Question:
I got bitten by my Bearded Dragon...he broke the skin and cut more
than half way through my nail.. I went to see a doctor..and he
perscribed Cloxacillin? Ive looked this up on the internet and I'm
quite worried to take this!! I'm usually one of those people who gets
the SERIOUS side effects...and the one Im really worried about (other
than all of them!) is the closing of the throat one... Has anyone
taken this? I know you guys arent doctors..but I'm allergic to just
about everything under the sun...Amoxil Septra Ceclore Illzone
Benadryl Biaxin Morphine Advil... should i take this?? Thanks,
InThisSkin

Answer:
Hey InThisSkin18, how are you doing? Here is the procedure for
Lizard bites of the Emergency Department Care: * Most wounds can be
treated in the ED. Essentials of treatment are necessary inspection,
debridement, irrigation, and closure, if indicated. o Carefully
inspect wounds to identify deep injury and devitalized tissue. It is
nearly impossible to obtain an adequate inspection of a wound without
it first being anesthetized. Care should be taken to visualize the
bottom of the wound and, if applicable, to examine the wound through a
range of motion. o Debridement is an effective means of preventing
infection. Removing devitalized tissue, particulate matter, and clots
prevents these from becoming a source of infection, much like any
foreign body. Clean surgical wound edges result in smaller scars and
promote faster healing. o Irrigation is another important means of
infection prevention. A 19-gauge blunt needle and a 35-mL syringe
provide adequate pressure (7 psi) and volume to clean most wounds. In
general, 100-200 mL of irrigation solution per inch of wound is
required. Heavily contaminated wounds require more irrigation. Large
dirty wounds may require irrigation in the operating room. Isotonic
sodium chloride solution is a safe, available, effective, and
inexpensive irrigating solution. Few of the numerous other solutions
and mixtures of saline and antibiotics have any advantages over
saline. If a shieldlike device is used, take care to prevent the
irrigating solution from returning to the wound, which decreases the
effectiveness of the irrigation. o Consider primary closure in
relatively clean bite wounds or wounds that can be cleansed
effectively. Others are best treated by delayed primary closure.
Facial wounds, because of the excellent blood supply, are at low risk
for infection, even if closed primarily. Bite wounds to the lower
extremities, with a delay in presentation, or in immunocompromised
hosts generally should be left open. * Consider tetanus and rabies
prophylaxis for all wounds. * In one study of 145 recent (<6
hours) dog bites of the face in 45 children, treatment with pressure
irrigation and wound-edge excision resulted in a 0.4% infection rate
without the use of antibiotics. Furtherore, according to Bristol
Zoo Gardens, Awarded Zoo of the Year 2004 by the Good Britain Guide,
the effectiveness of the venom varies in humans but it is rarely
fatal. The poison may be used more for defence than attack. The
Gila monster is one of only two species of venomous lizard, both
belonging to the family Helodermatidae, that are similar in appearance
and habitat. Its venomous cousin, the Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma
horridum) is slightly larger and darker. Most of the Gila monster's
teeth have two grooves which conduct the venom from the lower jaw.
The toxin is not injected like snake venom but instead flows into the
wound as the lizard chews its victim. Small animals die very quickly
from the venom, which attacks the nervous system and causes paralysis
of the respiratory muscles. Consult an expert in reptile
envenomations to assist in management, as necessary. An excellent
resource for assistance is the University of Arizona Poison and Drug
Information Center (phone: 520/626-6016). For excellent patient
education resources, visit eMedicine's Skin, Hair, and Nails Center.
Also, see eMedicine's patient education article Bruises. Best
wishes,