Will I get rabies infection through mild scratch?

Hello,

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From what you have written, I feel that you have a grade one scratch. Since no bleeding was there, you need not worry. Usually claws do not contain any virus, but cannot always be sure. I suggest you to get a prophylactic vaccination done for rabies. Usually, dose of three .I hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

My detailed answer for your questions are as follows. The after shave lotion is an alcohol based solution which will clean the skin area. Only when it contacts with sensitive areas, especially with the deeper layers of skin and muscle or blood you will have the burning sensation. There is no bleeding means the scratch is superficial and no blood capillaries are damaged. So, there was no burning sensation after you washed and added after shave lotion. Regarding lemon juice too the same reason. Lemon juice is having citric acid which burns only on contact with sensitive areas of the body. The outermost layer of skin has only dead skin and keratin and especially in the foot, the skin is thicker that is the keratin part which has no sensation. I am not able to see any break in the skin. The potash alum used to cool the skin and so there is some degree of dryness. There is nothing called microscopic scratch. So, no difference as far as I know. Any scratch which leads to destruction of the sensitive area of the skin can be felt. If dog has scratched itself, and has touched its saliva or blood then can have some virus particles in its claw. Going by the history you have provided and the photos (attachment removed to protect patient identity), yours is grade one scratch and it do not lead to rabies. But, as I have already told getting a prophylaxis of three injections will help. Washing as early as possible is recommended. Please wash only with running tap water and soap. Others are not recommended. I suggest you to take the prophylaxis and forget about the incident as from what you have given the history, it is unlikely that scratch can lead to rabies. I hope this helps. Thank you and take care. Regards.