Animal and Human Bites
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have a bite that may need stitches, staples, or skin adhesives?
See significance of a bite needing stitches, staples, or skin adhesives if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note: Most wounds that require treatment should be stitched, stapled, or closed with skin adhesives within 6 to 8 hours after the injury. Some wounds that require treatment can be closed as long as 24 hours after the injury. For more information, see are stitches, staples, or skin adhesives necessary?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have a bite more than 0.25 in. (0.6 cm) deep and 0.75 in. (2.0 cm) long that gapes open?
Yes Do you have a bite on the face, eyelids, lips, or another area that you are worried may scar?
Yes Do you have a deep bite injury over a joint, and underlying tissues can be seen?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: June 30, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
 | ||