Dog bite

[Humdrumdumdumdum]

I was bitten by a dog about 48 hours ago. It’s one main puncture wound on my hand that went down to the bone.
What can I put on it to prevent infection? I’ve been to see a nurse but they didn’t give me anything for it said to come back if it gets infected.
I was hoping to get some antibiotic cream to prevent infection. I’ve used betadine on it.

Very important - are you up to date with your tetanus jab? I'm surprised they didn't give you antibiotics considering how deep it is! Did they even dress it?

I second the tetanus jab - really important if you’re not up to date! Also, I assume you’re based in the UK? In mainland Europe, rabies would be of some concern depending on the circumstances.

I have a tetanus jab, they did offer that but I don’t need it. I wanted something to prevent infection such as antibiotics but they said to come back if it gets infected they they will give me antibiotics then.

I had a plaster on it which I left on so they didn’t dress it or clean it or anything

A antiseptic cream would probably be good; Savlon, Dettol, Bepanthen... or any unbranded stuff from the chemist/Boots/Superdrug.

A really thorough wash with very hot soapy water should have been done straight away. Any sign of inflammation go to a&e for the wound to be cleaned and dressed and to get antibiotics

Antibiotics don’t prevent infection. They are right to not provide you with antibiotics when you don’t have an infection.

Keep your wound clean, dress it in sterile dressings. Keep an eye on the wound, if it starts to smell, have discharge or is hot to the touch, go back to the nurse.

The doctors and nurses used manukau honey on my DMs dog bite. But you want to get it on prescription it’s very expensive!

I'd be inclined to soak your hand a couple of times a day in savlon in warm water. Just swish your hand around. Then let it air dry, and apply an antiseptic cream. Leave it uncovered and moist (with the cream) for as long as is practical. Bandage for bedtime that's not going to pull the skin off. Loose. Any fever, straight to A&E.

Can you soak it in salt water? (Not a medical professional!!)

I just kept the bite clean and used hibiscrub on it. I got given a tetanus as hadn't had one for years. My hand swelled up massively but it went down and healed fine 😊