Treatment for Human Bites
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Your provider will offer referrals or treatment plans based on your specific condition or diagnosis.
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.