You have been bitten by a nonvenomous snake. Nonvenomous snakes don't have fangs and don't inject venom. Some nonvenomous snakes have teeth or a sandpaper-like surface on their gums. This may cause a scratch mark or scrape on your skin. Rarely, a piece of the tooth may break off and remain in or under your skin. If this is the case, your provider may try to remove it. You may get a tetanus shot, depending on the injury and what vaccines you have had. You may be given preventive antibiotics. It depends on where the bite was, what type of bite it was, and how serious it was.
Home care
Follow these home care tips:
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Keep the bite area clean and dry, and watch for the warning signs listed below.
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No other special treatment is needed. Any pain or soreness you have should go away over the next 24 hours.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.
When to seek medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of the following occur:
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Redness around the wound
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Increasing swelling of the wound area
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Drainage from the wound
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Increasing pain in the wound or bitten extremity
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Bruising or abnormal bleeding
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Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
Online Medical Reviewer: Eric Perez MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: Paula Goode RN BSN MSN
Date Last Reviewed: 08/01/2022
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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