The evaluation of a human bite begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with a human bite may include:

• Abrasion
• Laceration
• Puncture wound
• Redness, swelling and tenderness around the bite:
• Cellulitis of the arm
• Cellulitis of the hand
• Cellulitis of the leg
• Cellulitis of the foot
• Cellulitis of the abdomen
• Cellulitis of the breast
• Red streaks spreading from the wound:
• Lymphangitis of the arm
• Lymphangitis of the back of the leg
• Lymphangitis of the hand from a finger wound
• Swollen lymph glands above the bite:
• Axillary lymphadenopathy
• Inguinal lymphadenopathy

Usually, tests are not required to evaluate human bites, unless there is a possibility of a fracture, foreign body (tooth) in the wound.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a human bite include:

• X-rays
• Used to exclude fracture or retained foreign body
• Wound culture
• May be obtained if wound appears to be infected