Wound licking
Wound licking
Wound licking (/wuːnd lɪkɪŋ/) is a common behavior in animals and humans in response to injury.
Etymology
The term "wound licking" comes from the English words "wound", meaning an injury to the body (from Old English "wund"), and "licking", the action of passing the tongue over a surface (from Old English "liccian").
Definition
Wound licking is the act of an animal licking a wound on its own body or on the body of another animal. It is believed to help in the healing process of the wound.
Related Terms
- Saliva: The liquid substance produced in the mouths of animals, which is often used in wound licking.
- Wound healing: The process by which the body repairs damage to the skin and other tissues.
- Antiseptic: Substances that prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms, which is a property believed to be in the saliva of some animals.
- Infection: The invasion of an organism's body tissues by disease-causing agents, which can be a risk of wound licking if the saliva contains harmful bacteria.
Risks
While wound licking can help clean the wound and promote healing, it also carries risks. The mouth contains a wide variety of bacteria, and by licking a wound, there is a risk of infection. This is especially true if the wound is deep, as bacteria can be introduced into the body's tissues.
In Humans
In humans, wound licking is often discouraged because of the risk of infection. Instead, wounds should be cleaned with clean water and mild soap, and then covered with a sterile bandage.
In Animals
In animals, wound licking is a common behavior. Some animals, such as dogs and cats, have been observed to lick their wounds excessively, which can lead to further injury or infection. In these cases, it may be necessary to prevent the animal from licking the wound, such as by using a protective collar.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Wound licking
- Wikipedia's article - Wound licking
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