Bites and Scratches

(see also Wounds and Cuts)

Symptoms

Scratches from animals are not usually serious unless an infection ensues or the wound is deep. Cat scratches can cause an illness called cat-scratch fever, an infection that inflames the wound and causes typical flu-like symptoms within about two weeks of the scratch. The disease will resolve itself. With animal bites, the possibility of rabies or tetanus must be investigated. Both of these diseases are life-threatening. Human and animal bites often cause local bacterial infections, which lead to lymphangitis and ultimately to blood poisoning if the infection spreads.

Causes

Many dogs and cats will lash out when they are provoked or disturbed, however adorable they may look. Particularly, care should be taken around wild animals that appear tame, as unnatural behavior often indicates rabies infection. Tetanus and rabies are more common in developing countries but even in North America. Pets can also become ill with this disease, unless they have received regular vaccinations It is advisable to seek professional care for any bite.

Nutrition

Whole grains, nutritional yeast and egg yolks, all rich in vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), help build antibodies to fight infections from animal or human bites. Eat vitamin-rich, fresh, raw vegetables and fruits that also provide enzymes which boost the immune system and support healing. Dark green and orange vegetables, rich in beta-carotenes are especially important as they play an important role in the healing process. Limit sugar and fried foods—they tax the system and hamper tissue regeneration.

Nutritional Supplements

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids prevent infection and promote healing. They also reduce inflammation and support the immune system once infection has begun. The skin needs vitamin A or beta-carotene along with vitamin E for optimal healing. Vitamin E also prevents scars from developing.

Daily dosages:

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg every few hours, up to 10,000 mg daily

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU one to two times daily

Vitamin A, 10,000 IU (avoid during pregnancy) or 50,000 IU beta-carotene

Herbal Remedies

To fight infection which can result from bites and scratches, herbs provide excellent treatment.

Gentian root is an antidote for poisons and infected wounds. Make a decoction with 1 tbsp. of the herb and 1 cup water. Steep the decoction, wash the wound and then apply a compress that has been soaked in the herbal mixture.

Echinacea root is an excellent antibiotic. Wash the affected area with a strong decoction of the herb and take 10 drops echinacea tincture in water every hour for a day.

Place a few drops of black cohosh tincture on insect stings or snake bites.

Use chaparral tea (leaves and stems) to clean the bite wound. Chaparral has saponins that naturally cleanse the system of toxic impurities. This herb also acts as an antibiotic.

Dab aloe vera on all bites to soothe the pain.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy can help prevent infection and speed healing following a bite. Use the 6c strength, placing 2 tablets under the tongue every fifteen minutes for three doses, then three times daily if necessary.

Ledum is the first remedy to use. It is also indicated if numbness or coldness develops around a bite.

Hypericum is appropriate if the pains shoot along a nerve.

Arnica helps to stop excessive bleeding from a bite and treat an injury with marked bruising and soreness.

Tissue Salts

Nat mur can be made into a paste by adding a little water, and applied directly to the bite to soothe the irritation.

External/Physical Therapies

If bitten or scratched by a domestic or wild animal, and no doctor is immediately available, wash the wound in hot, soapy water.

Wash the bite with alkaline soap to inactivate the rabies virus.

The rabies virus stays active for a long time in dried saliva. It loses its contagiousness in moisture, especially when exposed to hot sun.

If bitten by an animal that foams at the mouth, with dripping saliva and a fixed stare in the eyes, contact a doctor immediately and call an animal shelter to have the animal inspected. Rabies can be transmitted by bites from animals. The virus can also be transmitted to humans by saliva from animals making contact with open wounds, on the hands for example.

Available Brand Name Products

Other Nutritional Supplements

Aloe Vera Gel (The Real Aloe Co.)

Herbal Remedies

Echinacea Angustifolia Extract (Nature’s Herbs)

Homeopathy

Hypericum (Nelsons Homeopathy)

External Therapies

Bergamot Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Chamomile Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Lavender Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Lemon Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Tea Tree Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)