Human Bites (cont.)
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Human Bites Medical Treatment
Minor bites: A bite that just causes bruising or only scrapes the top layer of skin will not require much more than cleaning with soap and water, ice, and mild pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). A tetanus shot may be needed if the skin is broken and the patient has not had a booster tetanus in the last five years. Antibiotics are usually not necessary for this type of bite.
Deeper bites or bites causing cuts: Besides giving a tetanus shot when appropriate, the doctor will generally numb these bites with medicine (such as lidocaine) and then thoroughly clean and examine the wound. Cleaning of the wound, unless it is a puncture wound or very small, will usually involve squirting a large amount of clean water into the wound. With an open wound, sometimes large amounts of water directly from the tap are used to flush it out. Occasionally, a small amount of an antiseptic solution is added to the water before rinsing the wound, or skin around the wound. In the cleaning process, the doctor may cut out small pieces of tissue that appear to be dead. This helps decrease the risk of infection.
Stitches (sutures): The decision to use or not use stitches in a human bite depends on many factors. Doctors tend to use stitches less often in cuts caused by human bites because of the high risk of infection, especially from mouth to bacteria that may thrive in injured or dying or dead tissue (devitalized tissues). On the other hand, certain bites, especially those of the face, may turn out better if stitches are used, and the risk of infection in this area is not that high. Some stitches may only "loosely" close the wound to help the bite wound drain, but not provide an environment for growth areas for mouth bacteria.
Other treatment: The doctor may apply a splint to the bite area to keep it from moving. A sling may be used to help keep an injured hand elevated. Pain medication may be prescribed.
The doctor may suggest prophylaxis against HIV transmission in the form of medications.
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 3/17/2015
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