Reaction to bird bite?!
Question: My grandfather's parakeet escaped his cage today so I ended up having to hold him against his will for a few minutes, all of the while he was biting my thumb and index finger horribly. He didn't break the skin but he scratched my fingers pretty severely. Now I am getting raised bumps on my thumb. It is also bright red and irritated. I have not experienced this before and never heard of bird allergies.
Is there such a thing and could this get worse or spread? How can I treat it?
Answers: My grandfather's parakeet escaped his cage today so I ended up having to hold him against his will for a few minutes, all of the while he was biting my thumb and index finger horribly. He didn't break the skin but he scratched my fingers pretty severely. Now I am getting raised bumps on my thumb. It is also bright red and irritated. I have not experienced this before and never heard of bird allergies.
Is there such a thing and could this get worse or spread? How can I treat it?
I've had this happen to me with my cousin's bird. I also react the same way to cat scratches. It can be an allergic reaction (hives) or a very mild bacterial infection.
Wash your hands (I'm sure you already did, lol), maybe use a topical cream like Polysporin and let it go. It should clear up noticably in a day or two. If it gets worse, becomes painful or spreads you should definitely call your doctor.
bacteria from the birds beak has possibly caused an infection
go see your doctor, pet viruses can be lethal to people.
Take a Benedryl immediatley, it could be an allergic reaction. If it's not, the Benedryl won't hurt you. If it's not better in the morning, def call the Dr. Just because the skin doesn't appear to broken, doesn't mean that it isn't on a small level.
oh, if you take a benedryl and it helps a little, but not all the way, go ahead and take two. You will get sleepy, but if it helps, it's worth it.