ANIMAL BITE
Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR ANIMAL BITE
- Bleeding: For
any bleeding, apply continuous pressure for 10 minutes.
-
Cleansing: Wash all wounds immediately with soap and water for 5 minutes.
Scrub the wound enough to make it re-bleed a little. Also, flush vigorously
under a faucet for a few minutes (Reason: can prevent many wound infections).
-
Antibiotic ointment: Apply an antibiotic ointment (e.g. Neosporin,
Bacitracin) to the bite 3 times a day for three days.
-
Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours
(Adults 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (Adults 400 mg).
- Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach
problems, kidney disease, or other contraindications to using this
type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not use if pregnant. Do not use
ibuprofen for >7 days without consulting your doctor.
- Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications
that you take.
-
Expected Course: Most scratches, scrapes and other minor bites heal
up fine in 3 to 5 days.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Wound begins to look infected (redness, swelling, warmth, tender
to touch, or red streaks)
- You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor"
symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information
is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is
provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility
for how you choose to use this information.
Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004
David Thompson, M.D. FACEP
Reviewed 8/2004
Revised 7/2002
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