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Bit By Dog On Finger. Have Deep Wound. Applied Lidocaine HCL. Painful. Healing Time?
2 days ago, I was bitten accidentally by one of my dog when I came to separate them.
There was a deep open cut/wound on top of my right ring finger.
I soak my hand immediately in a saline solution of water and salt for approximately 20 minutes and then I applied a first aid "pain relieving gel containing lidocaine HCL 2%.
Now the wound is almost closed... no infection.
The problem is that I feel pain when I try to close my ring and little fingers or make a fist with my hand.
How long do you think it will take for me to be the way I was before the accidental dog bite or get normal use of my finger?
Thanks
There was a deep open cut/wound on top of my right ring finger.
I soak my hand immediately in a saline solution of water and salt for approximately 20 minutes and then I applied a first aid "pain relieving gel containing lidocaine HCL 2%.
Now the wound is almost closed... no infection.
The problem is that I feel pain when I try to close my ring and little fingers or make a fist with my hand.
How long do you think it will take for me to be the way I was before the accidental dog bite or get normal use of my finger?
Thanks
posted on
Wed, 3 Jul 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 3 Jul 2013
Answered on
Thu, 4 Jul 2013
Last reviewed on
Hi,
The impact of the bite would have caused some soft tissue injury apart from the open wound and that will take a bit longer to heal. It has only been 2 days, so you will have to give it atleast a week or two.
After a dog bite, locally thorough cleaning of the site with antiseptic, tetanus shot, anti-rabies vaccine (not necessary if dog has been vaccinated effectively in the past 2 years, or if the vaccinated dog remains healthy) and if required antibiotics are given. If your wound has healed without infection then there is nothing to worry about. Watch out for any signs of infection and report to a doctor if any.
Hope this helps,
Dr A Rao
The impact of the bite would have caused some soft tissue injury apart from the open wound and that will take a bit longer to heal. It has only been 2 days, so you will have to give it atleast a week or two.
After a dog bite, locally thorough cleaning of the site with antiseptic, tetanus shot, anti-rabies vaccine (not necessary if dog has been vaccinated effectively in the past 2 years, or if the vaccinated dog remains healthy) and if required antibiotics are given. If your wound has healed without infection then there is nothing to worry about. Watch out for any signs of infection and report to a doctor if any.
Hope this helps,
Dr A Rao
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