Human bites

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N P R S T U W

Human bites

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Human bites

1. Calm and reassure the person. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
2. If the bite is NOT bleeding severely, wash the wound with mild soap and running water for 3 to 5 minutes and then cover the bite with a clean dressing.
3. If the bite is actively bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding subsides. Elevate the area.
4. Get medical attention.

• DO NOT ignore any human bite, especially if it is bleeding.
• DO NOT put the wound into your mouth.

All human bites that break the skin should be promptly evaluated by a doctor. Bites may be especially serious when:

• There is swelling, redness, pus draining from the wound, or pain.
• The bite occurred near the eyes or involved the face, hands, wrists, or feet.
• The person who was bitten has a weakened immune system (for example, from HIV or receiving chemotherapy for cancer). The person is at a higher risk for the wound to become infected.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen?s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5^th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2002.

Noble J, ed. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3^rd Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2001.

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles of Infectious Diseases. 5^th Ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2000.

Email this page  Printer friendly  Bookmark this page