First Aid & Emergencies

Human Bites Treatment

1. Stop Bleeding

• Apply firm, direct pressure with sterile gauze or clean cloth until bleeding stops.

2. Clean and Protect

• Clean the wound with mild soap and water. Rinse for several minutes under running water.

• Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

• Watch for signs of infection: redness, pain, swelling, or pus. If you see them, get medical help.

3. Get Medical Help

• See a health care provider about any human bite that is more than a superficial scratch because there is a high risk of infection. Even minor bites can easily become infected.

• Tell the health care provider if the person has stiffness, lack of mobility, or numbness in the area. There may be damage to tendons or nerves.

• Deeper bite wounds may require stitches.

• The health care provider may give a tetanus shot or booster.

• The health care provider may prescribe antibiotics.