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Human bites
Human bites

Human bites
Definition:
This is an injury caused by one person biting another.

Alternative Names:
Bites - human

Considerations:

All puncture wounds present a high risk of infection. Human bites also pose a risk of injury to tendons and joints if the wound extends below the skin.

Bites are very common among young children. Children often bite to express anger or other negative feelings.
Causes:
Human bites are usually caused by one person biting another, although they may result from a situation in which one person comes into contact with another person's teeth. In a fight, for example, one person's knuckles may come into contact with another person's teeth, and if the impact breaks the skin, the injury would be considered a bite.
Symptoms:

Bites may produce symptoms ranging from seemingly mild to severe:

  • Superficial skin breaks with no bleeding
  • Puncture-type wounds
  • Major lacerations
  • Crushing injuries

All human bites pose a high risk of infection and require prompt treatment.
First Aid:
1. Calm and reassure the victim. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

2. If the bite is not bleeding severely, wash the wound with mild soap and running water for 3 to 5 minutes and then cover the bite with a clean dressing.

3. If the bite is actively bleeding, control the bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding subsides. Elevating the area is also recommended.

4. Get medical help.
Do Not:
  • DO NOT ignore any human bite, especially if it is bleeding.
  • DO NOT put the wound into your own mouth.
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
  • The skin is broken.
  • After the bite, there is swelling, redness, pus draining from the wound, or pain.
  • The bite occurred near the eyes or involved the hands, wrists, or feet.
  • The person who was bitten has an immunodeficiency (they are at a higher risk for the wound to become infected).
Prevention:
  • NEVER put your hand near or in the mouth of someone who is having a seizure.
  • Teach young children about the dangers of biting someone else.
Review Date: 11/6/2002
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previous review: Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. (7/22/2001).
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