Spring is just lovely all over. But as the weather gets warmer, it’s not just people who become all abuzz with excitement… the bugs do too.
Thus, the season of bites begins. Insect bites can be downright annoying with incessant itching and swelling but apart from the discomfort, we must learn how to treat stings and bites properly to avoid infection.
Bug bite basics
Bee stings, wasp stings, mosquito bites, spider bites, ant bites… each has its own remedy to ease itching and swelling. Nonetheless, there are a few basics worth remembering if you are bitten or stung by a bug or insect:
- If stung by a recognised poisonous species (like a scorpion), proceed to the nearest hospital.
- Call 000 or go to the hospital if the person stung has trouble breathing, has a swollen tongue, or has a known allergy to insect bites or stings.
If there is no severe allergic reaction:
- Get away from the insect. If there is a swarm nearby, move far away from it. Some insects like bees, communicate to the others making them more likely to attack.
- If the stinger is still attached to your skin, remove it as quickly as possible. Do not use a tweezer or your fingers to pinch the stinger because this will only inject more venom. An effective method of removing a stinger is to scrape it with a hard, straight edged object such as a card.
- Try to stay still. Movement will cause the venom to spread in the lymphatic system.
- It you have been stung or bitten in the arm or leg, keep the limb lower than the heart to help prevent the venom from spreading.
After the bite
Wash the bitten or stung area with mild soap and water at the first opportunity. Keep the swelling down from bee, wasp, or spider bites by applying cold compress for 15 minutes, once every hour, for 6 hours. Elevate the stung body part if possible.
To ease discomfort, there are a few natural treatments for bee stings that can help alleviate the itching and make the swelling go down.
- Undiluted lavender essential oil can be applied directly to the sting two times on the first day, and once in succeeding days. A baking soda paste can also be effective – apply the paste on the affected area and cover it up with gauze. Rinse with cool water before applying again a few hours later. Rhubarb, mud, and bee balms are other home remedies that can help.
- You can treat wasp stings at home with chilled witch hazel or apple cider vinegar. Let either of the liquids dry of their own, and reapply as needed. Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties that help treat swelling, while apple cider vinegar can neutralize the effects of the venom. Both these remedies can also be used to treat bee stings at home.
- Itch from ant bites can be remedied with the application of vinegar which is a known antibacterial. Peppermint toothpaste can also help relieve itching and bring down swelling.
Treating Non-Poisonous Spider Bites
Treating non-poisonous spider bites at home is also possible.
Salt wraps are good for keeping infections at bay as salt is a natural antiseptic. To do this, generously sprinkle salt on a wet washcloth and apply this bandage for a couple of hours to the infected area after it is cleansed. Change the bandage when it dries. Other natural remedies include potatoes and activated charcoal.
For less than natural remedies, a paste made from aspirin can also work wonders for all insect stings and bites.
Take note that all insect bites should be observed for 24 hours and you should seek medical attention at the first sign that the sting or bite is worsening. Extreme itching, tightening of the skin, trouble breathing, and hives are all signs that you need to see a doctor immediately.
Treating infections
The steps and remedies discussed above are aimed at providing relief and hopefully, preventing infection. However, sometimes insect bites like spider and ant bites can turn into blisters especially if an individual is extremely sensitive to the insect’s bite.
Blistering can make you more prone to infection. Usually, blisters can be treated the same way you treat bites and stings unless the blisters have popped open. If you suspect an infection, avoid further scratching, keep the area clean and head to the doctor for a prescription of antibiotics.
Pain relief
If your home remedies don’t work, then it’s time to turn to your local pharmacy or chemist.
Non-prescription medicines or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can provide relief from the itch or discomfort. Antihistamines like Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) and Chlor-Trimeton (Chlorpheniramine) are taken orally to treat itch, redness, and swelling. Remember though that these cannot be administered to a child without a doctor’s approval. For topical treatment, hydrocortisone 1% cream and calamine lotion can work wonders too.
Other non-prescription medicines that can help with pain relief (and fever as well, if you have it) include Ibuprofen (Advil, Panadol), Acetaminophen (Tylenol), and Naxopren (Aleve).
Snake bites
Snake bites are a serious matter here in Australia and even though not all Australian snakes are venomous, it is crucial to always remember the first rule in dealing with snakebites:
Treat all bites as if they are from a venomous snake unless you are absolutely certain that you have not been bitten by a venomous snake
In the event of a snake bite you SHOULD:
- Get yourself and the victim away from the snake and out of immediate danger
- Reassure the victim and try to keep them calm
- Call 000 or arrange to transport the victim to the nearest hospital
- Keep the victim as still as possible because movement is what makes the venom move through the lymphatic system more rapidly.
- If the bite is on an arm or a leg you can wrap the limb with a pressure bandage starting at the bite site and moving as far as you can up and down the limb.
- Remove tight clothing and accessories because venomous snake bites tend to swell.
In the event of a snake bite you SHOULD NOT:
- Do not make the victim walk. Call the emergency number or head to the nearest hospital (but call them on the way to inform them that you will be coming with a snakebite victim)
- Do not try to kill the snake, catch the snake or attempt to hunt it down. Try to take a photo if you can or remember the colour and any other markings for identification purposes later.
- Do not use a tourniquet
- Do not attempt to suck out the venom
- Do not raise the bitten area above heart level if possible.
Again, the most important thing is to keep still and seek medical attention.