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