What is it?

Wounds biten / scratch inflicted by animals and humans.

Cause

• Biting the hands happen very often.
• The perpetrators of these injuries can be animals and humans.
• They are most often bitten by dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, rabbits, business, people.
• Increasingly, there is bitten by exotic animals: monkeys, poisonous snakes for example. Rattlesnakes, piranhas
• The most common are bitten fingers.
• Most often the dominant hand.

Symptoms

Depending on the size and strength of the perpetrator bites (animal or human) can lead to the formation of small wounds or the destruction of many structures (skin, bones, nerves, tendons) for biting off a piece of hand or entire limb. During bite infects wounds saliva or venom wound. Bacteria in animal and human saliva to develop in the wound give rise to infections which may occur, causing mild discomfort or may lead to life-threatening complications. Do not suggest the size of the bite because the small wounds eg. By thin and sharp teeth cat may cause more harm than extensive wound larger teeth of another animal. Male "mornings" usually do not bleed and do not have the possibility of self-purification, the bacteria beneath the skin are favorable conditions for growth and development of severe infections. The situation is similar in the case of wounds claws. The key is to identify as early as possible any damage caused to the hands of damage and infection as early as possible to begin treatment.

It should be remembered also for rabies. Rabies is still dangerous. Infections are rare but can be fatal. Most commonly transmitted by cats, dogs, wild animals. In the case of wound infection of human saliva (bites, wound inflicted during a fight) the risk of developing serious infection is as high as in the saliva of the animals. In the case of wounds in a fight infection often also relates to a joint which in the case of untreated infection can lead to damage.

Testing and diagnosis

Absolutely report to his hand surgery after the injury if you notice:

• Inflammation (swelling, redness, pain, decreased mobility)
• Leakage of the contents from the wound (serous fluid, pus)
• Fever
• Red "ridge" reaching from the wound the skin in the direction of the elbow and armpit
• A number of factors is important for developing an infection in the wound
• Location wounds
• The size of the wound
• General condition chewed person eg. Diabetes comorbidities, age, weakened immunity
• Foreign bodies in the wound
• Animal species that bite

Treatment

The key is to immediately contact a doctor to assess the damage and enable the necessary treatment (prophylaxis against tetanus, antibiotics, surgical treatment). Bitten by dogs, cats or other animals should be reported to the Point Pokąsań and if possible to be observed the animal for rabies infection. If possible, make sure the animal has a valid vaccination.

Prevention

Remember not to approach wild animals łaszących. Their friendly attitude may suggest infection with rabies. Teach children safe behavior. Let us protect our hands from injury.