Introduction to Treating Bites

Bites can range from itchy to painful to life-threatening. And you needn't live in the wilderness to risk getting one. In fact, one of the most dangerous bites can be inflicted in your very own home: by a fellow human being! (Humans have more bacteria in their mouths than most wild animals, no matter how often we brush our teeth.)

Many bites can be treated at home, although others, including a human bite that breaks the skin, require an immediate visit to the doctor or emergency room. The trick is distinguishing the dangerous from the benign.

In this article, we'll look at ways to treat various types of bites and how to prevent getting bitten in the first place. Keep reading to learn how to tell the difference between a harmless mosquito bite and a potentially serious reaction to spider venom.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

General Rules

The following is a guide to treating the most common types of bites, as well as a few tips on how to avoid getting bitten. Of course, if you've had a run-in with a creature that you suspect is dangerous, don't attempt self-treatment. See a doctor without delay. The same advice holds true if you experience any signs of illness (such as fever, loss of consciousness, nausea, dizziness, or vomiting) following any bite.

Ice an itch. Itchy bites from mosquitoes and nonpoisonous spiders can benefit from an ice-cold compress. The ice decreases inflammation and reduces pain and itching. Ice the bite for 20 minutes at a time every few hours.

Itchy bites from mosquitoes and nonpoisonous spiders can benefit from an ice-cold compress.

Itchy bites from mosquitoes and nonpoisonous spiders
can benefit from an ice-cold compress.

Try an old fail-safe. When you had a mosquito bite as a child, your mother probably used calamine lotion, a thin, chalky, pink liquid, to stop the itch. Sold over the counter (and generally cheaper than hydrocortisone creams and ointments), it is still just as effective today.

Give an antihistamine a go. Over-the-counter antihistamines can also help an itchy bite, since the itch is really a mild allergic reaction. Of course, antihistamines should not be used by sensitive individuals, pregnant women, people with allergies to ingredients in the products, or those taking conflicting medications. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if in doubt.

Recognize the signs of a severe reaction. The bite from a venomous spider can cause a severe allergic reaction. It is important, therefore, to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction before it is too late. Symptoms of anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reaction, include difficulty breathing, hives all over the body, and loss of consciousness. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should be rushed to the nearest emergency room for medical treatment.

Don't panic if you've been bitten by a tick. Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that can cause chills, fever, headache, and other complications, has received lots of play in the media. But not all ticks carry the disease, and not every Lyme-carrying tick will transmit it to you if you happen to be bitten. Generally, a tick must remain on the skin for 24 to 48 hours to transmit the organism that causes Lyme disease. If you find a tick on your body, remove it using the directions in the remedy that follows, and save it in a small jar of alcohol, so that it can be analyzed for Lyme disease if a suspicious infection develops. There is no need to see a doctor unless you notice any swelling or redness around the bite (a sign of infection), a bull's-eye-shaped rash (often a symptom of Lyme disease), any other skin rash, or a fever.

Remove ticks with care. To remove a tick from your skin, grasp the insect's mouthparts with tweezers as close as possible to the skin and slowly pull straight upwards. Do not burn, smash, or squeeze the tick or attempt to pull the tick's body or head, as it may break off, leaving the mouthparts underneath your skin. Use the tweezers to remove any remaining parts of the tick. Next, apply a local antiseptic, such as alcohol or an antibiotic ointment, to the bite.

Stop the bleeding. If an animal bite has caused severe bleeding, cover the bite with a clean cloth, gauze, or unused sanitary napkin and apply pressure to the area with the palm of your hand. If the wound is large, tie a scarf, towel, or T-shirt tightly around the site to create pressure over a larger area, but don't tie it tightly enough to cut off circulation (you should be able to slide at least one finger between the cloth and skin). Immobilize the area. If the bite is on a limb, elevate the limb above the level of the heart. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Rabies is always a concern with animal bites.

Rabies and tetanus are always a
concern with animal bites.

Take punctures seriously. A bite that leaves a scratch but doesn't really break the skin may simply be washed with soap and water, then covered with an antibacterial cream or ointment. Not so for a bite that breaks or punctures the skin. A puncture wound requires the expertise of a doctor, in case the animal has rabies. Try to remember how the animal behaved before biting. If it was behaving in a peculiar way, such as if a wild animal was being unusually placid, the animal may be rabid. Check with doctors or veterinarians in the area to determine if there have been any local outbreaks of rabies in wild or domestic animals.

Get a tetanus booster. If you've been bitten by a wild or domestic animal and the bite has broken the skin, it's probably wise to contact your doctor to see if you need a tetanus booster shot (whether or not you need one depends, in part, on the type of wound and the timing of your last tetanus shot). Bites can become infected easily because of the large amount of bacteria in an animal's mouth. In the days after the bite, watch the site closely for signs of infection, such as redness and swelling.

Report an animal to the authorities. If you've been bitten by an animal in your community, call your local office of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or animal catcher to report the incident. If the animal was wild or a stray, the proper agency may want to track it down and capture it for observation, especially if rabies is suspected. If the animal belongs to a neighbor, report it to the pet's owner, and, if you choose, to the authorities (many communities have laws concerning pet bites).

Don't get bitten in the first place. Stay away from wild animals, even if they let you approach, and don't pester snakes, spiders, bees, or anything else that looks threatening. Most animals and insects will leave you alone unless you bother them.

Know your local fauna. It's best to keep abreast of the insects and animals in your area, so that you know what to avoid. If you live in an area that is home to poisonous snakes and scorpions, for example, learn how to recognize and avoid them.

The most feared and deadly type of bites are snakebites. In the next section, we'll examine how to handle snakebites and how to detect where snakes are likely to be found.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

Handling Snakebites

If you've been bitten by a snake that you suspect is poisonous, hightail it to the nearest emergency room. Some snakebites, most notably those from rattlesnakes such as the Eastern diamondback, can be fatal. However, hospital emergency units stock very effective antivenoms to combat them.

Stay Away from Snakes
You can reduce your chances of being bitten by a snake by following these guidelines from the American Academy of Family Physicians:

Keep your lawn mowed, your hedges trimmed, and brush removed from your yard and any nearby vacant lots. This will reduce the number of places for snakes to live and hide.

Warn children not to play in vacant, weed-infested lots.

Use tongs when moving firewood, brush, or lumber; they're hideaways for snakes.

When walking through grassy, weedy areas where snakes may live, poke at the ground ahead of you with a long stick or pole to scare any snakes away.

Wear boots and loose, long pants when working or walking in areas where snakes like to be.

Never handle snakes, even if they're dead.

Sleep on a cot when camping in snake-infested areas.

One fortunate fact is that snakes only envenomate, or inject their venom, between 25 percent and 75 percent of the time.

The rest of the time they leave nothing more than fang holes and a frightened victim.

If you are far from medical attention, take the following steps while help is being sought or while you are on the way to the hospital or emergency room:
  • Have someone catch the snake and kill it, if the capture can be accomplished without excessive danger. Put the corpse in a bag, and take it to the hospital with you. This way, hospital staff can accurately identify the snake and administer the correct antivenom.

  • Stay quiet, still, and warm. Do your best not to panic. Getting upset stimulates the heart to pump more blood, which will only speed the spread of venom through your system. Taking long, slow, deep breaths may help you stay calm.

  • If you have been bitten on a limb, remove any rings, bracelets, shoes, or socks, since the extremity may swell. If possible, immobilize the limb and elevate it above the level of the heart.

  • You may tie a scarf, tie, belt, or piece of fabric above the level of the fang mark, but do not make it tight enough to cut off circulation: Make sure that you can slide at least one finger underneath the band.

  • If you have a venom-extractor kit with you, apply the suction device for 30 to 40 minutes, or until you get to the hospital.

  • DO NOT apply ice, cut the snakebite with a knife, or attempt to suck venom from the wound. These are outdated methods of treatment that may actually cause more harm than good.

  • Ask for help. If you have been envenomated, you may begin to feel dizzy or ill. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital.

    Venomous snakebites require immediate medical attention.

    Venomous snakebites require immediate medical attention.

Bites from all different types of animals and insects can be scary to deal with, but keeping a cool head and following the advice in this article will help you obtain the proper medical treatment.



This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.