Human Bite
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
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.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
Medicines:
- Antibiotics help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
- Antivirals and immune globulins may be given if the person who bit you has hepatitis (liver swelling) or HIV infection. Antivirals work by stopping the virus from spreading into your body. The immune globulins may be given to help the immune (body defense) system fight the infection. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about how these medicines may help.
- Medicines to treat pain, swelling, or fever can cause serious problems if you have liver or kidney disease or a history of bleeding in your stomach. Tell healthcare providers if you have any of these medical conditions before you receive the medicine.
- 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.
Tests:
- A wound culture is a test to grow and identify the germs that may be in your wound. This helps healthcare providers find out if you have an infection and what medicine is best to treat it.
- Blood tests are used to check for an infection.
- X-ray pictures may show broken bones or other injuries.
Treatment:
Treatment will depend on how severe the wound is, its location, and whether other areas are affected. It may also depend on the length of time you have had the injury. You may need any of the following:
- The wound will be cleaned with soap and water or antibacterial solution. This helps wash away germs and decrease the chances of infection. Objects, dirt, or dead tissues will be removed from the open wound.
- Medicines may be given to prevent or treat a bacterial infection, pain, swelling, or fever. Tetanus shots, antivirals, and immune globulins may be also be given.
- Stitches may be used to close the wound.
- Surgery may be needed to repair a broken bone or damaged joint, tendon, or nerve. Rarely, you may need surgery to rebuild the body part with the bite wound.
RISKS:
Human bites that are not treated may lead to more serious problems, such as swelling and infections. Severe swelling may prevent blood from flowing to your hands and feet. Infection may spread to other parts of your body. This can become life-threatening.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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.
Further information
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