Insect bites and stings
Numerous insects, including bees, spiders, fleas, hornets, wasps, and mosquitoes can bite or sting. Some bites and stings cause itching and / or pain which occurs because the insect has injected venom or another irritating substance into your skin, which causes an allergic reaction.
In most cases, this reaction is troublesome but not dangerous. However, a severe reaction can cause anaphylaxis, resulting in shortness of breath and tightening of your throat, known as anaphylaxis which in some case can be fatal. Severe reactions can affect the whole body and may occur in minutes.
Another type of allergic reaction is called angioedema, which involves swelling throughout your body, especially the face, lips, and around the eyes. More people have allergic reactions to stinging insects than to biting insects.
The following are signs and symptoms of insect bites and stings
• Red, swollen, warm lump
• Hives
• Itching, tenderness, pain
• Sores from scratching; can become infected.
• Serious allergic reactions (called anaphylaxis): which can include
o Difficulty breathing
o Dizziness
o Nausea
o Fever
o Muscle spasms
o Loss of consciousness
Prevention is key
Try not to provoke insects.
Avoid perfumes, lotions, and scented soaps.
Avoid areas where you know insects are.
Be careful in areas where there are deer e.g. Killarney National Park
Use insect repellents and protective clothing e.g. tmb or smidge products Shop here
Be careful when eating outdoors, especially with sweet drinks (such as sodas), or in areas near rubbish cans or shrubs, bushes or stagnant water
In most cases, bites and stings can be easily treated at home. However, do not try to treat a suspicious bite on your own. When in doubt, call your pharmacist. In the case of a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, you must seek emergency medical help. DO NOT try to treat anaphylaxis with complementary therapies alone.
If such an emergency occurs:
Check the person's airway, breathing, and pulse. If necessary, begin CPR and call 9-1-1.
Use the person's Epi-pen or other emergency kit if they have one. (Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to an insect sting should always carry an Epi-pen or its equivalent.)
Try to keep the person calm.
Remove any rings and other constricting items in case of swelling.
Stay with the person until medical help arrives.
Post exposure treatment
Redness, minor swelling, pain, or itching at the site of the bite generally go away within 3 to 7 days with no treatment, even if the affected area is large. To relieve your symptoms, follow these steps:
Remove the stinger if it is still present by scraping the back of a credit card or other straight edged object across the stinger. Use a smidge bug card. Buy here DO NOT use tweezers to pull out the stinger, that may release more venom. Alternatively purchase a smidge insect remover
Wash thoroughly with soap and water to avoid infection. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness or red streaking along your skin, over the next several days.
Place an ice pack, wet compress, or ice wrapped in a cloth on the site of the sting for 10 minutes, then off for 10 minutes.
Take an antihistamine or apply a cream that reduces itching (such as Calamine) if the bite itches. You can also use a paste made of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
Medications
Antihistamines can be used to reduce itching and swelling.
Topical corticosteroids for persistent bite reactions.
If you develop an infection at the site of the bite, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Shop here
Nutrition and Dietary Supplements
Including certain nutrients in your diet may help support your immune system and possibly reduce any inflammation or allergic reaction from an insect bite or sting. There is no scientific evidence that they will be effective, so talk to your pharmacist before taking a supplement to make sure that it is safe for you and will not interact with any medications that you regularly take. DO NOT treat serious reactions with nutrition and dietary supplements alone.
Quercetin. A flavonoid and antioxidant found in many plants that may help reduce allergic reactions. The water-soluble kind of quercetin, sometimes called hesperidin methylchalcone (HMC) or quercetin chalcone, is more easily absorbed and has stronger effects for some people.
Vitamin C. Supports immune system function and also enhances the effect of quercetin. Shop here
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil). May help reduce inflammation in the body, so some experts think they might also protect against severe allergic reactions. In one study, there was a lower death rate from anaphylactic shock in animals on a high omega-3 fatty acid diet compared to those on a high omega-6 fatty acid diet. Researchers do not know if the effects would be true of humans. More studies are needed. Omega-3 fatty acids can have a blood-thinning effect and should be used with caution in people with bleeding disorders or who use blood-thinning medications. Talk to your doctor.
Some essential oils may help repel insects. Dilute the oil before applying it to your skin. Never apply pure essential oils directly. Avoid contact with your eyes. These oils include:
Eucalyptus ( Eucalyptus globulus )
Clove ( Eugenia caryophyllata )
Citronella ( Cymbopogon spp .)
Neem oil or cream ( Azadirachta indica )
Camphor and menthol gels