Basic First Aid for Animal Bites
If your child is bitten by a dog, cat, or other animal, start by thoroughly cleaning the wound with soap and water. Inspect the wound for dirt or foreign objects that need to be removed. Running water over the wound, either directly from the tap or in the bathtub, may help. Once the wound is clean, you can apply an over-the-counter topical antibiotic, such as bacitracin. Then cover the wound with sterile gauze, but be careful not to wrap it too tightly, as this can increase the risk of infection. Most wounds heal better if left exposed to air.
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When to see a doctor?
In some situations, bites require medical attention. In general, because animal mouths contain many bacteria, bites carry a high risk of infection. Therefore, it is best to avoid suturing a bite wound if it can be avoided. However, some bites that are very open or located in cosmetically important areas, such as the face, may require stitches.
It is important to note that all lacerations will leave a scar, whether they are sutured or not. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully weigh the benefits and risks before closing a wound with suture.
If stitches are needed, they should be placed promptly. The longer the time, the greater the risk of infection. Wounds on the arms and legs should ideally be closed within 6 to 12 hours, and those on the face within 12 to 24 hours.
Antibiotics are sometimes needed after a bite to prevent infection. Here are some situations where antibiotics may be prescribed:
- A bite wound has just been closed with stitches.
- The bite is moderate to severe.
- The bite caused a deep wound.
- The bite involves a bone, tendon or joint.
- The bite involves the face, hands, feet or genitals.
- The victim is immunocompromised.
- The child was bitten by a cat; almost all cat bites cause puncture wounds.
Children requiring antibiotics after a bite are usually treated with Augmentin. Those allergic to penicillin may be treated with a combination of Bactrim and clindamycin.
Finally, it is crucial to immediately assess the risk of rabies and take appropriate action for any child who has been bitten by an animal. Consult your pediatrician to find out if rabies prevention is necessary after an animal bite.
For more information on preventing infections from animal bites, you can consult this article from Ameli .
