(ME) Bites and Stings Lesson Lesson Five

Bites and Stings

Insect Bites and Stings

Most insect bites are harmless, though they feel unpleasant. Bee, wasp, and hornet stings and fire ant bites usually hurt. Mosquito, flea and mite bites usually itch. Insects can also transmit diseases, such as yellow fever and malaria. These diseases mainly are a risk for travelers outside the United States.

To prevent insect bites and their complications

  • Don't bother insects
  • Use insect repellant
  • Wear protective clothing
  • Be careful when you eat outside because food attracts insects
  • If you know you have severe allergic reactions to insect bites, carry an emergency epinephrine kit

Spider Bites

Possible symptoms of Spider bite Central- - Headache Bite site - Redness - Swelling -Pain -Itching -Exudates - Numbness -Tingling -Discolo- ration Other skin- sites - Hives -Sweating -Chills Respiratory - Shortness of breath - Wheezing -Muscular - Weakness - Cramps Heart - Rapid heart rate Systemic - Aches Stomach - CrampsThough many people are afraid of spiders, they rarely bite people unless threatened. Most spider bites are harmless. Occasionally, spider bites can cause allergic reactions. And bites by the venomous black widow and brown recluse spiders can be very dangerous to people.

If you are bitten by a spider, you may see a reaction similar to that of a bee sting, including redness, pain and swelling at the site. To treat a spider bite:

  • Wash the area well with soap and water
  • Apply an ice pack or a wet compress to the area
  • Take over-the-counter pain medicine, if needed
  • Consider using antihistamines for severe swelling
  • Seek medical treatment for small children and adults with severe symptoms (Administration of antivenin by a medical professional may be needed to prevent nerve and skin damage.)
  • Monitor and treat for shock if necessary.

Ticks

image of tickIf you spend time outdoors or have pets that go outdoors, you need to beware of ticks. Ticks are small bloodsucking parasites. Many species transmit diseases to animals and people. Some of the diseases you can get from a tick bite are Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.

Some ticks are so small that they can be difficult to see. Ticks may get on you if you walk through areas where they live, such as tall grass, leaf litter or shrubs.

Tick-borne diseases occur worldwide, including in your own backyard. To help protect yourself and your family, you should

  • Minimizing the amount of visible or exposed skin
  • Use a chemical repellent with DEET, permethrin or picaridin
  • Wear light-colored protective clothing
  • Tuck pant legs into socks
  • Avoid tick-infested areas
  • Check yourself, children and pets daily for ticks and carefully remove any ticks you find

Tick Removal

Generally, medical attention is not necessary to handle tick bites. If you discover a tick on yourself or another victim, effort should be made to remove it as soon as possible. If you are unable to remove it and it does require medical attention, seek such attention promptly. Every moment that the tick remains in the body increases the chances of getting a disease.

  1. Using fine-tipped, pointed tweezers gently grasp the tick's mouthparts close to the skin..
  2. Pull straight back in the direction it entered the skin with even pressure. Avoid squeezing or crushing the tick.
  3. Do not use substances such as nail polish remover or petroleum jelly
  4. Do not use a flame to burn the tick off.
  5. Place the tick in a sealed container plastic bag with rubbing alcohol to kill it
  6. Wash the area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water once you've finished
  7. Apply antiseptic and/or antibiotic ointment

Please read the following articles from the FDA for more information:

Beware of Bug Bites and Stings

Beware of Ticks & Lyme Disease

Snake Bites

Most snakes are harmless and bites can be treated as normal animal bites. However, if the snake is poisonous, the venom that is transmitted to the victim can be life threatening.

However, please note that there is some disagreement among professionals regarding the use of suction when caring for snake bites. The American Red Cross suggests that first aid should not include the application of suction, but rather an elastic bandage to slow the spread of venom. 

Animal Bites

Please read the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Participants Manual below to learn about special care that should be taken to treat animal and marine life stings.

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