Doctor's Notes on Human Bites
Human bites, in many instances, show signs and symptoms of skin penetration in the shape of a person's teeth that is lacerated, bleeding, and/or bruised. However, if the person with the suspected human bite was drunk or was fighting, that person may have hit someone in the teeth resulting in lacerations on his or her hand and/or fist (knuckles) that are essentially human bites. Consequently, signs and symptoms of human bites also include any skin breaks possibly caused by human teeth. Other signs and symptoms may include
- increasing pain and tenderness at the bite site,
- redness, and/or
- increase swelling at the site.
Later developments (hours to days) may include
- pus drainage,
- red streaks, and
- swollen glands associated with the bite site.
Some bites result in visible tissue loss and/or bone, cartilage, or tendon damage (for example, finger, nose, ear, or scalp bites). These human bites are difficult to treat. Any bite marks in the genital area of children may be a sign of abuse.
Human bites may happen inadvertently during sports activities or accidentally during other activities, such as when a child intentionally bites another child or when adults fight, especially with their fists. However, some patients may not know they may have had a human bite.
What Are the Treatments of Human Bites?
The first treatments include the following:
- Stop bleeding with pressure applied with a clean cloth.
- Use soap and fresh water to wash the bite (or cuts by teeth).
- Apply a non-stick bandage (some suggest first apply a topical antibiotic).
- Go to the emergency department. You may need a tetanus booster shot.
- If the bite or cut breaks the skin barrier, the person needs a further medical caregiver examination to determine the extent of damage, if any, to nerves or tendons.
- Many caregivers recommend antibiotics as human bites and cuts by teeth are often contaminated and become infected if not treated.
If pain, swelling, redness, or pus develops, seek medical care.
Trauma and First Aid : Training and Supplies Quiz
QuestionEmotional trauma is best described as a psychological response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening experience.
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REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.