Treatment for Human Bites

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Human bites can easily become infected because of the great number of bacteria in the human mouth. Hands are the most common site for bites. A healthcare provider should check any human bite that breaks the skin.

What is the treatment for human bites?

Your healthcare provider will talk with you about specific treatment for a human bite. Treatment may include:

  • If the bite is bleeding, apply pressure to it with a clean bandage, cloth, or towel to stop the bleeding.

  • Wash the wound with soap and water under pressure from a faucet for at least 5 minutes. Don't scrub, as this may bruise the tissue.

  • Dry the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing. Don't use tape or butterfly bandages to close the wound. This could trap harmful bacteria in the wound.

  • Human bites are often treated with antibiotics to prevent infection. Call your child's healthcare provider to find out if they need additional treatment or a tetanus booster.

If either the biter or the person who was bitten has a chronic illness such as HIV or hepatitis B or C virus, both people may need to be tested to see what treatment is needed.