Treating Insect Bites - How to Treat Insect Bites

Treating insect bites requires some basic knowledge about the types and symptoms of the bites. Common bites and stings are caused by insects like midges, horseflies, bees, wasps, hornet, yellow jacket, spiders, ants, fleas, lice, bed bugs, mosquitoes, caterpillars, etc. Normally, a bite results in redness and swelling around the bitten area. The bites usually cause itching sensation and some are highly painful. Other insect bites also cause allergic reactions in the body. While some bites can be treated at home, other bites may need a doctor's attention.

Treatment for

Fire Ant Bites
Fire ant got its name from the bite that it delivers on its prey. Its bite literally burns like fire. This is due the presence of an alkaloid compound in its venom. As soon as you identify a bite from a fire ant, scrub and massage the bitten area with soap and warm water. But this might not be sufficient in treating the bite. So, after having washed the injured area you can apply either of the following products available with you.

• Worcestershire sauce
• Strong hydro-cortisone cream
• Meat tenderizer
• Thick paste of salt
• Crushed aspirin
• A tea tree oil
• Hydrogen peroxide solution (apply using cotton balls)
• Vinegar
• Aloe gel
• Arnica Gel
• Freshly cut side of an onion
• Ice cube
• Dish-washing liquid

These products can help soothe the pain and swelling. It is advisable not to touch the pustules. Bites from these insects can cause acute allergic reactions, like severe chest pain, sweating, slurred speech, difficulty in breathing, extreme swelling and nausea. In such cases it is extremely important to seek for medical help without wasting any time.

Caterpillar Stings
Caterpillars are normally found in trees and bushes, in summer season. Stings are caused by the insect's hair when it comes in contact with the person's skin. The sting may cause redness and extreme itching sensation. The sting may cause swelling of several places around the injured area. So, avoid scratching the area as much as possible. The injected hair of the caterpillar may be removed by brushing the stung area with one's hair or by using the edges of a blade. To stop the itching and swelling, a thick past of quick lime (Calcium Oxide) can be applied upon the area. In maximum cases, application of quick lime has shown positive results in treating a caterpillar's sting. Baking soda or ice pack can also be applied to reduce the swelling and itching.

Mosquito Bites and Bed Bug Bites
Mosquitoes are perhaps the most annoying insects of all. They contaminate areas where they find suitable breeding grounds. Essential oils are beneficial in treating mosquito bites. Clary sage, lavender or tea tree, if used directly upon the affected area will provide relief from itching and swelling.

Bed bug bite is not dangerous, however, it can be highly irritating and annoying. The itching sensation goes up to an extreme level in some cases. Avoid scratching the bitten part of the body. It helps in the treatment, as the more you scratch the worse the bite becomes. Wash the affected area with warm water and soap. Thereafter, apply anti-itch or anti-inflammatory medication.

Bee Stings
When a bee stings, it actually injects its stinger into the skin. The sting causes swelling of the bitten area and acute pain. Immediately after the bee has stung, remove the stinger, by gently scrapping it with the edge of a card (for example the edge of a credit card), blade or your nail. If you observe any allergic reactions like shortage of breath, dizziness and any symptom other than pain, then seek medical help. To reduce the pain, pain killers like aspirin can be taken. Wash the stung area with warm soapy water and thereafter treat the area with ice. Ice helps to stop the flow of the venom and it numbs the pain. Calamine lotions and lemon solution are also effective in the treatment when applied to the affected area. Bee stings prove fatal in rare cases, however, the symptoms must not be overlooked. Immediate medical attention is a must.

A Wasp Sting
A sting from a wasp causes extreme pain and high fever in some cases. The treatment comprises bathing the area with vinegar or lemon solution. Thereafter, calamine lotion should be used for soothing. Applying ice is always beneficial in treating any insect bite. Some over the counter antihistamine are available, if swelling persists or increases. A wasp can also inflict a wound around the mouth, lips or throat. In such cases, drinking cold water or sucking ice minimizes the pain and swelling. Similar as in the case of a bee sting, call for medical help, on occurrence of any symptoms other than pain and swelling.

Yellow Jacket Stings
It is said that, out of all the bites and stings, a yellow jacket's is the nastiest. Apart from meat and other sweet foods, this insect is even attracted towards human sweat. After the insect has stung you, remove the stinger as hastily as possible. Use the edge of a card or any other object that has a thin straight edge. Before applying the stung area with an ice pack, the wound should be cleaned with soap and warm water. To get relief from the pain, aspirin can be taken with warm water. A paste of baking soda and water is effective in treating the sting. Also, a paste made of charcoal and water, or a mud pack (clay soil and water) works best for the treatment. And, as mentioned earlier, on sighting any kind of uncommon symptom, call 911 or a nearby medical personnel.

As we can see from the above examples of treating insect bites and stings, the products used are similar in most of the cases. Also some bites or stings could be mild and some could result in severe reactions. So the best thing to do after you get bitten is to tend to the wounded area, and look for any abnormal symptoms. If you feel that the symptoms are getting severe with time, then get medical help as soon as possible.