DiseaseInjuryNutritionPoison
Special TopicSurgerySymptomsTest
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
W
Human bites
Human bites
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Human bites

Definition:
Human bites are usually caused by one person biting another, although they may result from a situation in which one person comes into contact with another person's teeth. In a fight, for example, one person's knuckles may come into contact with another person's teeth, and if the impact breaks the skin, the injury would be considered a bite.

Alternative Names:
Bites - human

Considerations:

Human bites that break the skin, like all puncture wounds, have a high risk of infection. They also pose a risk of injury to tendons and joints.

Bites are very common among young children. Children often bite to express anger or other negative feelings.



Review Date: 8/19/2003
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previous reviews: A.D.A.M. editorial (11/6/2002). Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (7/22/2001).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com