MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Human bites

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Human bites

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Considerations Symptoms	First Aid Do Not Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if Prevention

Illustrations

Human bites

Alternative names Return to top

Bites - human

Definition Return to top

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.

Considerations Return to top

Human bites that break the skin, like all puncture wounds, have a high risk of infection. They also pose a risk of injury to tendons and joints.

Bites are very common among young children. Children often bite to express anger or other negative feelings.

Symptoms Return to top

Bites may produce symptoms ranging from mild to severe:

Skin breaks with or without bleeding
Puncture wounds
Major cuts
Crushing injuries

First Aid Return to top

Calm and reassure the person. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
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.
If the bite is actively bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding subsides. Elevate the area.
Get medical attention.

Do Not Return to top

DO NOT ignore any human bite, especially if it is bleeding.
DO NOT put the wound into your mouth.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if Return to top

All human bites that break the skin should be promptly evaluated by a doctor. Bites may be especially serious when:

There is swelling, redness, pus draining from the wound, or pain.
The bite occurred near the eyes or involved the face, hands, wrists, or feet.
The person who was bitten has a weakened immune system (for example, from HIV or receiving chemotherapy for cancer). The person is at a higher risk for the wound to become infected.

Prevention Return to top

Teach young children not to bite others.
NEVER put your hand near or in the mouth of someone who is having a seizure .

Update Date: 8/19/2003

Updated by: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previous reviews: A.D.A.M. editorial (11/6/2002). 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).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.