Human Bite
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Human bites
are often more serious than animal bites. The wound may be deep and cause injury to bones, muscles, and other body parts. Wounds are more likely to become infected because of the germs in a person's mouth.
Common signs and symptoms of a human bite:
- Cuts, bruises, or swelling
- Bleeding or pus
- Redness, tenderness, and warmth around the wound
- Difficulty moving the wounded area or deformed skin
- Fever
Seek care immediately if:
- You have trouble swallowing, and your jaw and neck are stiff.
- You have trouble talking, walking, or breathing.
- You have increased redness, numbness, or swelling in the bitten area.
- Your wound does not stop bleeding even after you apply pressure.
- Your pain is the same or worse even after you take pain medicine.
- Your wound or bandage has pus or a bad smell, even if you clean it every day.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You have numbness or tingling in the area of the bite.
- You have pain or problems moving the injured area or get tender lumps in the groin or armpits.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
will depend on how severe the wound is, its location, and if other areas are affected. It may also depend on the length of time you have had the injury. You may need any of the following:
- The wound will be cleaned with soap and water or antibacterial solution. This helps wash away germs and decrease the chances of infection. Objects, dirt, or dead tissues will be removed from the open wound.
- Medicines may be given to prevent or treat a bacterial infection, pain, swelling, or fever. Tetanus shots, antivirals, and immune globulins may be also be given.
- Stitches may be used to close the wound.
- Surgery may be needed to repair a broken bone or damaged joint, tendon, or nerve. Rarely, you may need surgery to rebuild the body part with the bite wound.
Rest:
Rest when you feel it is needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed. When you are sitting or lying, raise the wounded area above your heart. This helps decrease swelling. You may put pillows under an injured leg when you are lying in bed.
Wear a splint or sling, as directed:
Your healthcare provider may want you to limit moving your injured area for some time. A sling or splint may be used to support or elevate your injured area and make you more comfortable. Ask for more information on using a splint or sling.
Wound care:
- Wash your hands. Wash before and after you care for your wound to prevent infection.
- Clean the wound with mild soap and water. Pat the area dry. Check the wound and the area around it. Look for any swelling, redness, or fluid oozing out of it. Do this as often as ordered by your healthcare provider. Keep the area clean to prevent infection.
- Cover the wound with a layer of clean gauze bandage. The bandage should be wrapped snugly, but do not wrap it tightly. You should be able to put 2 fingers under the bandage. It is too tight if you feel tingling or lose feeling in that area.
- Apply pressure to stop any bleeding. Use a clean cloth to apply direct pressure to the wound.
- Sit or lie so the bite area is raised above your heart, if possible. This will decrease swelling. Put pillows under an injured leg when lying in bed. A sling may be used if your arm or hand is injured.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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