What does a rat bite look like? - briefly
A rat bite presents as a tiny puncture, typically 2–3 mm wide, with a shallow notch from the incisors and surrounding redness. The site may bleed lightly and can develop a crust or ulcer if it becomes infected.
What does a rat bite look like? - in detail
A rat bite typically presents as a small puncture wound, often 2–5 mm in diameter, surrounded by a thin rim of erythema. The entry points may appear as two parallel or slightly diverging holes, reflecting the animal’s double‑chambered incisors. Bleeding is usually minimal; a modest amount of serous fluid may exude from the site. The surrounding tissue can become swollen within hours, and the skin may feel taut or warm to the touch.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Puncture shape: two close, round or oval openings, sometimes aligned in a line.
- Depth: shallow to moderate; the bite may reach subcutaneous fat but rarely penetrates deep muscle.
- Color changes: initial pink or red halo, potentially progressing to a purplish bruise if hemorrhage occurs.
- Exudate: clear or slightly yellowish fluid; pus may develop if infection sets in.
- Surrounding reaction: mild edema, possible induration, and tenderness on palpation.
In some cases, the wound edges appear slightly everted, and a faint, irregular tear may be visible if the rat’s jaws have torn skin fibers. The bite site often exhibits a faint, greasy odor due to rat saliva, which can aid identification. If left untreated, the area may enlarge, develop a raised rim, and show signs of bacterial involvement such as increased warmth, redness spreading outward, and the presence of foul‑smelling discharge.