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. 2022 Jul 5;55(3):299-301.
doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1750376. eCollection 2022 Jun.

Nonvenomous Snakebite in Pediatric Age Group-Wolf under a Sheep's Coat

Ranjit Kumar Sahu  1 , Sourabh Shankar Chakraborty  2 , Suresh K  3 , Sourabh Gupta  4
Affiliations

Nonvenomous Snakebite in Pediatric Age Group-Wolf under a Sheep's Coat

Ranjit Kumar Sahu et al. Indian J Plast Surg. .

Abstract

Nonvenomous snakebite, far outnumbering venomous bites, is a neglected occupational hazard in the Indian subcontinent. We encountered four cases of traditionally nonvenomous snakebite in pediatric age group with symptoms of limb swelling proximal to the bite site. All cases were found to have extensive fibrinous exudate and fibrinoid necrosis of the deeper layer of fat, deep to the intact skin and superficial layer of fat, extending far from the wound toward the proximal limb in continuity. This obscured presentation of infection and extensive necrosis of only the deeper layer of fat warrants exploratory incisions proximally for thorough debridement, underlying the normal appearing skin.

Keywords: fibrinoid necrosis; incision and drainage; nonpoisonous snake; reconstruction; snakebite.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
( A ) Leg wound at presentation. ( B ) Wound debridement and exploration of proximal necrosed deeper layer of fat of leg with overlying intact skin and superficial layer of fat. ( C ) Immediate postoperative, with primary closure of exploratory incision and skin grafting over wound. ( D ) 10 days postoperative after primary closure and satisfactory skin graft uptake.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
( A ) Preoperative wound over ankle. ( B ) Exploratory incision to expose necrosed deeper layer of fat. ( C ) Intact deep fascia post-debridement. ( D ) 10 days follow-up, with partial loss of skin graft.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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