How to Treat Insect Bites

There are many different types of insects that bite humans. Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, bedbugs and midges are the most common amongst them. Then there are bees and wasps which sting. An insect bite is a common occurrence during outdoor activities, particularly in hot and humid climatic conditions. You can get insect bites while working in the garden or when you are traveling, camping or hiking. Before you know how to treat insect bites, you must understand what are its identifiable symptoms.

Symptoms of Insect Bites

Some insects like mosquitoes, bite and release saliva that causes localized skin irritation. Others like bees and wasps sting and release a venomous substance in the wounded area that can cause serious allergic reaction. Any insect bite can be identified with red bumps on the skin surface with a tiny hole in the middle. It could be one single bump or it could be a cluster of bumps in the exposed parts of the body like legs, arms and face. Besides an itching sensation, swelling, tenderness and pain is also felt on the affected area. Sometimes, excessive scratching of the skin may lead to skin infections and blisters may also form. The allergic reaction of wasp and bee stings is characterized with symptoms like hives all over the body, breathing difficulty, choking, etc.

How to Treat Insect Bites and Stings

Treating insect bites and stings become much easier if the insect is identified. Then you can confirm whether the victim requires immediate medical attention or not. When you do not know the exact identity of the insect, then you can take the following simple measures at home to treat insect bites.

Step #1:
The stinger of bees and wasps often clings to the skin surface and gives a lot of pain. So, if you could see the end of the sting at the site of insect bite, then you have to remove it first. You can use tweezers to pick it out. Or else, you can scrape it out with the fingernail or the edge of the credit card. However, do not put any pressure on it as it may enter deeper into the skin surface and spread a poisonous substance further.

Step #2:
After the removal of the sting, then area should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water. Even if it is not a sting and is bitten by some unidentified insect, then also washing off the wounded area is a must to reduce the chances of any kind of infection.

Step #3:
Ice application has a soothing effect on the severe itching sensation and swelling of the skin. If it is a harmful insect, then cold application will check spreading of the venomous substance to other areas. Wrap up a few ice cubes in a thin towel and keep it on the injury site for about 10-15 minutes for best results.

Step #4:
There are some creams and lotions available over the counter which can be used topically on the insect bites. Calamine lotions are highly effective on itchy skin. Hydrocortisone cream is another option available with you for the same purpose. Antiseptic creams should be used on those areas where there are chances of infections. Before applying any of these creams or lotions, you must wash off the area properly.

Step #5:
Application of baking soda is a traditional way of treating pain and swelling of insect bite rashes. Prepare a solution by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Dip a clean piece of cloth into it and place it over the skin bump for 15-20 minutes. Alternately, you can use Epsom salt in the same way to obtain similar effect.

Step #6:
Aspirin has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that can be used for treating spider bites. You do not have to take the tablets orally but apply it topically. Crush the tablet and mix a little water to make a fine paste. Apply it over the mosquito bite as soon as possible to get relief from redness, itching and swelling.

The effect of insect bites may last for a few hours in some people and in others it may cause serious reaction. In the latter cases, the victim should be rushed to the hospital for insect bite treatment. Antihistamines are prescribed for treating allergic reactions from insect bites. It may include both oral as well as topical medicines. When the insect bite gives a lot of pain, then pain killers are used for pain relief. If there is excessive swelling, then doctors may recommend the use of oral corticosteroids to reduce swelling.

Now, you know how to treat insect bites and swelling. The next thing you must learn is prevention of insect bites. Wear long pants and full sleeved clothes when you go to bushy or grassy areas. Use window screens and netting to prevent mosquitoes entering the house. Treat the pets of the house regularly to control tick and flea infestation on them.