Alternate Names: Bites - human
Considerations: Puncture wounds (which are common with human bites) present a high risk of infection. Besides the bacteria which can cause infection, there is risk of injury to tendons and joints when the wound extends below the skin.
Bites are very common among young children. Children often bite to express anger or other negative feelings.
Causes: Human bites are usually caused by either an actual bite, or from a fight where the victim injures his body (such as the knuckles) on someone else’s teeth.
Symptoms:
Do Not:
- DO NOT ignore any human bite, especially if there is bleeding.
- DO NOT put the wound into your own mouth.
Call If:
- The skin is broken.
- After the bite, there is swelling, redness, pus draining from the wound, or pain.
- The bite occurred near the eyes or involved the hands, wrist, or feet.
- The person who was bitten has an immunodeficiency (they are at a higher risk for the wound to become infected).
First Aid: 1. Calm and reassure the victim. 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, control the bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding subsides. Elevating the area is also recommended.
4. Get medical help.
Prevention:
- NEVER put your hand near or in the mouth of someone who is having a seizure.
- Teach young children about the dangers of biting someone else.
