From the Guidelines
To treat squirrel scratches, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 5 minutes to remove dirt and potential pathogens, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. This approach is crucial in preventing infection and reducing the risk of rabies. The use of a dilute water povidone-iodine solution for irrigation can also decrease the risk for bacterial infection 1.
Key Considerations
- Apply an antiseptic solution like povidone-iodine (Betadine) or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the area.
- Cover the wound with a clean bandage after applying an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin or Polysporin.
- Change the bandage daily and monitor for signs of infection including increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or red streaks extending from the wound.
- If the scratch is deep, bleeding heavily, or shows signs of infection, seek medical attention promptly.
- Consider contacting your healthcare provider about tetanus prophylaxis if your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago, as suggested by previous guidelines 1.
Additional Precautions
- Though rare, squirrels can potentially carry rabies, so if the squirrel appeared sick or was acting strangely, consult a healthcare provider about rabies risk assessment 1.
- Decisions regarding the use of antibiotic prophylaxis and primary wound closure should be individualized based on the size and location of the wound, and time interval since the scratch 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Squirrel Scratches
- Squirrel scratches can potentially lead to infections such as rabies or tetanus, and it is essential to seek medical attention immediately after being scratched 2, 3.
- The treatment for squirrel scratches typically involves post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which may include wound washing and antisepsis, a series of intradermal or intramuscular rabies vaccinations, and rabies immunoglobulin in severe cases 3.
- In some cases, antibiotics such as amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid may be prescribed to prevent infection 4.
- It is crucial to assess the patient's potential need for PEP based on several factors, including the type of exposure, the timing and severity of illness in the source patient, and the exposed person's susceptibility to infectious diseases of concern 2.
Prevention of Infection
- Wound washing and antisepsis are critical in preventing infection after a squirrel scratch 3.
- Tetanus vaccination is also essential in preventing tetanus infection after a squirrel scratch 2.
- In general, PEP should be given as soon as possible following a high-risk exposure 2.
Special Considerations
- Persons exposed to bloodborne pathogens should have baseline testing for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus antibodies, and follow-up testing at six weeks, three months, and six months postexposure 2.
- There is limited research on the treatment of squirrel scratches in special populations, such as infants and immunocompromised individuals 3.