Cage cleaning & open wound advice

[Hekomi]

So many of you may have seen that Java gave me a nice bite yesterday. It still hurts and is swollen today. Coffees cage desperately needs a clean out, but since I'm already worried about his health, and his cage is icky, I wanted to clean it with vinegar. Problem is I don't want my finger to get infected by anything in his cage, or burn with th vinegar.

I can't use gloves so that isn't an option. Should I try? The next possible time he could get a cage clean is next Sunday, more realistically the Monday as I'm away this week. I really hate the thought of leaving him in his cage for two weeks but I'm also aware it will be stressful for him, and could possibly hurt me through my finger.

Thoughts?

[BrainGirl]

What is the reason that you can't wear gloves? If it's an allergy there are alternative materials these days. Or perhaps you could use what's known as a finger cot. Vinegar could still potentially seep in around the top but it might help. There's also liquid bandage but I don't know if it might wash off while you're cleaning

[StarlightSerenity]

Use your other hand? Using just one hand will take a while but sounds like his cage needs a clean.

Waterproof plasters? Lots of them?

[Esmy]

I don't want to use 4 pairs of gloves a days so I just do it with one hand. You could also wrap plastic around the finger and securely tape the bottom.

[souffle]

I'd just scoop out most of the litter then use antibacterial wipes to wipe over then put in clean for now. The deep scrub can wait till next time!

[RedSky]

I agree with souffle, just empty out the dirty bedding, give a quick wipe out (I just use a wet cloth for general cleans) and then add in clean bedding.
Even if it is dirty enough to remove all the bedding it would be better for him to have clean bedding with a slightly dirty/smelly floor than be all dirty.

[Hekomi]

Okay, that sounds like a good alternative. Thank you all!

I can't wear gloves of any nature; it's not an allergy (I'm fine touching latex, etc.) but they cause weird problems with my hands. I was thinking just a finger bandage if possible, but I can't find any.

I'll get my SO to watch him and remove the soiled bedding then give it a wipe down. I'm sure it does need one.

[BrainGirl]

There are clear waterproof bandages available but you might need to ask a medical professional for them. I know they're waterproof because I had one once and the wound bled heavily. I don't want to tell you what that resulted in because it was gross

[Hekomi]

Oh... oh fun! xD I have some like "heal fast bandages" but not all of them are very form fitting, and since it's on the tip of my thumb, it'll have creases and stuff.

[BrainGirl]

Yeah, I'd definitely look for something that forms a good seal. I only know for sure that the clear doctor-grade ones do.

This isn't the one I'm thinking of but maybe it would work too?
Nexcare? Canada - Bandages, First Aid Tapes, Wound Dressings, & More - 3M:Waterproof Bandages