This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017. This article has been viewed 113,885 times.

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To treat a human bite, apply pressure to the affected area with a clean cloth or bandage to stop any bleeding. Once the bleeding stops, wash the wound with soap and water to help prevent an infection. Alternatively, if the bleeding doesn't stop, apply a second bandage and lie down to reduce the blood flow. Then, cover the wound with a fresh bandage to limit its exposure to bacteria. If you notice signs of infection, such as redness or swelling, see your doctor to rule out any diseases, like tetanus and hepatitis B. For tips from our Medical co-author on how to use pain medication to treat a bite, read on!