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Human bites
Human bites

Human bites

Definition:
Human bites are usually caused by one person biting another, although they may result from a situation in which one person comes into contact with another person's teeth. In a fight, for example, one person's knuckles may come into contact with another person's teeth, and if the impact breaks the skin, the injury would be considered a bite.



Alternative Names:
Bites - human



Considerations:

Human bites that break the skin, like all puncture wounds, have a high risk of infection. They also pose a risk of injury to tendons and joints.

Bites are very common among young children. Children often bite to express anger or other negative feelings.





Symptoms:

Bites may produce symptoms ranging from mild to severe:

  • Skin breaks with or without bleeding
  • Puncture wounds
  • Major cuts
  • Crushing injuries




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




Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
All human bites should be evaluated promptly by a doctor. Bites may be especially serious when:
  • The skin is broken.
  • 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.




Prevention:
  • Teach young children not to bite others.
  • NEVER put your hand near or in the mouth of someone who is having a seizure .




Review Date: 8/19/2003

Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previous reviews: A.D.A.M. editorial (11/6/2002). Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (7/22/2001).

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