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Human bites - self-care

Bites - human - self-care

A human bite can break, puncture, or tear the skin. Bites that break the skin put you at risk for infection.

Causes

Human bites can occur in two ways:

  • If someone bites you
  • If your hand comes into contact with a person's teeth and breaks the skin, such as during a fist fight

Bites are very common among young children. Children often bite to express anger or other negative feelings.

Males between 10 and 34 years old are more likely to be victims of human bites.

Human bites may be more dangerous than animal bites. Certain germs in some human mouths can cause hard-to-treat infections. You can also get certain diseases from a human bite, such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

Symptoms

Pain, bleeding, numbness and tingling may occur with any human bite.

Symptoms from bites may be mild to severe, including:

  • Breaks or major cuts in the skin, with or without bleeding
  • Bruising (discoloration of the skin)
  • Crushing injuries that can cause severe tissue tears and scarring
  • Puncture wounds
  • Tendon or joint injury resulting in decreased motion and function of the injured tissue

Wound Care

You should get medical attention within 24 hours for any bite that breaks the skin:

  • You may been stitches for deeper wounds.
  • You may need to get a tetanus shot.
  • You may need to take antibiotics due to the risk for infection or receive antibiotics through a vein (IV) if the infection has spread.
  • You may need surgery to repair the damage from a bad bite.

If you are caring for someone who was bitten:

  • Calm and reassure the person.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before treating the wound.
  • If the wound is bleeding, put on protective gloves if you have them.
  • Wash your hands afterward.

To care for a bite wound:

  • Stop the wound from bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth.
  • Wash the wound. Use mild soap and warm, running water. Rinse the bite for 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound. This may help reduce the chance for infection.
  • Put on a dry, sterile bandage.
  • Contact your health care provider right away, if the bite is on your neck, head, face, hand, fingers, or feet.

Do not ignore any human bite, especially if it is bleeding. And do not put your mouth on the wound.

Possible Complications

Most human bites will heal without developing infection or decreased tissue function. Ask your provider if you should take an antibiotic to reduce the chance of an infection.

Some wounds will require surgery to properly clean and close, and even some minor bites may need stitches. Deep or extensive wounds may result in significant scarring.

Complications from bite wounds include:

  • An infection that spreads quickly
  • Damage to tendons or joints

A human bite is more likely to become infected in people who have:

  • Weakened immune systems due to medicines or disease
  • Diabetes
  • Peripheral arterial disease (arteriosclerosis, or poor circulation)

How to Prevent Human Bites

Prevent bites by:

  • Teaching young children not to bite others.
  • Never putting your hand near or in the mouth of someone who is having a seizure.

When to Call the Doctor

See your provider within 24 hours for any bite that breaks the skin.

Contact your provider or go to an emergency room if:

  • The bleeding does not stop after a few minutes. For serious bleeding, call 911 or the local emergency number.
  • There is swelling, redness, or pus draining from the wound.
  • You notice red streaks that spread out from the wound.
  • The bite is on the head, face, neck, hands or feet.
  • The bite is deep or large.
  • You see exposed muscle or bone.
  • You are not sure if the wound needs stitches.
  • You have not had a tetanus shot in 5 years.
Open References

References

Eilbert WP. Mammalian bites. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 52.

Goldstein EJC, Abrahamian FM. Bites. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 315.

Hunstad DA. Animal and human bites. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 765.

  • Human bites

    Human bites - illustration

    Human bites present a high risk of infection. Besides the bacteria which can cause infection, there is risk of injury to tendons and joints when the wound extends below the skin. Anytime a human bite has broken the skin, seek medical attention.

    Human bites

    illustration

    • Human bites

      Human bites - illustration

      Human bites present a high risk of infection. Besides the bacteria which can cause infection, there is risk of injury to tendons and joints when the wound extends below the skin. Anytime a human bite has broken the skin, seek medical attention.

      Human bites

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Self Care

     
     

    Review Date: 4/3/2024

    Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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