Insect Bites

Insect bites and stings for the most part are harmless but sometimes, depending on the victim, they can be fatal. So, it is important to know your enemy, what signs to look for and when to get medical attention if are ever a victim of an insect bite.

Bee and wasp stings

Bee stings and wasp stings are the most common. When a bee stings you, it will leave a stinger, which is attached to a venom sac. So, be quick, remove it as fast as you can and wash the infected area with soap and water. You can also apply an ice pack to the infected area or take an acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the pain. For the itching, you can apply corticosteroid cream or calamine lotion to the area.

If a bee stings you in your mouth or near your mouth, seek medical attention right away as the sting may cause your oral mucous membranes to swell and block air passages. Also, seek immediate attention if swelling and pain persists for more than three days or if there is any allergic reaction because it could be very serious and life-threatening.

Spider bites

Most spiders in the United States are harmless. But there are some spiders such as the Black Widow and the brown recluse spider that are known to cause infections and severe symptoms. If you are a victim of a spider bite, wash the area immediately with soap and water and do this a few times during the day until the wound is healed. You can also take acetaminophen and ibuprofen for the pain and apply an antibiotic ointment for the infection.

If you suspect a bite by a black widow or a brown recluse spider, apply ice to the area right away and seek immediate attention. The venom in a black widow can cause serious symptoms such as painful cramps, nausea, vomiting, chills, fever and muscle aches. So, if you or anyone that you know shows these symptoms, go to the emergency right away.

Tick bites

Ticks are most common in pets especially dogs and they can be carriers of Lyme disease. So, be careful and check your kids and your pets for ticks. If you find a tick on your child, remove it with tweezers and then swab the area with alcohol. Do not use petroleum jelly to remove the tick.