What is the most effective first-aid treatment for a raccoon bite?

The most effective first-aid treatment for a raccoon bite is to cleanse the wound with soap and water. This initial step is crucial because it helps to remove any dirt, bacteria, or saliva from the wound, significantly reducing the risk of infection. Raccoons are known carriers of various infectious diseases, including rabies and leptospirosis, thus proper wound cleaning is vital in the early management of any animal bite, particularly from a high-risk animal like a raccoon.

While applying antibiotic ointment may seem beneficial, it should not replace the need to clean the wound thoroughly first. Bandaging the wound is important for protecting it from further contamination after proper cleaning, but bandaging without cleansing does not address the potential for deep infection from bacteria that could enter through the bite. Applying ice might help reduce swelling and provide temporary relief, but it does not treat the risk of infection that stems from the bite itself. Therefore, thorough cleansing with soap and water is the foundational step in managing a raccoon bite correctly.