How to Handle a Human Bite

Human bites are often one of the most underestimated injuries, with many people mistakenly thinking they are not as dangerous as animal bites. However, due to the viruses and bacteria found in human saliva, it is crucial to take human bites seriously. By carefully assessing the wound, administering first aid, and consulting a doctor, you can properly handle a human bite to prevent any dangerous side effects, such as infection.

Learn about the bitee's medical history. If possible, ask the person who bit you about their medical history to confirm if they are up-to-date with vaccinations and do not have any serious conditions such as hepatitis. This information will help you determine the appropriate treatment and whether seeing a doctor is necessary.

• If the medical history of the person who bit you is unknown, administer first aid and consult a doctor.
• The two most concerning diseases are hepatitis B and tetanus. While they don't occur with every bite, these illnesses can develop, especially in infected wounds.
• Although it is rare, HIV and hepatitis B can still be transmitted through this type of accident. If bitten by a stranger, it is advisable to get an HIV test for peace of mind.

Evaluate the wound. As soon as you are bitten, examine the bite location. Assess the severity of the injury and try to determine the best course of action.

• Keep in mind that every human bite is serious.
• Human bites can occur in various situations with different severities, ranging from a deep bite from a fight or similar to a scrape from a tooth grazing your finger or knuckle.
• If the bite causes a break in the skin, after administering first aid, you should see a doctor for medical assistance.

Control the bleeding. If bleeding occurs, apply pressure to the wound with a clean, dry cloth or medical gauze. Do not perform any other first aid until the bleeding is under control to prevent excessive blood loss.

• If the wound is severely bleeding, you may lie down on a mat or bed to prevent heat loss and shock.
• If the blood soaks through the cloth or gauze, do not remove it but replace it with a fresh piece. Just place another layer on top until the bleeding stops.
• If there is any foreign object in the wound, such as broken tooth fragments, avoid pressing too hard or trying to remove it.

Clean the wound. Once bleeding is controlled, wash the wound with water and soap. This will help remove bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.

• You don’t need special soap. Any soap will clean the bacteria effectively.
• Even though it may hurt, ensure the wound is thoroughly cleaned and dried completely. Continue washing the wound until all soap and dirt are gone.
• You can also use povidone iodine as a disinfectant instead of soap and water. It can be applied directly to the wound or on medical gauze.
• Do not remove any object embedded in the flesh, such as tooth fragments, as it could spread the infection.

Apply antibiotic ointment to the wound. Antibiotic creams or ointments will help prevent infection. They can also reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and promote faster healing.

• You can use antibiotic ointments such as neomycin, polymyxin B, and bacitracin to fight infection.
• These are available at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers.

Dress the wound with clean medical gauze. Replace the gauze with a clean, dry, or sterilized one when the wound has stopped bleeding and is fully cleaned. This helps reduce exposure to bacteria and prevent infection.

Monitor for infection symptoms. If the bite is not too large and/or you decide to manage it yourself, it is crucial to watch for signs of infection in order to prevent serious medical issues, including sepsis.

• A wound that is red, warm, and very painful is a sign of infection.
• Fever and chills are also common symptoms of infection.
• If any of these symptoms appear, seeking professional medical advice is extremely important to prevent a severe infection or other dangerous complications.

Visit a doctor. If the bite breaks the skin or does not heal after first aid, consult a doctor as soon as possible. To minimize the risk of infection or nerve damage, you may require more advanced treatment than what can be provided at home.

• Seeing a doctor is essential if the bite causes a skin tear, as such wounds are highly susceptible to infection. A skin tear should be treated within 24 hours by a healthcare professional.
• If the wound continues to bleed or the bite causes damage to vital tissue, head to the emergency room.
• If you have any concerns, even for a small bite or just a scratch from a human mouth, speak with a doctor.
• Describe how you were bitten to help the doctor determine the best course of treatment or to seek assistance in case of a violent incident.
• The doctor will assess your condition, including the location of the wound and the potential for nerve or ligament damage.
• Depending on the severity of the bite, the doctor may request blood tests or imaging scans.

Allow the doctor to remove any foreign objects from the wound. If there are any foreign objects in the wound, such as teeth, the doctor will remove them, reducing the risk of infection and sometimes alleviating pain as well.

If the bite is on the face, seek cosmetic surgery for stitching. For facial bites, the treating doctor should involve a cosmetic surgeon to ensure that after stitching, the wound heals well with minimal scarring.

• It is common for the stitched area to itch. In such cases, you may apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to reduce itching and prevent infection.

Take antibiotics to prevent infection. Your doctor may prescribe several types of antibiotics to prevent infection from a bite wound. These medications can help minimize the risk of infection.

• Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as cephalosporin, penicillin, clindamycin, erythromycin, or aminoglycosides.
• Antibiotic treatment typically lasts from three to five days. If an infection develops, a longer course of treatment, up to six weeks, may be necessary.

Tetanus shot. If you haven't had a tetanus shot within the past five years, your doctor may recommend a booster. This shot helps prevent tetanus, a bacterial infection that can cause lockjaw.

• Always inform your doctor if you've never had a tetanus shot or when your last one was. Tetanus is a potentially fatal infection.
• If you know the bite victim's medical history, a tetanus shot may not be required.

Test for infectious diseases. If you are unsure of the bite victim's medical history, your doctor may test for the transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B. This will not only identify any risk of infection but also provide peace of mind.

• The transmission of diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, or herpes through a human bite is very rare.

Use pain relievers. It is normal to experience pain for a few days after being bitten. You can take over-the-counter painkillers or follow your doctor's instructions to alleviate the pain and swelling.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Ibuprofen can also reduce swelling after surgery.
• If over-the-counter medications don't work for you, your doctor may prescribe a stronger painkiller.

Repair damage with cosmetic surgery. If the bite is severe and results in tissue loss, your doctor may recommend cosmetic surgery. This procedure can restore the skin to its original state with minimal scarring.

• Avoid putting the injured area in your mouth. Resist the urge to do so. The bacteria present in a human bite can be more harmful than those from an animal bite. Swallowing them by placing the bite in your mouth is not a wise choice.