Mammalian bites

Mammalian bites account for one percent of all visits to emergency departments. More than 95% of all complications consist of local wound infections. Risk factors for infection include location on the hand or foot, puncture wounds, and treatment delay, as well as general risk factors for infection. "Clenched fist" injuries have a high risk for very severe complications. The mainstay of treatment is meticulous local wound care with debridement and irrigation. Antibiotics should only be considered as a secondary modality to prevent wound infection.