The human bite is one of the most underestimated wounds, because people think it is not as dangerous as that of animals. Instead, it is important to handle it seriously, due to the different types of bacteria and viruses present in the human mouth. By carefully evaluating the type of injury, providing first aid, and seeing a doctor, you will be able to treat the bite and avoid the risk of serious complications, such as an infection.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Provide First Aid
Step 1. Find out about the medical history of the person who bit you
If possible, ask him for details about his general health. You need to make sure he is vaccinated and does not suffer from any serious medical conditions, such as hepatitis. It can help you decide whether to contact a doctor and determine the most appropriate type of treatment.
- If you are unable to know his medical history, do first aid procedures and then see a doctor.
- The two diseases of greatest concern are hepatitis B and tetanus. While they don't always occur, they can develop, especially if the bite is infected.
- Transmission of HIV or hepatitis B through a bite is quite unlikely, but it can happen. If you are unfamiliar with the perpetrator, it is worth getting tested for HIV to calm you down.
Step 2. Examine the wound
As soon as you are bitten by a human, inspect the area; assess severity and figure out which treatment is best.
- Remember that all types of human bites are severe.
- They can take on very different appearances, from an injury that penetrates the flesh as a result of a fight or other event, to a scratch caused by a tooth, which you can find on your fingers or knuckles.
- When the bite tears the skin, you need to see a doctor and get the necessary treatment, as well as put in practice first aid measures.
Step 3. Stop any bleeding
If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth or bandage. Do not proceed to any other first aid measures until you are in full control of the situation, so as not to lose too much blood.
- If the bleeding is severe, you can lie down on a carpet or bed so as not to lose too much body heat and risk going into shock.
- If blood gets through the bandage or cloth, do not remove the dressing, but apply another over the first. Just place a new cloth over the old one until the wound stops bleeding.
- If any foreign body has entered the wound, such as tooth fragments, do not apply too much pressure and try to remove the element.
Step 4. Wash the wound
Once it has stopped bleeding, wash it with soap and water. By doing this, you eliminate as much bacteria as possible and reduce the risk of infection.
- It is not necessary to buy a specific soap, any cleaning product is fine.
- Be sure to wash and dry the wound thoroughly, even if this can cause pain. Wash it until you no longer see any soap or until you have removed all the residue (such as soil).
- Alternatively, you can also use povidone iodine, as it is an antibacterial substance. Apply it directly to the wound or with gauze.
- Do not remove any residue stuck in the wound, such as pieces of teeth, as this could spread the infection further.
Step 5. Apply antibiotic ointment to the injured area
By doing this, you prevent an infection, reduce swelling and inflammation, while also promoting healing.
- You can use products based on neomycin, polymyxin B, bacitracin, all of which are suitable for preventing infections.
- These drugs are available in major pharmacies and parapharmacies or even in some online commerce sites.
Step 6. Cover the wound with a clean bandage
When the lesion stops bleeding and is thoroughly disinfected, apply a new clean, sterilized and dry bandage; thus you reduce exposure to bacteria and prevent the risk of infections.
Step 7. Look for signs of infection
If the bite wound is not very large and / or you decide not to go to the doctor, it is important to monitor it to avoid the risk of infection and to avoid the onset of more serious problems, such as septicemia.
- If the wound is red, hot to the touch, and very painful, there is an infection.
- Other symptoms can be fever and chills.
- If you experience any of these symptoms, you should definitely see your doctor so that no other serious infections or worse conditions arise.
Part 2 of 2: Getting Medical Treatment
Step 1. Go to the doctor
If the bite has broken the skin or doesn't heal with first aid procedures, you need to get examined as soon as possible. More powerful treatments than at home may be needed to minimize the risk of infection or nerve damage.
- It is important to go to the doctor when the bite has torn the skin, as there is a high chance of infection. If so, you must undergo professional treatment within 24 hours.
- If the wound does not stop bleeding or if the bite has removed a large amount of tissue, you need to go to the emergency room.
- If you are concerned about a smaller bite or scratches on the skin from the human mouth, see your doctor.
- Tell them about the dynamics of the incident to help them find the most suitable treatment or determine if you have been abused.
- The doctor will measure the wound and note its appearance, location, and if there are any signs of nerve or tendon damage.
- Depending on the severity, they may also order a blood test or x-ray.
Step 2. Let the doctor remove any foreign objects present in the wound
If there is any residue left, such as an attacker's tooth, he will have to remove it. This operation reduces the risk of infection as much as possible and relieves pain.
Step 3. If the wound is on the face, see a plastic surgeon to suture it
If the bite has left a noticeable mark on your face, your GP may recommend that you see a professional surgeon to properly treat the injury and minimize the scar.
It is not uncommon for stitches to itch. If this is also the case, you can apply a light coat of antibiotic ointment to relieve discomfort and try to prevent infections
Step 4. Take an antibiotic to fight the infection
Your doctor may prescribe one of the different types to reduce the risk of infection.
- There are several drugs suitable for this purpose: cephalosporins, penicillin, clindamycin, erythromycin or aminoglycosides; the doctor will evaluate which is the most suitable for your specific case.
- Antibiotic treatments usually last between three to five days. If there is an ongoing infection, it may be necessary to have longer therapy, even up to six weeks.
Step 5. Get tetanus shot
If you have not had the tetanus vaccine in the past five years, your doctor may recommend that you get a booster to avoid the risk of this infection, or tetanus trismus.
- Tell your doctor the date of your last tetanus booster or if you have never had the vaccine. It is a life-threatening infection and should not be underestimated.
- If you know the medical history of the person who bit you, it may not be necessary to take a tetanus shot.
Step 6. Get tested for communicable diseases
If you are unfamiliar with the attacker's health condition, your doctor may recommend regular tests for communicable diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis B. This allows you to identify possible infections, but at the same time it can reassure you.
However, keep in mind that it is very unlikely to get any of these diseases or herpes from a human bite
Step 7. Take some pain relievers
It is completely normal to feel pain for a few days after taking a bite. Take over-the-counter pain medications or have your doctor prescribe one to manage pain and swelling.
- Over-the-counter medications include ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Ibuprofen is also effective against swelling associated with surgery.
- If these medications do not offer the desired results, you can have a stronger one prescribed by your doctor.
Step 8. Resolve Physical Damage With Plastic Surgery
If you have suffered a really severe bite that has resulted in tissue loss, it may be wise to undergo surgery to restore the skin to its original condition with little scarring.
