Patient information · Urgent care
Animal and human bites
why every bite needs cleaning, and most need checking
A bite pushes bacteria from the mouth deep under the skin, which is why bites become infected far more often than other wounds of the same size. A small puncture that looks like nothing can still cause a serious infection.
Seek medical help the same day if
- the bite is on the hand, wrist, foot, face or over a joint, or near a tendon;
- it is a human bite, or a cat bite — both carry a high risk of infection;
- the wound is deep, punctured, gaping, or will not stop bleeding;
- you were bitten abroad, or by a bat anywhere including in the UK — this needs same-day advice about rabies;
- you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, no spleen, or take medicines that suppress immunity;
- you are not sure your tetanus vaccinations are up to date.
A punch that connects with someone's teeth counts as a human bite, even when the cut over the knuckle looks trivial. These infect deeply and quickly, and should always be assessed. In an emergency call 999, or go to the Royal London Hospital Emergency Department, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1FR.
First aid, straight away
- Wash the wound thoroughly under running water with soap for several minutes. Do not scrub hard — you want to flush the wound out, not damage it further.
- Let it bleed a little if it is not bleeding heavily. That helps wash bacteria out.
- If it is bleeding a lot, press firmly with a clean cloth or dressing until it stops, and raise the injured part above heart level.
- Pat dry and cover with a clean, non-fluffy dressing or plaster.
- Get it assessed. Bites are cleaned and reviewed properly rather than simply dressed at home.
What treatment involves
- Cleaning. The wound will be irrigated thoroughly, and any dead or dirty tissue removed. This matters more than any dressing.
- Usually no stitches. Most bites are deliberately left open or held with closure strips, because closing a contaminated wound traps infection inside. Bites to the face are an exception and are often closed for appearance, after very careful cleaning.
- Antibiotics. A preventive course is commonly prescribed, particularly for hand bites, cat bites, human bites, puncture wounds, and for anyone at higher risk of infection. Finish the whole course even if the wound looks fine.
- Tetanus. A booster is given if your vaccinations are not up to date or the wound is dirty.
- Dressings and elevation. A bite on the arm or hand does better in a sling for the first day or two, with the hand held above the elbow.
- Review. Most bites are checked again at 24 to 48 hours, because that is when infection declares itself.
Rabies. There is no rabies in animals in the UK apart from bats. If you were bitten, scratched or licked on broken skin by any mammal while abroad, or by a bat anywhere, seek advice the same day — treatment is highly effective but must be started promptly. Do not wait to see whether the wound looks infected.
Human bites and blood-borne viruses
Where a human bite has broken the skin, there is a small risk of hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV being passed on. A blood test may be offered, a hepatitis B vaccination or booster may be given, and in a few cases preventive treatment is started. This is a routine precaution rather than a sign that anything has gone wrong, and it is handled confidentially.
If the bite happened during an assault or in circumstances you would like to talk about privately, our team can help you find support. Nothing is shared without your consent.
Signs the bite is becoming infected
Contact us, your GP or NHS 111 the same day, or go to an emergency department, if you develop:
- increasing pain, redness or swelling around the wound, especially spreading redness or red streaks;
- pus, oozing, or a bad smell from the wound;
- a raised temperature, shivering, feeling generally unwell or tired;
- swollen, tender glands above the bite — for example in the armpit after a hand or arm bite;
- difficulty moving a finger or joint near the bite, or pain when it is moved.
We can manage bites from start to finish — cleaning, antibiotics, tetanus and hepatitis B vaccination, dressings and the 48-hour review — seven days a week, without a referral. Call 020 7916 0029.
Reporting a dog bite
If you were bitten by a dog that is not yours, you can report it to the police. It is worth noting the owner's details and what happened at the time if you are able to. Keeping a photograph of the wound is also useful.
Seen today, not next week
Same-day appointments most days, seven days a week, 9am–7pm, on Whitechapel Road.
Tower Bridge Hospital London
97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT
WhatsApp 07903 284 189
info@mhwclinic.co.uk
Open Mon–Sat, 9am–7pm (closed Sundays until September)
In an emergency
Call 999, or go to the Royal London Hospital Emergency Department, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1FR.
When we are closed and it is not an emergency
Call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
Also able to advise
Your own GP · Your local pharmacist