Information:
The leaflet will provide you with some information about human bites.
How might I get a human bite?
- Human bites are a relatively common injury.
- They can happen either intentionally or accidentally, usually during a fight or during sports activities.
What will happen to the wound?
- Human bites are at risk of getting infected as there are many germs (bacteria) in human mouths.
- The wound will be thoroughly cleaned.
- Some wounds may need to be closed, especially if deep or gaping or if the wound is on your face. They can be stitched, glued or closed with paper stitches (called steri-strips).
- Due to the risk of infection, the health professional may decide not to close the wound and may wait for a few days and then review the wound.
- Sometimes the wound will be closed a few days later, when the risk of infection is believed to have reduced or passed.
Do I need antibiotics?
- Antibiotics will be prescribed if there is a risk of infection or if the bite involves areas such as the face, hands, feet, genitals or skin over joints.
Do I need a tetanus injection?
- If you have had a full course of tetanus vaccinations, then you should not need a further booster unless the wound is particularly contaminated. If you are unsure, you may be given a booster anyway.
What about HIV, Hepatitis B and C?
- There is a very small risk the infection can pass on to you if bitten by a person with one of these viral infections.
- A risk assessment will be done to decide if you need hepatitis B immunization. If needed, we will give the first dose in the Emergency department, and you will need to make an appointment with your GP to get further injections after one and two months.
- To protect against HIV, you may be given medication which counters the HIV virus if your assessment suggests a significant risk.
- There is currently no treatment to prevent Hepatitis C from developing. The risk is very small but speak to your GP if you have any concerns.
What do I look out for after a bite?
The most common complication after a bite is infection. Seek further advice immediately if you develop any of these symptoms:
- The wound becomes more painful or smelly.
- High temperature or feeling unwell.
- Increased redness or swelling around the wound.
- A red line extending from the wound up your arm or leg.
- Pus leaking from the wound.
If you are seriously unwell then return to the Emergency Department.