Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures Gallery of Skin Problems and Image Collection

Medical Author:

Eric Mowatt-Larssen, MD

Coauthor:

Paul Auerbach, MD

Coauthor:

George Burgess, MSc

Medical Editor:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Shark Bite and Shark Attack Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Provide emergency care immediately. Control any visible bleeding by applying direct pressure. Keep the victim calm. Provide warmth, since the victim may be chilled from the water and may be suffering from hypothermia (low body temperature).

All shark bite victims should be evaluated by a medical healthcare provider. If only a minor wound is present, consider washing the wound with soap and water and cover it with a clean dressing and seek medical care.

If there is significant injury, activate the emergency medical system and call 911.