Bite wounds

A human or animal bite can damage tendons, nerves, joints and bone and carry bacteria deep into the wound. Immediately rinse every bite that breaks the skin thoroughly for a prolonged period with running water and soap, and have higher-risk bites assessed promptly.

• First stop heavy bleeding with firm direct pressure. Call 912 if bleeding does not stop, the wound is very deep or there is immediate danger to life.
• Wash and rinse the wound generously, remove visible dirt without probing deeply and cover with a clean dressing.
• Bites on the hand, foot, face, genitals or over a joint, deep puncture bites and human bites usually need same-day assessment.
• Cat bites may look small, but the teeth penetrate deep into tissue and infection is relatively common. Human bites on a knuckle may reach a joint or tendon.
• A doctor assesses wound cleaning, injury, antibiotics, tetanus protection and possible rabies treatment.
• Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, but prompt wound care and vaccination after exposure prevent the disease very effectively.
• Do not wait for rabies symptoms. The need for treatment depends on the animal's species, behaviour, location, availability for observation and origin or the area visited.
• Watch for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, red streaks or loss of function over the following days.