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Human Bites - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

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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
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