How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Cat Scratch - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Cat scratch injuries in children often cause mild symptoms like redness, swelling, and tenderness. Telemedicine can help assess these symptoms quickly and guide parents on care steps. During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider will ask about the injury, symptoms, and any changes over time. They may also advise on wound care and signs to watch for. However, some situations require in-person care, such as severe pain, spreading redness, fever, or swollen lymph nodes. Preparing for the visit by gathering information about the injury and symptoms helps the provider give the best advice. Telemedicine is a useful tool for initial evaluation but is not a substitute for emergency or urgent in-person care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Fever higher than 38°C (100.4°F) after a cat scratch - seek in-person medical care.
• Redness or swelling that spreads beyond the scratch area - get urgent evaluation.
• Pus, drainage, or foul smell from the wound - requires prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild cat scratch injuries.
• Guidance on wound cleaning and home care.
• Advice on monitoring symptoms and when to seek further care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe pain or rapidly worsening symptoms.
• Signs of serious infection such as spreading redness or fever.
• Need for wound cleaning or treatment that requires hands-on care.

What is a Cat Scratch Injury?

A cat scratch injury happens when a cat's claws or teeth break the skin. It can cause redness, swelling, and sometimes small bumps or blisters. Most cat scratches heal without problems, but they can sometimes lead to infections.

When to Use Telemedicine for Cat Scratch Injuries

Telemedicine is helpful for mild cat scratch injuries to check symptoms and get advice on care. It allows you to talk to a healthcare provider from home, saving time and reducing exposure to other illnesses. If symptoms are mild and there are no signs of serious infection, a telemedicine visit is often appropriate.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your visit, clean the scratch gently with soap and water. Gather information such as when and how the injury happened, any symptoms your child has, and if your child has any allergies or medical conditions. Have a way to show the injury clearly on camera if possible.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about the injury, symptoms like pain or swelling, and any changes since the scratch happened. They may guide you on how to care for the wound at home and what signs to watch for that might need in-person care.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child develops fever, increasing redness or swelling, pus or drainage from the wound, severe pain, or swollen lymph nodes near the scratch, seek in-person medical care promptly. These signs may indicate an infection needing treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Clean the scratch gently with soap and water before the visit.
• Note the time and cause of the scratch.
• Observe and note any symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, or fever.
• Have a device ready with a camera to show the injury if possible.
• Prepare to discuss your child's medical history and allergies.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on wound care and symptom monitoring.
• Keep the scratch clean and dry as instructed.
• Watch for red flags like fever, spreading redness, or pus.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Keep any prescribed medications and follow dosing instructions carefully.

FAQs

Can a cat scratch cause serious illness in children?

Most cat scratches cause only mild irritation and heal on their own. However, some scratches can lead to infections, such as cat scratch disease, especially if symptoms like fever or swollen lymph nodes develop. It's important to monitor your child and seek care if symptoms worsen.

How should I clean my child's cat scratch before the telemedicine visit?

Gently wash the scratch with mild soap and clean water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard. Pat the area dry with a clean towel before the visit.

What if I cannot show the scratch clearly during the video call?

Try to provide a detailed description of the injury and symptoms. If the provider cannot assess the injury adequately, they may recommend an in-person visit for a better evaluation.

Will my child need antibiotics for a cat scratch?

Not all cat scratches require antibiotics. The healthcare provider will decide based on the appearance of the wound and symptoms. If there are signs of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.

How long does it take for a cat scratch to heal?

Most minor cat scratches heal within one to two weeks. Healing time can vary depending on the severity of the scratch and your child's overall health.

Sources

1. Cat Scratch Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Cat Scratch Disease — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Cat Scratch Disease — Mayo Clinic.
4. Cat Scratch Disease: Clinical Features and Diagnosis — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention.