Friday, February 27, 2009

A "What to Do" Guide in Case of Insect Bites

We humans are not the only ones who love to spend our summertime in nature - Insects like it also. So in order to have a great time in nature on a beautiful summer day, we need to be very careful, because we can be easily bitten or stung by various insects.

If you are bitten by insects you will know in very short time because of the immediate effects that can occur on your body, such as pain, itching, scratching, swelling or a local redness. They can be the most annoying symptoms that can disturb your peace and quiet. All these symptoms are caused by the actual venom or a toxic chemical substance produced by the insect's body. The venom or the toxin will attack your body, by producing allergic reactions immediately after it is injected in your body.

The reactions that you will have are based generally upon how sensitive you are to the insect bites and to the venom or toxin. The general reaction to insect bites are mild - like local stinging or itching sensations, and a little bit of swelling that usually disappears in a couple of days. Sometimes, these are not the singular reactions, and if you are a sensitive or an allergic person you can have reactions such as swollen glands, painful joints and hives or even high fever. If you encounter these kinds of symptoms you must immediately contact a dermatologist or your family doctor in the shortest time possible, or if your medical situation aggravates you must call 911.

The most severe reactions to the insect's bites venom or toxin are called anaphylaxis reactions. These reactions are similar to the allergic ones, and appear only on the most sensitive humans. The actual symptoms vary from toxic shock and swelling faces to even breathing difficulties and lung collapse. Also it is very important to know that these symptoms are caused by only a few dangerous animals and spiders such as venomous or toxic spiders, bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets.

First Aid in case of Insect Bites and Stings

If you are in an open space (outside your house) such as in the woods or lawns, it will be very wise to go inside, because in the wilderness you are highly exposed to other bites and stings from the other insects.

A straight razor, a knife or even a plastic credit card can become handy if you get an insect sting. You will use this so called "tools" in order to gently scrape off the stinger. Do not try to pull the stinger, because it can most certainly have some venom or toxin to eject. Be careful.

If you are concerned about the local inflammation, you can surely use some ice packs.

If you have a tick, you must gently remove the painful and dangerous tick with a pair of tweezers. Applying adhesive tape on the tick can also do the trick. If the wound remains in your skin a long period of time, you must seek specialized medical attention.

If the wound is very itchy, fell free to use some prescribed over the counter medication. Medicines such as Benadryl, Tylenol Severe Allergy or even Chlorpheniramine Maleate will most certainly do the job.

In case of severe skin irritation you can use a hydrocortisone-based topical ointment cream or lotion, such as the Calamine Lotion, and you will probably have a healthy skin after that.

Call 911 for an ambulance if you experience the following symptoms: hives, dizziness, fainting, breathing problems or even muscle and joint pains, chills, cramps or coma. It the meantime you can take some proper medication, advised by specialized doctors. Take with you the medication you have used, in order for the specialized medics to know what was done so far.

Try to loosen the injured person's clothes if they are wearing any tight ones. It is advised not to give to the injured person any liquids to drink. In case of any respiratory problems, use CPR.

Discover More First Aid And Insect Bites Treatment to relief yourself from it. More information about First Aid here will definitely help you.

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