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Human Bite Discharge Instructions


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 care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Talk to your doctor about how to care for your wound. Ask your doctor about:
    • When you should change your bandages
    • When you may take a bath or shower
    • How to clean your wound
    • If there are drugs you should put on your wound

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may want you to follow up in 48 hours to check for infection.
  • If you have stitches, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain
  • Prevent 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. ‚  

Will physical activity be limited?


For minor bruises or wounds, you will likely be able to do your normal activities. If your bite is very bad, you may have to limit your activity. ‚  

What problems could happen?


Most bites get better without problems. Sometimes, there are problems like: ‚  
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Pain in the bitten area
  • Drainage, swelling, or redness at wound site

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.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
  • Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up; or red streaks on your skin from your wound.
  • Pain gets worse
  • Stiff neck, arms, or legs
  • Confusion
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you how to care for my wound.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have swelling, redness, or warmth around my wound.

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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