If someone doesn't have an increased risk of acquiring an infection, does not bear additional wounds, and doesn't require evaluation by a physician or a tetanus injection, he or she could care for and bandage an insect or animal bite in the home. Home therapy could prevent further infection and boost healing.
Bleeding from Animal Bites
Let the bite bleed freely to clean itself out unless there is a massive loss of blood or when the blood is squirting out. To halt any excessive bleeding, try putting firm, direct pressure on the bruise. Small or moderate bleeding can almost always be contained within fifteen minutes by placing direct pressure to the injury.
When bleeding severely, the bleeding may not cease with direct pressure on the wound, so it is best to get emergency medical treatment right away.
Cleaning Wounds from Animal Bites and Stings
Cleansing the insect or animal bite as soon as possible can reduce the chances of getting infected and scarring. Rinse the wound for five minutes with a significant amount of cold water and soap (gentle dishwashing soap, like Ivory, works really well). A few over-the-counter materials are available for wound cleansing that numb the region so strong cleaning solvents don’t irritate as much.
Make sure to understand the product label for correct usage. Don't use alcohol solvent, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, or mercurochrome, which could damage the tissues and hamper the healing processes.
Some bites and stings produce only bruising (contusions) at the bite location but do not completely damage the skin. These bites and stings normally don't get inflamed.
Stitches, staples, or skin adhesives (also referred to as liquid skin) can also be helpful. Decide whether the bite needs to be addressed by a physician. Bites and stings typically only need to be closed with staples, sutures, or skin adhesives so that they won't leave a prominent scar, since closing up the insect or animal bite wound increases your risks of acquiring an infection. Bites and stings on the arm are not usually closed. Feline (cat) bites are seldom closed since they are normally no greater than a puncture.
The doctor can show you how to tend to the stitches or sutures and when to come back to have them taken out. Skin adhesives usually don't need to be taken out, but your physician could want to see you to check on the healing process.
Make sure you cautiously follow your physician's recommendations. If you are uncertain of how to care for your wound or have doubts, contact your doctor for specific directions.
More from this Author:
Influenza Pandemic of 2009
References:
Gary J. Patronek and Sally A. Slavinski. (2009). "Animal bites." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. (234); 3: 336-45.
Benson, LS, Edwards, SL, et al. (2006) "Dog and Cat Bites to the Hand: Treatment and Cost Assessment." Journal of Hand Surgery. 31:468–73.
Naheed Ali - Naheed Ali, M.D., is a nationally recognized author, speaker and health advocate who began writing professionally in 2005. Additional info ...
