Cat scratch fever rash: what to know

Cat-scratch disease may cause a small raised spot where the scratch broke the skin, with fever and tender lymph nodes developing later. Local irritation usually stays close to the injury. An infected wound may become increasingly red, warm, swollen, painful, or wet with discharge. These patterns can overlap, and a rash alone cannot identify the cause. The condition that presents with fever and a scratch-related skin change should be assessed alongside the timing, wound appearance, and general health.

Rinse the area well with water and soap, pat it dry, and cover it lightly if clothing rubs against it. Do not squeeze a bump or share towels used to clean the wound. Check the skin once or twice a day for expansion, warmth, streaking, or discharge, and record your temperature if you feel unwell. Contact a healthcare professional if fever persists, lymph nodes become painful, or the rash is changing. Mention any medicines, immune conditions, and whether the cat is familiar and available for observation.

Get same-day advice for a deep scratch, a bite, a wound on the hand or face, spreading redness, or fever after the injury. Go to emergency care for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, severe weakness, confusion, or rapidly advancing redness. Seek earlier assessment for an infant, an older adult, or someone with reduced immunity.

Does the wound look irritated or infected? Could swollen lymph nodes fit cat-scratch disease? Do I need a prescription, a wound review, or monitoring instructions?