My thumb is infected from a puncture bite from my puppy. I am on antibiotics, but my thumb is still very sore and the skin is peeling off a large section between the base of the thumb and the joint. Might I have MRSA and how should I protect myself and my family?
Hello, Welcome to Chat Doctor, Your history and the symptoms suggests me that you are having cellulitis following puppy bite. The bacteria like staphylococcus and streptococcus will survive on the surface of the skin whenever there is a break in the skin these organisms will gain entry into body and release there toxins and produce symptoms like cellulitis. If the wound is infected you may require injectable antibiotics to cover staph and strep to. The antibiotics like In CAVAM or In Piperacillin + Tazobactam combination is very effective in controlling this type of infection. As part of the post exposure prophylaxis, continue and complete the course of antirabies vaccine. Thank you.