Animal bites

A bite injury may need to be closed by a health professional, may require antibiotic medicines, or both. The decision to close a wound with stitches, staples, skin adhesive, or fabric strips depends on:

• The type of biting animal.
• The size and location of the bite.
• The time that has passed since the bite occurred.
• The general health of the person bitten.

Most wounds that require treatment should be closed with stitches, staples, fabric strips, or skin adhesives (also called liquid stitches) within 12 hours after the injury. Your risk of infection increases the longer the wound remains untreated.

Call your doctor if you have questions about how to take care of the wound.

• If your doctor told you how to care for your child's wound, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • After 24 to 48 hours, remove the bandage and then gently wash the wound with clean water 2 times a day. Do not scrub or soak the wound. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
• After your child takes a bath or shower, gently dry the wound with a clean towel.
• If your doctor has closed the wound, cover the bandage with a plastic bag before your child takes a bath or shower.
• A small amount of skin redness and swelling around the wound edges and the stitches or staples is normal. Your child's wound may itch or feel irritated. Do not let your child scratch or rub the wound.
• Ask your doctor if you can give your child an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• If the bite puts your child at risk for rabies, your child will get a series of shots over the next few weeks to prevent rabies. Your doctor will tell you when your child needs to get the shots. It is very important that your child gets the full cycle of shots. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
• Your child may need a tetanus shot.
• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.