Rash and cat-scratch fever symptoms: what should you know?

The skin mark may begin where a cat scratched, bit, or licked broken skin. It can be a bump, crust, or small rash, followed by swollen tender glands near the affected limb. Fever, tiredness, headache, or reduced appetite may occur. A hot, rapidly spreading, painful area with pus suggests a local wound infection and needs prompt attention. Cat-scratch symptoms are not confirmed by a rash alone; tell the clinician about the animal contact and timing.

Wash a scratch or bite promptly with running water and soap, then keep it clean and dry. Do not squeeze the wound or apply harsh chemicals. Photograph the skin change and note the cat’s behaviour, vaccination information if known, and whether the animal was stray or unavailable. Contact a clinician if the wound is deep, on the face or hand, near a joint, or if redness, pain, swelling, discharge, or fever develops. Check whether tetanus advice is needed.

Seek emergency help for breathing trouble, facial swelling, confusion, collapse, severe weakness, or rapidly worsening illness. Obtain prompt medical review for red streaks, spreading warmth, pus, severe pain, a swollen joint, persistent fever, eye symptoms, or enlarged glands that are very painful. People with weakened immunity should seek advice early after a bite or scratch.

Does the wound need treatment or a tetanus update? Could the rash and swollen glands fit cat-scratch disease or another infection? Do I need testing or antibiotics? What changes should I report, and when should the glands be rechecked?