Treating Insect Bites
Insect bites are very common in children and adults. Getting bitten by an ant or a mosquito is no big deal. However, some insect bites are much more harmful than the bite of an ant. Some of the insects that cause harmful bites are spiders, mites, ticks, fleas, bees, wasps and the popular and ubiquitous mosquito. Some insects can cause anaphylactic reaction in people. |
In summer months, having knowledge of treating common insect bites helps. Most of the cases of insect bites need only symptomatic treatment. They may be prescribed pain relievers and relief for itching.
Some people have a natural resistance to the venom in the insects and some do not, especially children, who are allergic, can develop serious reactions to the injuries. The Anaphylactic reactions can be life threatening and they should treated as soon as possible in a hospital. For such reactions, an injection called epinephrine is given. Epinephrine is one of the hormones released by the adrenal glands during the flight or fight syndrome of the body. An insect bite triggers the syndrome. Children who have a history of such reactions should have an auto injector for epinephrine.
Bee stings are worse because the bee leaves its stinger in our skin. It causes immediate swelling and unpleasant symptoms like severe pain and headaches. In the case of a honey bee sting, the stinger has to be removed completely for the symptoms to go away. However, you should not attempt on pulling it out yourself. When you try to pinch it with a tweezers or your finger nails, the stinger induces more venom and this will only worsen the symptoms.
To treat the common symptoms of an insect bite is easy. Many of the insects just cause localized pain and redness along with swelling and itching. After an insect bite follow these steps.
Wash the affected area with a mild soap and water.
If you have a burning sensation or pain, apply an ice pack.
Meat tenderizers work well, mix it is a ration of 1:4 with water. This solution is every good for ant or wasp bite. Let the meat tenderizer stay on the bite for around 15 to 20 minutes.
Use baking soda paste is also known to help with insect bites.
If you have an itch cream or a topical steroid ointment, it can help relieve the symptoms immediately.
When the reaction is severe oral histamines are given and this might include sleep inducing medications, such as Benadryl.
If the bite mark becomes infected, immediately go to a doctor, who will prescribe antibiotics for the infection.
More Articles :
About.com; Pediatrics: Don't Let The Bugs Bite
https://pediatrics.about.com/cs/safetyfirstaid/a/dnt_lt_bugs_bte.htm |
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical solution that is used in industries and even in some homes. It is mainly applied as a natural disinfectant or bleach. One of the main industrial uses for hydrogen peroxide is as a teeth whitener and cleaner. It has some powerful properties that can help kill germs and bacteria. It is very cheap and cost under $1 and is available in drug stores. Many people will hear natural remedies for insect bites that include making use of hydrogen peroxide; and they wonder can hydrogen peroxide help insect bites.