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Human Bite
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
A bite from another human can be every bit as worrisome
as one from an animal. Human bites often break the skin, and
sometimes go very deep. Because the human mouth carries plenty
of germs, the wound is likely to become infected if it is not
cleaned right away. Healing may take days or weeks, depending
on the severity of the bite.
Signs/Symptoms
You may have bleeding, pain,
bruising, or swelling in the area of the bite.
Care
Clean the wound thoroughly right
away. If it is large or deep, it may require stitches.
Otherwise, soak the wound 3 to 4 times a day, keeping it clean
and dry between soakings. If you have not had a tetanus shot
recently, you may need one. Your doctor also may prescribe
antibiotic medicine to keep an infection from
developing.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
If you have stitches, keep them clean and dry for
several days. Then you can clean the wound. Make an
appointment with your doctor to have your stitches taken
out.
-
Keep the area of the bite clean. Wash the wound with
soap and water 3 to 4 times a day.
-
If you have a bandage, keep it clean and dry. Change
it whenever it gets dirty. To loosen the bandage if it
sticks to the wound, put a little water on it, then gently
pull it off the wound.
-
If possible, raise the site of the bite above the
level of your heart to keep the swelling
down.
-
If you have been given a tetanus shot, your arm may
get swollen, red, and warm to the touch at the site of the
shot. This is a normal reaction to the
medicine.
-
If you are taking antibiotics, continue to take them
until they are all gone, even if you feel well. If you feel
they are not helping, call your doctor. Do not quit taking
them on your own.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have numbness or tingling in the area of the
bite.
-
You have any signs of infection (redness, red
streaking or pus coming from the wound, or warmth or
swelling in the area of the bite).
-
You have a high temperature.
-
You have pain or trouble moving the injured
part.
-
Tender lumps appear in your groin or under your
arm.
-
You develop a rash, itching, or swelling after taking
your medicine
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