Illustrated First Aid Guide - Marcia Wendorf [6]
Bites
Contents
Bites
Animal Bites
Domestic pets cause most animal bites. Dogs are more likely to bite than cats, however, cat bites are more likely to cause infection. Bites from wild animals and non-immunized domestic animals carry the risk of rabies.
Rabies is almost invariably fatal in humans after neurological symptoms have developed; there is only one known case of survival. Therefore, it is imperative that you seek medical attention if bitten by a wild animal or an unknown domestic animal.
Rabies is most common in raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes; dogs, cats, rabbits, squirrels and other rodents rarely carry rabies. If a bite victim has not had a tetanus shot within the last five, he or she should get a booster shot within 48 hours of being bitten.
Treatment
1. If the bite does not break the skin, and there is no danger of rabies, wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water, apply an antibiotic cream, and cover the area with a clean bandage.
2. If the bite does break the skin, apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth to stop the bleeding, and seek medical attention.
3. If you do not know whether the animal has been immunized for rabies, see your doctor immediately.
4. If there is increased pain in the area of the bite, redness, swelling, or oozing, these are signs of infection; seek medical attention immediately.
Human Bites
A human bite can be as dangerous or more dangerous than an animal bite because of the types of bacteria and viruses contained in the human mouth. A cut to the knuckles sustained during a fight is also considered a human bite.
Treatment:
1. Seek medical attention for any human bite. If the victim hasn’t had a tetanus shot within five years, get a booster shot within 48 hours of the injury.
2. Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure with a bandage or clean cloth.
3. Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water.
4. Apply an antibiotic cream to prevent infection.
Insect Bites and Stings
An insect bite injects venom or other substances into your skin, and can trigger an allergic reaction. Most reactions to insect bites are mild, and consist of itching, stinging and mild swelling that disappears quickly. A delayed reaction can include fever, hives, painful joints and swollen glands.
Bites from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies and some spiders can cause a mild reaction. Bites from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants can cause more serious reactions.
Only a small percentage of people develop a severe reaction (anaphylaxis) to insect venom, and they require prompt medical attention. Symptoms of a severe reaction include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the lips or throat
• Faintness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Rapid heartbeat
• Hives
• Nausea, cramps and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Shock
• A swelling larger than 2 inches in diameter at the site
Treatment of Mild Reactions:
1. Move the victim to a safe area to avoid more stings.
2. Scrape or brush the stinger off with a straight-edged object, such as a credit card or the back of a knife. Never try to pull the stinger out, doing so can release more venom.
3. Wash the affected area with soap and water.
4. Apply a cold pack or cloth filled with ice to reduce pain and swelling.
5. Apply hydrocortisone cream (0.5 percent or 1 percent), calamine lotion or a baking soda paste to the bite several times a day until symptoms subside. Make the baking soda paste with 3 teaspoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water.
6. Administer an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol Severe Allergy) or chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton, Actifed).
Treatment of Severe Reactions: