Are all snake bites harmful? Do snake bites heal OK, or do they leave a scar?
Dear Angela: Most snake bites are not poisonous, but they can hurt. If not cleaned properly, they can become infected. Bites from nonpoisonous snakes, such as garter snakes or pet snakes, often times just brush the skin with@ out breaking it. A bite from a nonpoisonous snake should be washed well with soap and water. If the bite breaks the skin, have your parents check with your doctor to make sure that you are current with your tetanus vaccine. With proper care, these bites usually heal without any problems or scars. Bites from poisonous snakes are a different story. This type of bite can be deadly if the victim does not get medical care immediately. In fact, about ten people each year die from poisonous snake bites. There are four types of poisonous snakes in the United States. They are the rattlesnake, the cottonmouth (or water moccasin), the copperhead. and the coral snake. Each year about 45,000 snake bites are reported in the United States. Of these, about 7,000 are from poisonou
