Human Bite
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
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.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
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.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Td vaccine is a booster shot used to help prevent tetanus and diphtheria. The Td booster may be given to adolescents and adults every 10 years or for certain wounds and injuries.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
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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