About this topic
A human bite happens when someone injures you or hurts you with their teeth. The wound left behind is called a bite. It can cause skin or tissue damage. You may lose a body part like an ear or nose. The area where you were bitten may bleed. A bite may seem harmless, but it can get infected easily. There are many germs in the human mouth. A human bite may also spread an illness to some other person through saliva. A bite may spread: ‚
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis B and C
- Syphilis
All bites may cause injury or infection. They can be very serious if not treated right away. ‚
What are the causes?
- A bite from another person
- A punch to the mouth that could lead to teeth breaking the skin on the hand
- Accidentally hitting your tooth or another persons tooth
- Young children may bite to get attention or when they see others bite
What can make this more likely to happen?
- You are more likely to get into fights when drinking too much beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol). This raises your chances of getting a bite or hitting someones mouth.
- Caring for infants and young children puts you at a higher risk for having a bite.
What are the main signs?
- Bite marks, cuts in your skin, or bruising
- Bleeding from broken skin
- Pain and tenderness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Pus discharge from the wound
- Warmth around the bite
Signs of a nerve or tendon damage: ‚
- A cut or loss of tissue
- Problems with bending or straightening the part that was bitten
- Numbness or change in feeling around the bite area
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and ask how you got the bite. Your doctor will look at the wound with care and check for signs of nerve and tendon damage. The doctor will look for redness, swelling, and signs of infection. You may need to have tests like: ‚
- Blood tests
- Wound culture
- X-ray
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Your doctor will treat your wound based on the injury. Your doctor will clean the wound and cover it with clean bandages. Your doctor may give you drugs and creams or ointments to prevent infection. You may need stitches.
- Surgery may be needed if you have joint or tendon damage or infections or for deeper wounds.
Are there other health problems to treat?
- You may need a tetanus shot.
- Infection
- Bleeding
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
You may also get a tetanus or rabies shot from your doctor. If rabies shots are needed, they are given over a specific period of time. Make sure you keep all appointments to get all of your shots. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Teach young children not to bite others.
- Never put your hand near or in the mouth of someone who is having a seizure.
- Avoid physical fights.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00003 ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Bites-human-and-animal/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚