Turtles are incredible creatures. They have been on earth since millions of years. Some of them live in fresh water reservoir or in the sea, while there are other species which live on land. In fact turtles have seen the rise of mankind. Just like any other reptile, turtles too have mouth. The outer side of body is made up of hard shell which protects them from predators. When they perceive some danger they hide themselves under the shell.
Nowadays people keep turtles in their house as pets. Similar as many other pets, turtles too can bite humans.
Symptoms Associated With Turtle Bite
Snapping turtle, alligator turtle etc are some the species of turtle. They are differentiated according to their size and shape and their living habitat. Turtle has mouth, and therefore it can bite, but most of them are not aggressive.
Depending on the severity, it can be a small bruise or a huge bite with torn skin and blood oozing out from the wound. Pain and swelling around the area of bite are obvious features. The surrounding skin too becomes red and inflamed.
Bacterial infection after a turtle bite is not uncommon. The germs may enter the wound while handling the turtle, because salmonella germs are found on turtle skin and inside the mouth. Infection of the wound may follow several other symptoms such as fever, headache, pain at the site of bite, pus, etc. In an immune-compromised person the symptom severity may be more.
First Aid And Treatment For Turtle Bite
Usually turtle bites only when provoked or is surprised, but some turtle species bite can be extremely discomforting. Treatment of turtle bite is similar to that of any wound. Once the turtle has released its mouth, remove it from the site.
The first step is to clean the wound. Use a clean gauze piece or a clean cloth and rinse the area with water. Now clean the area with a disinfectant lotion. Assess the bite if it is superficial or deep. After cleaning the wound and disinfecting it with the lotion, apply an antibacterial ointment over the area. Place sterilized gauze and wrap the wound with a bandage.
Once the primary first aid procedure is done, seek physician’s treatment. After assessing the wound, he may recommend oral antibiotics. He may also recommend tetanus shot.