Human Bites: First Aid

We have selected the following expert medical opinion based on its clarity, reliability and accuracy. Credits: Sourced from the Mayo Clinic, Minnesota. Please refer to your own medical practitioner for a final perspective, assessment or evaluation.

Overview

Human bites can be as dangerous as or even more dangerous than animal bites because of the types of bacteria and viruses contained in the human mouth. Human bites that break the skin can become infected. If someone cuts his or her knuckles on another person's teeth, as might happen in a fight, this is also considered a human bite. And a cut on the knuckles from your own teeth, such as from a fall, is considered a human bite.

To take care of a human bite that breaks the skin

Stop the bleeding

By applying pressure with a clean, dry cloth.

Wash the wound 

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.

Apply a clean bandage

Cover the affected area with a nonstick bandage.

Seek emergency medical care

(See "EMERGENCY NUMBERS" above)

If you haven't had a tetanus shot within five years, your doctor may recommend a booster. In this case, get the booster shot within 48 hours of the injury.

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