Fifteen-minute consultation: Management of mammalian bites in children-from local wound care to prophylactic antibiotics.

Animal and human bites are a common reason for emergency consultation, especially in children. The most common complication of bite wounds is local infectio. Systemic infections are much rarer. The key in reducing the risk of infection after a bite is local wound management with either primary or delayed closure. The benefit of administering prophylactic antibiotics is controversial.In this review, we provide a summary of the current evidence for the management of mammalian bites in children, including appropriate investigations, wound management, administration of prophylactic and therapeutic antibiotics and the prevention of systemic infections.