Animal bites are quite common among children. Animals that can bite humans include cats, rodents and farm animals and usually happen on the fingers or hand. The greatest risk after animal bites is infection and bites from cats have the greatest risk for infection because their teeth can burrow deep into the tissue.
The teeth of the animal will break the skin and introduce saliva that has organisms below the surface of the skin. The saliva of dogs, ferrets, cats and rabbits contains abundant bacteria. The first symptom of an infection is swelling of the bite site. A severe bite can be dangerous due to the unique structure of the hands because they receive less blood than other parts of the body. Due to this, the body will have difficulty in eliminating the infection that develops from the bite.
An animal bite on the finger is not a serious problem, but if the infection spreads throughout the body, it needs medical help immediately.
Symptoms of animals bites
- Presence of fluid or pus coming out from the site of the animal bite
- Redness, swelling or pain that lasts for more than 24 hours.
- Red streaks spreading up to the hand and arm.
- Loss of mobility in the finger or hand
- The affected person will have fever or chills and fatigue
- Losing sensation in the fingertips
- Tenderness or pain can be felt below the elbow or armpit due to the swollen lymph nodes
Treatment of animal bites
- Clean the wound using warm water and soap for about 5 minutes immediately after the injury in order to remove dirt and saliva containing bacteria. If there is bleeding, apply direct pressure using a clean cloth or gauze and keep the finger elevated to lessen the swelling.
- Gently scrub the wound in order to help lessen the swelling caused by the infection. Another way is applying antiseptic solution or antibiotic ointment after washing to reduce the inflammation.
- Take the prescribed anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen in order to help minimize the swelling of mild infection, fever and pain. The best way to prevent the condition from getting worse is to cover the wound using a sterile dressing or bandage.
Tips
- Do not play, pick up or approach any type of wild animal.
- Avoid separating two animals that are fighting and animals that look sick or acting odd. Call the animal control service immediately for the animals to be picked up.
- Avoid approaching an animal if eating.
- Avoid provoking or teasing an animal.
- Keep the pet on a lease when in public places and make sure the pet is vaccinated.
- Avoid touching other people’s pet without asking permission from the owner.
- Teach the children on how to prevent animal bites.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/animal-bites-treatment
http://www.assh.org/handcare/hand-arm-injuries/animal-bites-treatment