Wilderness: Marine Bite (cont.)

Medical Author:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Ivette Motola, MD

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

James Kimo Takayesu, MD

All bite wounds require immediate thorough cleansing with plenty of fresh tap water. Gently scrub the wound with soap and water to remove foreign material. If a syringe is available, it should be used to provide high-pressure irrigation. Remove dead tissue with a sterile scissors or scalpel.
After cleansing, apply a topical bacitracin ointment 3 times per day.
Wounded extremities should be immobilized and elevated.
Puncture wounds and bites are usually not sutured (stitched) unless they involve the face.
Oral antibiotics are usually recommended to prevent infection. If infection develops, continue antibiotics for at least 5 days after all signs of infection have cleared. Check for drug allergy prior to starting any antibiotic. A doctor can recommend the right antibiotic. Some antibiotics can cause increased sensitivity to the sun, so use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15).
Relieve pain with 1-2 tablets of acetaminophen (Tylenol) 325-500 mg pain relievers every 4 hours and/or 1-2 tablets of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200 mg every 6-8 hours.