Signs of Infection:

• Redness and warmth around the bite area
• Swelling and pain
• Pus or fluid draining from the wound
• Fever
• Red streaks leading away from the bite

Treatment:

If you suspect an infection from an animal or human bite, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment may include:

• Cleaning the wound thoroughly
• Prescription antibiotics
• Tetanus shot, if needed
• Surgical drainage of the wound, in severe cases
• Monitoring for signs of systemic infection

It is vital to take animal and human bites seriously, as they can lead to serious infections if left untreated. Always seek medical attention if you are bitten, especially if you notice any signs of infection.

Common Symptoms of Animal and Human Bites:

• Incisions in skin
• Hemorrhaging
• Causing discomfort
• Foreign objects in skin resulting from the bite

Signs of Contamination:

• Redness, inflammation, and warmth
• Increasing discomfort
• Fluid or pus coming out of the wound
• Fever above 100.4F
• Excessive sweating, chills, and red streaks

Seek Medical Attention if:

• Wound is sizeable or profound
• Bitten on the face or head
• Unable to halt the bleeding

Additional Reasons for Seeking Medical Help:

• Foreign objects still embedded in the wound
• Inflamed, swollen, painful, red, or darkened bite
• Elevated temperature, discharge, foul smell
• Bitten on hands or feet, or by a person

Treatment for Animal or Human Bites:

• Cleansing the wound
• Removing injured tissue
• Administering antibiotics to prevent contamination
• Checking for tetanus or rabies risk
• Sealing or leaving the wound open

Additional blood tests may be proposed for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV if bitten by a person.

Preventative Measures for Animal Bites:

• Monitoring interactions with animals
• Avoiding sudden approaches to animals
• Refraining from touching unfamiliar animals
• Restricting contact with wild or stray animals

Causes and Prevention of Animal Bites:

Animals may bite when feeling threatened or overly excited, regardless of their species. It is advisable to take precautions, especially with pets and familiar animals.

Human bites can occur during various activities, such as contact sports.

Treatment for Animal and Human Bites:

Immediate treatment for bites includes cleaning the wound with soap and water, applying an antiseptic, and using a sterile bandage. Tetanus vaccination may also be necessary.

Complications of Animal and Human Bites:

If left untreated, bites can lead to infections, nerve and tissue damage, and in severe cases, even systemic infections such as sepsis. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent complications.

Warning Signs of Infection:

Watch out for signs of infection such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the bite site. If any of these signs occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Prevention of Animal and Human Bites:

• Teach children how to properly interact with pets
• Do not approach unfamiliar animals
• Avoid provoking or startling animals
• Seek medical attention for any bite, no matter how minor it may seem

Additional Information for Emergency Care for Severe Animal Bites:

• Apply pressure to the wound to help stop bleeding
• Clean the wound with soap and water
• Monitor for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus
• Seek medical attention if you develop a fever or if the wound does not heal

Remember to always seek medical attention for severe animal bites to prevent further complications and ensure proper treatment.

Medical Examination and Tests for Bite Wounds:

• Wound swab to check for contamination
• X-ray for concerns of bone damage
• Blood tests to check for infections
• Tetanus shot if necessary
• Ultrasound for deep tissue damage

Additional Information on Prevention and Care of Skin Wounds:

It is important to note that tetanus can be prevented through vaccination. Individuals should ensure they are up to date with their tetanus vaccinations, especially if they have suffered a wound. Tetanus vaccines are typically given in combination with other vaccines, such as diphtheria and pertussis.

First Aid for Human Bites:

• Thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water
• Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
• Cover the wound with a sterile bandage
• Seek medical attention if the bite is deep or shows signs of infection

Human bites can introduce bacteria into the skin, causing infection. It is important to monitor the wound for any signs of redness, swelling, or pus, as these may indicate an infection. In some cases, a course of oral antibiotics may be necessary to treat the infection.

It is also important to address the emotional impact of a human bite, especially if it occurs between children. Teaching children about appropriate ways to express their feelings and resolve conflicts can help prevent future biting incidents.

By following proper first aid techniques and seeking medical attention when necessary, individuals can reduce the risk of complications from skin wounds, including tetanus and infection.

MY CHILD WAS BITTEN BY ANOTHER AT THE DAY CARE CENTRE. DOES THAT HAPPEN FREQUENTLY?

Biting incidents are common in day care centers, with most being minor and surface-level. Research indicates that up to 50% of children in day care centers experience a bite within a year, predominantly in September. Toddlers aged 13 to 24 months are the most frequent targets, with arms and faces being typical bite areas. Only 2% of bites break the skin, and hardly any require medical attention.

IS THERE A RISK THAT THE BITE WOUND MIGHT BECOME INFECTED?

Infections from human bites are rare, primarily arising from adult altercations. Severe bites leading to bacterial infections are uncommon in day care settings.

Hepatitis viruses and human immunodeficiency virus

Hepatitis B is mainly spread through blood or saliva contact with mucous membranes like the mouth or eyes. Hepatitis B does not transmit through saliva on intact skin. The virus can be transmitted through a bite that breaks the skin. Urgent medical intervention is necessary if an unvaccinated child bites an infected one. HIV transmission through bites in day care centers, even with broken skin, is highly improbable. Anti-HIV drug treatment for bites is not recommended.

HOW TO CARE FOR BITE WOUNDS IN A DAY CARE CENTRE?

If your child is bitten at day care, follow these steps: cleanse non-broken skin wounds with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and provide comfort. For broken skin:

• Allow the wound to bleed gently
• Thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water
• Use a mild antiseptic
• Check tetanus vaccination status
• Monitor the wound for redness or swelling
• Contact a doctor if needed
• Discuss hepatitis B vaccination with the doctor
• Keep the wound covered with a clean bandage
• Change the bandage regularly
• Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, or pus
• Encourage your child not to scratch or pick at the wound
• Teach your child about proper wound care and hygiene

Footnotes

This information is not a replacement for professional medical care. Individual circumstances and facts may lead to variations in treatment as advised by a physician.

This information can be shared with patients and families without permission. (Reviewed by the Canadian Paediatric Society Board of Directors)

Canadian Paediatric Society, 2204 Walkley Road, Suite 100, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 4G8 telephone 613-526-9397, fax 613-526-3332, http://www.cps.ca

Articles from Paediatrics & Child Health courtesy of Oxford University Press