How do I clean this scratch?

Mooch just manged to not only give me a good scratch across my chin but also inside my lower lip! It's bleeding a little, more so the one on my chin. But how do I clean the one on my lip? I have betadine but it says external use only.

I cleaned my chin and put neosporin on it there. I just have a lovely welt comming on.

Originally Posted by MoochNNoodles

Mooch just manged to not only give me a good scratch across my chin but also inside my lower lip! It's bleeding a little, more so the one on my chin. But how do I clean the one on my lip? I have betadine but it says external use only.

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as long as you dont swallow it you should be fine,,,,Hydrogen paroxide will work too, and just cleaning it with hot water and soap

hydrogen peroxide

My dad swears by the stuff. Use it like you would a mouth wash. Just don't swallow.

Whenever you have dental work down, they tell you to keep rinsing with warm saltwater. Maybe that would help?

Originally Posted by AbbysMom

Whenever you have dental work down, they tell you to keep rinsing with warm saltwater. Maybe that would help?

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Very good advice that's what I use all the time.

I'd probably use alcohol, and then rinse it out pretty well. Salt water is good for dental stuff, but not really for de-germing cat scratches. I suppose hydrogen peroxide would work just as well, but I don't have any, so I'd go for rubbing alcohol.

if you use hydrogen peroxide make sure you dont swallow it-- it will induce vomiting post haste. be at a sink or toilet if you are using it as a gargle or in your mouth for any reason. Learned this from experience ! we also use a tiny bit to induce vomiting when my little dog had gotten into some bakers chocolate that i had left out a few years ago ( yes this was instruction from her vet)

Good luck on the healing!

well i would say some mouthwash that kills germs? That one that isnt supposed to burn? When i got my wisdom teeth out they told me to rinse well with salt water to keep it from getting infected.

Use the salt water trick in your mouth...it calms inflammation and kills bacteria.

Outside, you're fine with hydrogen peroxide or neosporin...whatever you prefer.

Originally Posted by GirlieQ

I'd probably use alcohol, and then rinse it out pretty well. Salt water is good for dental stuff, but not really for de-germing cat scratches. I suppose hydrogen peroxide would work just as well, but I don't have any, so I'd go for rubbing alcohol.

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OUCH!


Alcohol hurts in open wounds! I would use hydrogen peroxide instead!

Although, as we all know, Mooch would never intentionally injure you, this scratch is at high risk of infection. Please monitor it very carefully, and if you see any signs of infection at all (redness, swelling, drainage, heat from the site) please seek immediate medical attention so you may begin taking antibiotics.

I only ever used hydrogen peroxide for bleaching my hair, and not only does it bleach things, it's stinks to high heaven as well. I'd go for the salt water - as long as it's very thoroughly cleaned with salt water, it does actually work a treat. It doesn't burn or sting, ok it will upset your stomach if you swallow it, but not anywhere near to the extent that hydrogen peroxide does. Who on earth got the idea that you should clean your mouth with something that horrid anyway?

Definitely keep an eye on it, as has been said, they're very high risk for infection as we all know that cats carry more bacteria in their mouths and under their claws than a frenchman eats disgusting foods. So the antibiotics are a good move - I think you're more likely to get an infection if you're scratched somewhere as sensitive as your mouth - I'm sure I read somewhere that it's easier to absorb stuff from there and other softer skin....... that plus you'll have all sorts of bacteria getting into the scratch every time you eat, etc.