In rare instances, cardiorespiratory failure may also occur. Anesthetic ointments, antihistamine creams, and steroid lotions applied to the skin are sometimes beneficial. More than half of the bites seen by emergency departments occur at home. Experts advise, however, that catbite wounds should always be left open to prevent infection. The next step is to apply antibiotic ointment and a sterile bandage to the wound. It is important to stay calm and wait for emergency medical aid if it can arrive quickly. Human bites should always be examined by a doctor. Making a cut at the wound site is also dangerous. Within a short time, however, some victims begin to experience severe muscle cramps and rigidity of the abdominal muscles.

However, their venom is quite poisonous. Marine animalsSeveral varieties of marine animal may bite or sting. Rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths also called water moccasins are pit vipers. The former present a lower risk of infection. Also, dogs trained to attack may bite repeatedly during a single episode. However, most dogbite injuries are minor. Stingray venom produces immediate, excruciating pain that lasts several hours. These snakes are found in nearly a third . When discovered hours later, it is usually as a sore red bump. More than fifty Americans die each year after being stung by a bee, wasp, or ant.

The pain can continue up to 48 hours. Person who has been bitten may also require immunization against hepatitis B and other diseases. Deep puncture wounds result that can cause an infection if pieces of spine become embedded in the wound. In rare instances, cardiorespiratory failure may also occur. Anesthetic ointments, antihistamine creams, and steroid lotions applied to the skin are sometimes beneficial. More than half of the bites resulted from people attempting to break up fights between animals. Infected bites can be counteracted with antivenin.

This family of snakes delivers its venom through two long, hinged fangs in the upper jaw. Some pit vipers carry a potent venom that can threaten the brain.