The warm, sunny summer days beckon to us to spend more time outdoors. But enjoying the outdoors means we are more likely to encounter mosquitoes, ants, wasps and other insects that sting and bite.
For most people, these stings and bites are mostly a nuisance, causing minor swelling and itching, but for others they can be life threatening. Dr. Art Griffiths, senior staff physician in the Emergency Department at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, says that knowing the right treatment and prevention techniques is important.
“The main thing to be aware of with an insect bite or sting is whether it’s a local reaction or something more serious,” he explains. “For example, if you’re having trouble breathing or swallowing or experience throat tightness, light headedness, sweating or generalized weakness, you’re having a severe allergic reaction and should seek emergency care immediately.”
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Dr. Griffiths warns that allergic reactions are not always predictable.
“A reaction could happen the first time, the 10th time or even the hundredth time. You can develop reactions to medications, environmental exposures or foods such as shellfish over time,” he advises. “Be aware that just because you haven’t had a reaction to something in the past, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t develop one in the future.”
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Minor reactions to insect stings and bites can generally be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, pain relievers and antimicrobial agents.
For bee and wasp stings, look to see if the stinger is still embedded in the skin. But don’t pinch or squeeze it. Pinching and squeezing will only cause more venom to be released into the wound. Instead, sweep a firm object with an edge, such as a credit card, across the site to pull out the stinger.
Cleanse the site of the sting or bite with soap and water or use a first aid spray like Bactine, which disinfects and soothes at the same time. Antibiotic creams such as Neosporin can help prevent infection of the wound.
Pain from stings and bites can be lessened by taking a pain reliever and applying a hydrocortisone cream, which also diminishes redness. Additionally, itching and swelling can be reduced by applying ice and taking an antihistamine.
“Antihistamines like Benadryl, Allegra, Alavert and Claritin are excellent ‘starters’ for treating swelling and itching caused by insect stings and bites,” says Dr. Griffiths. “The sooner you can start taking one of these, the better for reducing your discomfort.”
If you’re headed to the beach and ocean on vacation, take along some vinegar in a spray bottle. Vinegar helps neutralize jellyfish stings and minimizes pain. An antihistamine will be helpful in this situation also.
You can be prepared for treating minor “insect emergencies” by keeping well-stocked first-aid kits at home and in the car. Dr. Griffiths recommends a kit that includes a disinfectant spray, band-aids, antihistamine tablets, and hydrocortisone and antibiotic creams. Keep a bottle of water on hand for rinsing wounds.
And although it’s not insect-related, here’s one last simple reminder for preventing a common summertime skin issue: footwear.
“During the summer months, everyone — especially kids — wants to go barefoot. But stepping on a piece of glass or metal can start an infection that will take a long time to clear up,” warns Dr. Griffiths. “A pair of sandals or simple flip-flops will go a long way toward keeping feet safe from cuts.”
This article first appeared on Johns Creek Patch
