Some bug bites are a mere irritation, while others can be painful or even dangerous. Fortunately, first aid strategies can help mitigate the issues associated with common types of bug bites. Here’s what you need to know.
Perhaps the most common type of bite to be afflicted with, mosquito bites are characterized by a red, itchy bump. This occurs when the insect inserts a proboscis into your skin to feed on blood; in response, the body releases a histamine response that causes the itchy inflammation. For that reason, an over-the-counter antihistamine cream provides the fastest relief. You can also try soaking a green tea bag and placing it over the affected area, or taking an oatmeal bath.
Bee and Wasp Stings
If you’ve been stung by a bee or wasp, the first step is to look for the stinger. This can be easily removed by scraping the skin with a credit card in the affected area. Then, treat symptoms like inflammation and burning by first cleaning the skin with mild soap and water, then taking an NSAID like Advil. Seek immediate medical attention for signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the throat or tongue. Before summer rolls around, consider consulting a company like Allstate Pest Control to check your property for bee or wasp nests.
Fire Ant Bites
As its name suggests, this insect’s bites cause painful burning, followed by itching and blistering. Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can usually soothe these symptoms. Be aware of signs of infection, such as a fever or increased pain in the area of the bites.
Depending on the type of spider, symptoms can vary from small, pimple-like bumps to chest pain, nausea, and vomiting, according to Real Simple. When you have a spider bite, apply ice every 20 minutes for 72 hours to slow the spread of venom throughout the body. Over-the-counter pain medications can help with discomfort. Seek medical attention if you have severe pain, nausea, or any other unusual symptoms.
If you’ve been bitten by a tick, you may notice redness, itching, or burning as well as the tick still present on your skin. In some cases, the insect can be as small as 1 millimeter. Remove the tick with tweezers as carefully as possible to avoid crushing the insect, which can make illness more likely to spread. A bulls-eye shaped rash or flu-like symptoms can be a sign of a serious disease, such as Lyme or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, so seek immediate medical attention.
When spending time in a wooded area this summer, protect yourself from bug bites by using a repellent spray and avoiding scented lotions and skin products.
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for business, home, and family niches. Dixie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband.