Human Bite

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A human bite is any wound that you get from coming into contact with a person's teeth. It may be deep and cause injury or loss of other body parts. It is more likely to become infected than animal bites because of germs present in a person's mouth. A human bite may be caused by a person biting another person or from one's own teeth. The bite may or may not be on purpose, and usually occurs during fights. Having teeth marks with a cut, bruise, or swelling are common signs of a human bite. You may have bleeding, pain, or trouble moving the injured area. If infected, the wound may have pus or the area around may be red, tender, or feel warm when touched.
  
  
• Caregivers may check your bite wound, including the injured skin and area around it. He will look for other problems or signs of infection. Blood tests, wound culture, and x-rays may be done to check for other problems or injuries. Treatment will depend on how severe the wound is, it's location, and whether other areas are injured. It may include cleaning the wound, by flushing it and removing objects, dirt, or dead tissue in surgery. With treatment and care, a human bite may be cured and serious problems may be prevented.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Rest:

Rest when you feel it is needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.

When sitting or lying, place the area of the bite raised above the heart. This helps decrease swelling. You may put pillows under an injured leg when lying in bed.

Wearing a splint or sling:

Caregivers may want you to limit moving your injured part for some time. A sling or splint may be used to support your injured area and help make you feel more comfortable. Wearing a sling may also be used to hold the arm and keep it elevated. Ask your caregiver for more information on using a splint or sling.

Wound care:

Ask your caregiver about the proper way to care for your human bite at home.

• Clean your wound with mild soap and water, and pat dry. Do this as often as ordered by your caregiver. If you cannot reach the wound, have someone help you.
  
  
• Carefully check the wound and the area around it. Watch out for any swelling, redness, or fluid oozing out of it. If there is bleeding, you may apply gentle pressure.
  
  
• Cover your wound with a layer of sterile (clean) gauze bandage. If the bandage should be wrapped around your arm or leg, wrap it snugly but not too tight. It is too tight if you feel tingling or lose feeling in that area. Keep the bandage clean and dry.
  
  
• Wash your hands before and after taking care of a wound to prevent having or spreading an infection.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have a skin rash, itching, or swelling after taking your medicine.
  
  
• You have numbness or tingling in the area of the bite.
  
  
• You have pain or problems moving the injured part or get tender lumps in the groin or armpits.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your injury, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You are having trouble swallowing and your jaw and neck are stiff.
  
  
• You are having trouble talking, walking, or breathing.
  
  
• You have increased redness, numbness, or swelling in the bitten area.
  
  
• Your wound does not stop bleeding even after applying pressure.
  
  
• Your pain is not relieved or is getting worse even after taking medicine.
  
  
• Your wound or bandage has pus or a bad smell even if you are cleaning it everyday.

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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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