Bite (injury caused by the teeth of another animal)

Characteristics and wound types

Bites are classified by the pattern of injury: puncture wounds from sharp teeth, lacerations from tearing forces, crushing injuries from strong jaws, and avulsions where tissue is torn away. Human bites can produce distinctive patterns due to dental arches and are often located on hands or head. Wound depth, contamination, and location influence both immediate management and long‑term outcomes.

Medical risks and treatment

Bites carry risks beyond bleeding: broken bones, damaged tendons or nerves, and bacterial infection. Microbes from animal mouths can cause local infection and, rarely, systemic illness. Common concerns include tetanus and, in certain regions or species, rabies. Prompt first aid—control bleeding, irrigate with clean water, and cover the wound—is recommended. Medical evaluation is advised for deep, dirty, or hand bites, bites in immunocompromised people, or when signs of infection appear.

• Health complications include wound infection and, occasionally, more serious conditions; see medical problems.
• Clinicians may irrigate, debride, provide antibiotics, update tetanus immunization, or refer for surgery if structures are involved.
• Rabies post‑exposure prophylaxis is considered when the animal is wild, unavailable for observation, or known to carry the virus.

Prevention, public health and forensic notes

Prevention focuses on responsible pet ownership, vaccination of domestic animals, avoiding interactions with unfamiliar wildlife, and educating people about risky situations for bites. Human bite marks have been used in forensic investigations, but interpretation is complex and experts caution against overreliance on bite‑mark comparisons alone. Reporting significant bites to local health authorities can help manage rabies risk and other public health concerns.

With appropriate first aid and timely medical care most bite wounds heal without lasting disability. However, because of the variable risks depending on the animal and circumstances, professional assessment is often the safest course after any significant bite.