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southern new mexico surgery center
 
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    Men's Health

    Treatment for Human Bites

    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.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Eric Perez MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
    Date Last Reviewed: 9/1/2023
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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