Overview

Most snakes are not poisonous. If the snake that bit your child was poisonous, your child may have been treated with antivenom. Sometimes, a snake bites but does not inject venom. Taking good care of the wound at home will help it heal quickly and reduce the chance of infection.

How can you care for your child at home?

• If the doctor prescribed medicine for your child, give it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
• If your doctor told you how to care for your child's wound, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • Wash the area with clean water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
• Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for a fever and pain. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Some pain is normal with a snake bite, but pay attention if your child's pain seems to be getting worse instead of better. Your child could have an infection.