Human Bites: Infection Signs, First Aid Treatment, and When to Seek Care
Human bites can range from minor surface injuries to serious, high-risk wounds that require urgent medical care. These injuries may occur through deliberate biting, accidental contact with teeth, or during physical altercations.
Because the human mouth contains a large number of bacteria, human bites have a high risk of infection, even when the wound appears small.
Indications of a Human Bite
In most cases, a human bite is clearly visible. However, there are situations where an individual may be unaware of the injury or reluctant to disclose it, particularly after a fight.
⚠️ Wounds over the knuckles should never be ignored, especially if they occurred during a physical altercation. These injuries are often caused by striking another person’s teeth and carry a high risk of deep infection.
Signs of a Break in the Skin
Any break in the skin significantly increases the risk of infection and may require a tetanus booster if immunizations are not up to date.
A skin break may include:
- Obvious cuts or puncture wounds
- Loss of the top layer of skin
- A raw or moist appearance
- Clear fluid drainage
If there is uncertainty about whether the skin is broken, medical assessment is recommended.
Signs of Infection From a Human Bite
Infections from human bites often develop 1–2 days after the injury, but deeper infections may take longer to appear.
Watch for the following warning signs:
- Increasing pain or tenderness, especially worsening over time
- Redness and swelling spreading around the wound
- Fever, indicating a spreading infection
- Drainage of pus, typically yellow or cloudy (a late sign)
- Red streaks extending from the wound
- Swollen lymph nodes near the bite area
Any bite wound showing signs of infection must be evaluated promptly by a doctor to prevent serious complications.
Medical Care and First Aid Considerations
Human bite wounds often require:
- Thorough medical cleaning
- Possible antibiotics
- Tetanus immunization review
- Monitoring for deeper tissue or joint involvement
Because of the infection risk, even minor-looking human bites should not be ignored.
Important First Aid & Training Notice
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical care. Human bites can lead to serious infections and complications if not treated properly.
Learning how to assess wounds, recognize infection, and respond appropriately is a key component of first aid and CPR training in Canada. St. Mark James Training, Canada’s largest 100% Canadian-owned and operated first aid and CPR provider, includes wound care and infection prevention in its Standard First Aid certification programs.