How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Human Bite - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Human bites can cause injuries that range from minor to serious. When a child has a human bite, it is important to know how to care for it and when to seek medical help. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to get advice from a healthcare provider without leaving home. During a telemedicine visit, the provider will ask questions about the bite, look at the injury if possible, and guide you on next steps. This may include cleaning the wound, watching for signs of infection, or going to a clinic or hospital if needed. Preparing for the visit by having information ready and knowing what to watch for can help make the appointment effective and safe for your child.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• The bite is bleeding heavily and does not stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes — seek emergency care immediately.
• Signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever develop — contact a healthcare provider promptly.
• The bite is deep, involves the face, hands, or joints, or your child has difficulty moving the affected area — seek urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing minor human bite wounds via video or photo.
• Providing guidance on wound cleaning and care.
• Advising when to seek in-person care or emergency services.
• Answering questions about symptoms and infection signs.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing wound cleaning, stitches, or surgical care.
• Administering antibiotics or tetanus shots directly.
• Evaluating deep or severe wounds that require physical examination.
• Managing complications like severe infection or tissue damage.

What is a Human Bite?

A human bite happens when the skin is broken by someone's teeth. These bites can be painful and may cause cuts, bruises, or puncture wounds. Because the human mouth has many bacteria, bites can easily become infected if not cleaned and treated properly.

When to Use Telemedicine for a Human Bite

Telemedicine is useful for initial advice about a human bite, especially if the wound looks small and is not bleeding heavily. A healthcare provider can help you decide if the bite needs in-person care, such as stitches or antibiotics. Telemedicine can also guide you on how to clean the wound and monitor for infection.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, gather information such as when and how the bite happened, your child's medical history, any allergies, and current medicines. Have a clean cloth ready to gently show the bite area on camera if possible. Make sure you have a quiet space with good lighting for the visit.

Signs of Infection or Serious Injury to Watch For

After a human bite, watch your child for redness, swelling, warmth, increasing pain, pus or discharge, fever, or if the bite is deep or bleeding a lot. These signs may mean the bite is infected or more serious and needs in-person medical care immediately.

How to Care for a Human Bite at Home

If the bite is minor, you can clean it gently with soap and water. Apply a clean bandage and keep the area dry and protected. Avoid squeezing or scratching the wound. Follow your healthcare provider's advice about pain relief and when to seek further care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the time and cause of the bite.
• Gather your child's medical history and allergy information.
• Prepare a well-lit area to show the bite during the video call.
• Have clean cloths or bandages ready if needed for demonstration.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's instructions for wound care and medication.
• Watch for any signs of infection or worsening symptoms.
• Keep the bite area clean and dry as advised.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment if recommended.
• Seek immediate care if red flags or emergency signs appear.

FAQs

Can a human bite cause serious infection in children?

Yes, human bites can introduce bacteria that may cause infections. Children’s immune systems may respond differently, so it is important to clean bites well and watch for signs of infection.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for a human bite?

If the bite is bleeding heavily, very deep, on the face or hands, or if your child has trouble moving the affected area, go to the emergency room right away.

Can telemedicine providers prescribe antibiotics for a human bite?

Telemedicine providers may recommend antibiotics if needed, but prescriptions depend on local regulations and the provider’s assessment. Sometimes an in-person visit is necessary for prescriptions.

How can I prevent infection after a human bite?

Clean the wound gently with soap and water, keep it covered with a clean bandage, and monitor for any signs of infection. Follow all care instructions from your healthcare provider.

Is a tetanus shot needed after a human bite?

Tetanus shots may be needed if the child’s vaccinations are not up to date or if the wound is deep. Your healthcare provider will advise you based on your child’s vaccination history.

Sources

1. Human Bite Wounds — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Bites and Scratches: First Aid — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Human Bites — Mayo Clinic.
4. Wound Care and Infection Prevention — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation and care. If your child’s condition worsens or you have concerns, seek immediate medical attention.