mensenbeten

Mensenbeten are injuries caused by a bite from another person. They can affect soft tissues of the skin, hands, face, or genitals, and are often categorized as superficial bites or deeper injuries such as clenched-fist injuries where the teeth bite into a closed fist. These injuries commonly occur in fights, assaults, or domestic incidents, and are a frequent cause of hand injuries.

Pathogens: the mouth harbors a range of bacteria; Eikenella corrodens is characteristic of human bites. Infections are often polymicrobial, involving streptococci, staphylococci, and anaerobes. Deep or penetrating bites carry higher risk of infection, joint involvement, tendon injury, osteomyelitis, or septic arthritis.

Clinical features: initial swelling, pain, and wound drainage; wounds can appear minor, but underlying tissue damage is possible. Any deep bite or bite on the hand or near joints requires careful evaluation for possible joint or tendon involvement and for signs of infection.

Diagnosis and management: evaluation includes thorough wound inspection, assessment of depth and joint or tendon involvement, and imaging if there is concern for deep injury. Wounds should be irrigated and debrided; hand injuries may require surgical exploration. Antibiotic therapy is recommended to cover oral flora; first-line is amoxicillin-clavulanate. Alternatives for penicillin allergy include doxycycline with metronidazole or clindamycin plus a fluoroquinolone. Duration typically 5 to 10 days, longer for deeper infections. Tetanus status should be reviewed, and appropriate prophylaxis given as needed.

Prevention and prognosis: prompt cleaning of wounds and early medical evaluation for deep bites or bites near joints reduce complications. With timely treatment, outcomes are generally favorable, though infections and joint or tendon complications can occur if treatment is delayed.