Execute Search

Human bites

content provided by mayoclinic.com

First aid: Human bites

Human bites can be as dangerous as or even more dangerous than animal bites because of the types of bacteria and viruses contained in the human mouth. If someone cuts his or her knuckles on another person's teeth, as might happen in a fight, this is also considered a human bite.

If you sustain a human bite that breaks the skin:

  1. Stop the bleeding by applying pressure.
  2. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
  3. Apply an antibiotic cream to prevent infection.
  4. Apply a clean bandage. If the bite is bleeding, apply pressure directly on the wound, using a sterile bandage or clean cloth, until the bleeding stops.
  5. Seek emergency medical care.

If you haven't had a tetanus shot within five years, your doctor may recommend a booster. In this case you should have the booster within 48 hours of the injury.

Last Updated: 2010-01-15
© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Terms and conditions of use

 

 Bookmark and Share   E-Mail Page   Printer Friendly Version

ER WAIT TIME

Riverside Regional
43 min.
Doctors' Hospital
3 min.
Walter Reed
18 min.
Tappahannock
17 min.
Shore Memorial
10 min.

Updated: 4:10 PM on 5/24/13

Average wait time it takes to see a qualified healthcare professional.

URGENT CARE

  • Newport News
  • Hampton
  • Williamsburg
  • York County
  • Hayes
  • Tappahannock

Riverside Doctors' Hospital - Now Open