Table of contents:
- Who is most susceptible to being bitten by humans?
- How do you treat a wound caused by a human bite?
- Step 1: Stop bleeding
- Step 2: Clean and protect
- Step 3: Seek medical help
According to the NCBI (National Institutes of Health), human bites are very dangerous because of their tendency to cause infection in the area of the bite, and pose a potential risk of transmitting a wide variety of viral or bacterial-related diseases. Therefore, it is very important to know the right way to treat wounds caused by human bites.
Who is most susceptible to being bitten by humans?
Apart from being bitten by animals, humans can also be bitten by other humans. Surprisingly, human bites rank third after dog and cat bites in the most common type of bite found in emergency rooms.
Children were the group that most frequently suffered bites and wounds caused by biting other people.
How do you treat a wound caused by a human bite?
The proper procedure for the treatment of a human bite consists of 3 steps.
Step 1: Stop bleeding
Use a dry, clean cloth or towel, or if possible a sterile one, and press firmly against the wound to stop the bleeding.
Step 2: Clean and protect
- Use soap and water to clean the wound. Rinse under running water for a few minutes.
- Apply antibiotic cream or ointment to the wound to avoid infection.
- Place a clean, non-stick bandage over the affected area to protect the wound from further damage.
Step 3: Seek medical help
Victims need to get help from a doctor immediately, because:
- Every human bite, even the smallest bite, carries a risk of infection. If the wound shows signs such as redness, pain, swelling, or pus, then it is likely that the wound has become infected.
- There is a possibility of tendon or nerve damage if the victim experiences stiffness or numbness in the wound.
- Deep bite wounds require stitches that only a healthcare professional can perform.
- Tetanus shot or booster tetanus may be required.
- The doctor may also give antibiotics.
In some cases, a human bite is an emergency. Go to the hospital immediately if:
- The bite caused serious injury
- If it doesn't stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressing firmly
- If blood gushes from the wound.
In all respects, a human bite is truly dangerous. Therefore, it is very important to know the right way of treatment so that infection does not occur.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
