Because only those patients receiving treatment are included in a study, it is difficult to determine the true incidence of infection in human bite wounds. Many undoubtedly never receive treatment since patients normally are reluctant to appear in the emergency department as a result of embarrasing circumstances. However, it is known that infection rates and resulting morbidity can be substantially reduced if the bite wound victim comes to the emergency department promptly after wounding. In addition, a meticulous wound care regimen should be standard for all human bite wounds, rather than relying solely on antibiotics, which is a common practice.