Human Bites Topic Guide

Antibiotics are prescribed to individuals to cure disease by killing bacteria. There are over 100 antibiotics. The main classes of antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, flouroquinolones, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem due to the overprescription of antibiotics to individuals. Allergic reactions to antibiotics commonly have the following symptoms shortness of breath, rash, hives, itching, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, and fainting.

A bruise is a common skin injury that results in a discoloration of the skin. Symptoms and signs include pain and discolored skin. Applying a cold compress may speed healing and reduce swelling. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be taken for pain.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissues that causes swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth. Treatment will involve antibiotics. Severe infection may require IV or intramuscular antibiotic injections.

Child abuse is defined as a variety of abnormal behaviors directed against children. It can take many forms. Child abuse may be in the form of: sexual abuse, pedophilia, physical abuse, child neglect, emotional neglect and abuse, failure to thrive, and Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 F or greater. A fever may be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, blood clot, tumor, drug, or the environment. Treatment of fever in adults usually involves ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin.

What are causes, symptoms, and treatment (acetaminophen) of fever in children? Learn when to worry, when a high fever is an emergency, and how to take a rectal temperature.

Hand injuries can be divided into six categories. 1) cuts and lacerations, 2) fractures and dislocations, 3) soft tissue injuries and amputations, 4) infections, 5) burns, and 6) high pressure injuries. Treatment of hand injuries depends on the type of injury.

Head injury is a general term used to describe any trauma to the head, and most specifically to the brain itself. Several types of head injuries may occur such as skull fractures, intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding) such as subdural or epidural hematoma. Treatment of a head or brain injury depends on the cause and severity of the injury. Skull fracture: A skull fracture is a break in ...

A puncture wound is caused by an object piercing the skin such as nails, glass, pins, or other sharp objects. A puncture wound can become infected if not treated properly. A tetanus booster may be necessary for some puncture wounds.

Lymph nodes (part of the lymphatic system) may signal infection if they are swollen. Types of conditions that involve swollen lymph nodes include: infection, virus, inflammation, or cancers. Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes depend upon the location. Treatment of swollen lymph nodes also depends upon the location and reason for the enlargement.

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by contamination of wounds from the bacteria Clostridium tetani, or the spores they produce that live in the soil, and animal feces. Tetanus symptoms and signs include muscle cramps, lockjaw, weakness, and difficulty swallowing. A tetanus shot/vaccine is used to prevent tetanus. Tetanus treatment includes antibiotics, wound cleansing, pain medicine, sedatives to control muscle spasms, and IV fluids.

Wounds are lacerations, cuts, or punctures in the skin. Wounds can be superficial, deep, punctures, or pressure sores. The amount of pain, inflammation, and bleeding depend on the type of wound. Most superficial wounds can be treated at home. Deep wounds, or complicated wounds generally need medical care. Sutures, staples, or surgical glue for a wound depend on the depth of the wound and the time lapse between the injury and when medical care is sought.