history of TB?
Is it safe to take rabies shots for a small cat scratch on my finger?
after viral fever symptoms
home remedies for dysentery in adults
eye flu is caused by
what to avoid in dengue
signs of viral fever