Wasps, gnats, mosquitoes: first aid for insect bites

Everyone reacts differently to stings. Someone leaves a barely noticeable mark, others have huge pimples on their skin that are incredibly itchy, others may even have a fever, severe swelling, and the effects of a bite will be noticeable within days. .

Bee and wasp stings are very painful, while mosquito bites are usually itchy. The danger is wound infection – redness, suppuration may occur, and in some cases antibiotics or even the help of a surgeon will be required. Before that, of course, it is better not to bring.

In addition, it should be remembered that insects themselves can carry diseases. Thus, ticks can infect borreliosis or tick-borne encephalitis, and certain types of mosquitoes carry malaria.

In most cases, with the exception of situations where you need to remove an insect bite, the bites go away on their own within hours or days.

In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction to the bite may occur. You should be concerned if:

These signs require immediate medical attention.

With mosquito bites, severe itching occurs – you need a lot of patience so as not to scratch the bite site. A solution of soda applied to the site of bites or an anti-allergic gel, designed for children and adults, will help. In some cases, it is necessary to take antihistamines.

There is an allergy to mosquito bites, kulicidosis, in which the site of the bite swells, swells badly and does not itch, but rather hurts. In this case, drugs are often indispensable – a doctor should recommend them.

Likewise, it is worth taking action if a midge has bitten. Its bites can cause severe swelling, especially on the face – you will need to use anti-allergic drugs.

To prevent mosquitoes from biting, use repellents – sprays, ointments or lotions will protect you and your skin, and some are suitable for even the little ones.

Bees and wasps sting to protect themselves from danger. It is better to try to brush the insect lightly rather than trying to squash it. If a bee or wasp bites, inspect the bite site. The bee leaves a sting that needs to be removed, it is better to do this with tweezers so as not to infect. In any case, apply cotton or a napkin with an antiseptic to the bite site.

The next step is cold. A cold damp towel, ice from the freezer, or something you have on hand: Apply these to the bite site so the swelling doesn’t increase.

Drink plenty of water and take an antihistamine. Watch the bite site – a severe allergic reaction, such as angioedema, is more possible here than with a mosquito bite. If the swelling increases, it becomes difficult to breathe, the lips and face swell, urgently go to the doctor.

Horseflies often sting bathers, attacking helpless vacationers near bodies of water on a sunny day. Horsefly bites usually itch or hurt, and their marks last quite a long time.

The main strategy for a horsefly bite is not to scratch the bite, as this will heal it longer and increase the risk of infection.

To relieve swelling, cold is useful, and a soda compress or antihistamine gel will help with itching.

A tick can bite in forests, fields and even in a city. The bite itself is not felt in any way, but it is not difficult to notice a sucked tick when returning from a walk. Attaching to the skin, it releases a large amount of saliva into the blood, and with it pathogens of various infections, such as borreliosis, can enter it.

The tick needs to be removed – for this, special loops are useful, which can be purchased at a pharmacy, or a thread tied in a special way – it is better to read the detailed instructions for removal or go to the emergency room.

The tick itself should be tested to make sure it is not a carrier of a dangerous disease. In the future, doctors, if necessary, will prescribe treatment, which can be quite long.

You can prevent a tick bite by dressing properly: go into the forest in closed clothes, not shorts and a T-shirt, you should have a Panama hat on your head.