What causes swelling and bruise in the dog bitten place?
Patient: I got bitten by one of my dogs when I broke up a fight between three of them.  All of the dogs are current on vaccinations.  The  bite is a puncture wound in the web of the palm of my hand between the thumb & index finger.  I know it must have punctured the muscle because it is oozing slowly (blood & clear fluid).  This happened about 3 hours ago.  The area is bruised and swollen.  I have flushed it with cold water and put ice on it, & I took Ibuprofen. No stitches are needed, but I am wondering what else I can/should do for it to ensure that it does not get infected. Doctor: Welcome at HCM    I have gone through your query and being your physician i completely understand your health  concerns.For how long u are suffering from it? Any other associated problem? like diabetes? Are u running fever? Any other lymph node swelling in your body?     You should really visit ER so that your wound can be examined by a doctor.Thorough cleaning  of the affected area is must. and try to meet your doctor as soon as possible             Meanwhile stay calm and use acetaminophen to relieve pain   Get well soon Hope your query is adequately addressed if you still have any feel free to ask   RegardsDr Saad Sultan