Bites and stings

Bites and stings are categorized into animal bites, snakebites, and insect stings. Animal bites are often inflicted by domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and pigs, or wild animals like rats and wolves. Dog bites are the most common. These animal bites leave wounds or marks and introduce pathogenic microorganisms, which can lead to secondary infections. A severe pathogen is the rabies virus, which can be introduced into human tissue through bites or scratches from rabid dogs, cats, or wolves. Snakes are divided into non-venomous and venomous. Non-venomous snakebites leave small tooth marks on the skin at the injury site, causing mild stinging pain, and sometimes small blisters may form. There are no systemic reactions, and generally no adverse consequences. Venomous snakebites leave a pair of deeper tooth marks at the injury site. Due to the venom entering the tissues and then the lymphatic system and bloodstream, severe poisoning can occur, requiring emergency treatment. Common insect stings include bee stings, scorpion stings, caterpillar stings, centipede bites, and leech bites.