Insect Bites and Stings

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Medindia » First Aid » First Aid-Insect Bites and Stings

Insect Bites and Stings - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

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   Overview
   Causes
    Symptoms
   Treatment
   Consult a Doctor
   Steps to Avoid
   Prevention

Overview

Insect bites are, mostly, not severe

Sometimes they cause a severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is life-threatening if not treated on time

Sting of bees, wasps, hornets / bite of fire ants, painful

Bites of insects, like mosquitoes, cause itching

The bite of a black widow spider can be fatal, if left untreated

Causes Examples of biting insects

Mosquitoes
Fleas
Mites
Spiders

Examples of stinging insect

Bees
Wasps
Hornets

Symptoms

Localized Pain
Swelling
Redness
Itching
Numbness
Burning
Tingling sensation
Breathlessness
Weakness

Treatment

Remove the stinger using a straight- edged object
Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water
Place ice wrapped in a cloth on the affected area
Repeat after every 10 minutes
Apply a gentle cream to prevent itching
Take anti histamines if necessary
Observe for signs of infection like pain, redness or swelling

In case of emergency-

Try to keep the person calm
Check the person's breathing
Remove constricting items, like rings, from finger/nose/ears
Do Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), if necessary
If the person is carrying an emergency kit, use it
If required, treat the person for signs of shock
Seek medical help as soon as possible

Consult a Doctor In case of the following, seek medical help

Wheezing
Swelling on the face
Difficulty in breathing
Tight feeling in the throat
Body turning blue

Steps to Avoid

Do not remove the stinger using a tweezer
Do not apply a tourniquet
Aspirin, pain medications, should not be given unless advised by a doctor

Prevention

Avoid placing hand near the mouth of a seizure-affected person
Take caution to prevent your child from developing biting habit

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY(ICE)-Life Saving Measures

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Insect Bites and Stings - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

Insect Bites and Stings

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