Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Human Bites Treatment
Call 911 if:
A human bite causes serious injury.
The wound will not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of firm pressure.
Blood spurts from the wound.
1. Stop Bleeding
Apply firm, direct pressure with sterile gauze or clean cloth until bleeding stops.
2. Clean and Protect
Clean the wound with mild soap and water. Rinse for several minutes under running water.
Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Watch for signs of infection: redness, pain, swelling, or pus. If you see them, get medical help.
3. Get Medical Help
See a health care provider about any human bite that is more than a superficial scratch because there is a high risk of infection. Even minor bites can easily become infected.
Tell the health care provider if the person has stiffness, lack of mobility, or numbness in the area. There may be damage to tendons or nerves.
Deeper bite wounds may require stitches.
The health care provider may give a tetanus shot or booster.
The health care provider may prescribe antibiotics.
WebMD Medical Reference
SOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Human Bites,"
American Association of Hand Surgery: "Human Bites."
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh: "Treatment for Human Bites."