What is Human Bites?

• Human Bite is a puncture wound inflicted by contact with the teeth and mandibular force from another human. It is generally a dangerous condition, with even minor ones having the potential for severe infection, especially if left untreated
• There are a variety of bacteria present in the mouth that include Viridans streptococci, Staphylococci, Fusobacterium, Bacteroides sp., Peptostreptococcus, Eikenella corrodens, etc. that may cause an infection

What are the Causes of Human Bites?

Human Bites may be caused by:

• Children playing (unsupervised)
• Fights, including punching individual on the face leading to bite marks/broken skin

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Human Bites?

The signs and symptoms of Human Bites depend on the severity of the condition. These may include:

• Swelling of the bite region
• Bleeding from the bite site
• Intense pain
• Red marks
• Clenched teeth injuries may affect the skin, soft tissue (tendon), and joint, but may not always break the skin
• Severe bites on the nose or ears, may cause a part of the appendage to be detached (bitten off) from the body. In such cases, the nerves and blood vessels can also be involved

How is First Aid administered for Human Bites?

First Aid tips for Human Bites:

• In case of swelling of the area, clean with soap and water, and apply ice wrapped in a towel/cloth for pain relief
• If there is an open wound, carefully wash the wound with room temperature water and soap
• DO NOT lick the open wound, as it can add more bacteria and cause an infection
• Do not apply any cream or alcohol or other home applications, which may worsen the wound
• If the wound is deep and severe, DO NOT try to clean it, but rather cover it with a clean cloth and promptly visit a healthcare provider
• If any part of the bitten area is detached from the body, then ensure that it is taken to the hospital so that the physician may attempt to reattach the part. In such cases, place the bitten off part in ice water (and NOT in ice) in a clean plastic bag
• Apply pressure to stop bleeding (if necessary), particularly if there is severe bleeding from the bite site
• Apply antibiotic cream on the wound, as directed by the healthcare professional
• Cover the wound with a clean cloth or non-sticky bandage
• In case of severe bleeding, try to keep the injured area elevated above the heart level
• Systemic antibiotics are typically administered; prophylactic oral antibiotics may be given even for uninfected injuries
• Get a tetanus shot, if you have not taken it in the last 5 years (or as recommended by your healthcare provider). This should be taken preferably within 48 hours of the event/injury
• Consult a healthcare professional immediately (at least within 24 hours); severe bite injuries need emergency medical care including minor surgeries

For infected Human Bites, parenteral therapy (intravenous antibiotic therapy) is necessary. In cases, where the infected wound (skin/soft tissue) is associated with infection of the underlying bone (termed osteomyelitis), intravenous antibiotic therapy may be required for about 6 weeks.

Who should administer First Aid for Human Bites?

• Human Bite victims can follow initial first aid steps and seek help from a medical professional, if the bite is minor/severe
• It is important to note that both minor and severe bites should be treated by a healthcare provider, since the risk of infection is generally high

What is the Prognosis of Human Bites?

The prognosis is dependent on the extent and severity of the bite, but is usually good with appropriate treatment.

How can Human Bites be Prevented?

Human Bites can be prevented by:

• Supervising interactions between children
• Avoiding physical altercations

What are certain Crucial Steps to be followed?

• Applying pressure to stop the bleeding (as necessary)
• If the wound is deep and the bleeding is severe, DO NOT attempt to clean the area, but cover it with a sterile cloth and take the individual to a physician
• Sterilize the wound and monitor for infection