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Spending time outdoors is equally wonderful and healthy for your body and mind. But, the experience can turn unpleasant when you are stung by bees, mosquitoes, and ticks. Most bug bites are not something to worry about, but certain insects are capable of spreading insect-borne diseases. Malaria and Lyme are prime examples. Learning how to prevent insect bites and stings and which medication to use for the treatment can help prevent pain and skin irritation. This article will discuss preventative measures and the best medications to treat the sting. Without further ado, let’s get started:
Prevention-First Approach
Prevention is surely your best option when it comes to treating bug bites. We recommend using an insect repellent that has over 20 to 30% DEET. If you are using sunscreen before stepping out, apply it first and let it dry. Then use an insect repellent on the top. Make sure to cover exposed skin with clothing and tuck away loose ends to prevent bug bites.
Ice the Affected Area
If prevention doesn’t work and you get a bug bite, clean the area with the help of soap and water, as it helps avoid infection. Removing a bee sting is essential if you are stung by a bee. Scrape instead of pinching out the stinger. It can be done with the help of a bank card or anything that has a hard edge. Avoid taking it out with fingers or tweezers, as you will risk spreading the venom. It will minimize the amount of venom injected into the skin. Use a cold compress to minimize pain, swelling, and itching.
Removal of a Tick
If a tick is attached to your skin, it is important to remove it immediately. Otherwise, you are at risk of getting illnesses such as Lyme disease. You can use fine-tip tweezers. It is easily available at pet shops. Using tweezers, grip the tick very close to the skin. Avoid crushing the tick. Once it is removed, wash your skin thoroughly with the help of soap and water. Dry out your skin and use an antiseptic cream on the bite. Avoid using a lit cigarette end, a match head, alcohol, and petroleum jelly for tick removal.
The Wrath of Caterpillar Hairs
If a caterpillar or a moth gets on your skin, use a pen or tweezers to remove it. Avoid brushing your hands over it as it can trigger them to release more hair on your skin. Wash your skin under running water and let it air dry. If there are any leftover hairs, make use of the sticky tape to take them off. Use a combination of ice packs, calamine, and pharmacy remedy with 3.5% ammonia. It will significantly help relieve itching. Wash your clothes with the help of high-temperature water.
Best Medicines to Counter Insect Bites and Stings
Following are some of the best options that will help with insect bites and stings:
Painkillers
Bee stings are the most painful ones among all insect bites. It is common to experience mild pain once you are stung by a bug. Get your hands on over-the-counter painkillers, and you will instantly see an improvement in pain. You can also apply topical analgesics to the client. All these options are super affordable and convenient to use.
Topical Steroids
If you have experienced inflammation after getting stung by an insect, you can use topical steroids like hydrocortisone to minimize swelling and discomfort. They work wonders for atopic eczema, which can get really worse if you encounter bug bites. Please use steroid creams with caution to minimize the side effects.
Antihistamines
Calamine lotion is a great option to minimize intense itching. These are very helpful in reducing allergic reactions caused by a bug bite. If you can’t access calamine lotion, use a paste of water and baking soda to calm down the allergic reaction. For best results, use calamine lotion multiple times a day.
Compounding Medications
Some people are more sensitive to bug bites than others. If that’s the case, conventional medication might fail to work effectively for you. This calls for compounding meds. A compounding pharmacist will alter the dosage form and way of administration to ensure the medicine works for you.
When to Seek Medical Advice?
There are times when it is important to get medical advice. Connect with your GP if you are worried about the sting or if you got bitten in your throat, mouth, or around your eyes, if you have a wound infection, fever, or swollen glands, or if more than 10cm bitten area becomes inflamed or painful. If the insect bite leads to infection or fever, you need antibiotics which calls for medical attention. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to reach out to your doctor and get the help you need.
When to Seek Emergency Help?
There are certain instances when you cannot wait to get an appointment with the doctor and need emergency assistance. Seek emergency medical assistance if you or someone stung by an insect are experiencing trouble breathing, have a swollen mouth, throat, and face, feel extremely sick, have a very rapid heart rate, have dizziness, trouble swallowing, and loss of consciousness.
Long-Term Outlook
If you have experienced a severe allergic reaction to an insect bite, you have a high chance of having a similar or even worse reaction if you are stung by a similar insect again. The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid getting stung and seek necessary treatment in case you do get it. A few precautionary measures include removing hives and next from your home and yard where possible.
Before stepping out, wear protective clothing while stepping outdoors. Stay clear of wearing bright clothing and stronger scents when you are outdoors. Eating out can also attract insects toward you. If you are prone to severe reactions, please wear an alert identification bracelet and carry an epinephrine injection kit with you at all times.
- Disclaimer: This article is meant for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. Do not substitute it for medical advice or diagnosis.
