Decreased blood flow after a bite

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Decreased blood flow after a bite

Bites usually damage only those blood vessels close to the skin that is injured. Bites usually do not affect blood flow away from the area. Bleeding from a minor bite can usually be stopped easily.

Bleeding is more serious when:

Blood spurts or pumps from the bite. This usually means the bleeding is from an artery. Bleeding from an artery is usually more difficult to stop.
Blood from the bite flows steadily. This may be bleeding from a large vein. This type of bleeding can often be stopped by elevating the wound and applying steady, direct pressure.

Rarely, a bite will injure an underlying artery or arteries, causing decreased blood flow below the injury. New moderate to severe pain that occurs with cold, pale skin may indicate injury to arteries that supply blood to the area. Permanent disability, including the loss of a limb, can result if an injury to an artery is not detected and repaired.

Credits

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	June 10, 2008

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Last updated:	June 10, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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