Human Bites

  >>  Overview

• Usually occurs when one person bites another
  Or
• Comes in contact with another person's teeth
• Can be more dangerous than animal bite
• Human bites has increased risk of infection
• This is due to microbes present in the mouth
• Risk of injury to tendons and joints also present
• Very common among children

   >> Symptoms

• Puncture wounds on skin
• Skin Breaks
• Cuts
• Bleeding

   >>Treatment

• Calm the victim
• If bleeding is not severe, wash the wound
• Use a mild soap
• Clean the wound in running water for 3-5 min
• Apply an antibiotic cream
• Dress the wound using sterile gauze
• If the bleeding is severe, apply pressure to stop bleeding
• Keep the wounded part in a slightly raised position
• Get medical attention immediately
• If not covered for tetanus - an injection is recommended

   >>Consult a Doctor All human bites must be evaluated by the doctor especially in case of-

• Broken skin
• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Pus formation
• If wound occurs near eye, on the face
• If victim has weak immune system (as in AIDS, Cancer)

   >>Steps to Avoid

• Do not ignore human bites
• Avoid placing the wound in the mouth

   >>Prevention 

• Avoid placing hand near the mouth of a seizure-affected person
• Take caution to prevent your child from developing biting habit