Thursday, July 2, 2009

There are several types of bugs or insects that can cause painful reactions on your body once they manage to bite you. Aside from the pain, most bites or stings can be fatal as well. Bug bites, in particular, pose danger due to the possibility of developing severe allergic reactions.

Most stings or bites suffered by individuals are often caused by unidentified bugs or insects. Hence, you can use general first aid treatment for them to avoid further damage on the affected area:

  • Create an ice pack and apply it against the area of sting or bite. Allow the ice pack to sit for about 20 minutes on the area and rest for at least 20 minutes before applying another round of ice pack.
  • Seek for possible treatment on anaphylaxis when the patient suffers from shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, itching, swelling, among other things.
  • In cases of involuntary muscle movements, call medical assistance.
  • To relieve pain, sting swabs often do the job.

First Aid for Ant Bites

Ant bites are common and offer no real harm to humans, especially those from ordinary ants. Fire ants though are more notorious and poses real threat to human health. Aside from the pain caused by the bite itself, there is a danger of allergic reactions and secondary infection arising from it. For allergic reactions, symptoms range between thickening of the tongue, sweating, and shortness of breath.

Currently, there is no specific treatment intended for ant bites. For local stings done by ordinary ants, oral antihistamines and a cold compress will do to relieve the pain and prevent secondary infection. For several ant bites, there is a danger of developing allergic reactions and it is advised that you apply systemic corticosteroid around the bitten area.

First Aid for Spider Bites

While there are certain amount of poisonous spiders, majority of spider bites are harmless. Some of the symptoms include local irritation and itching that will last between 5 to 7 days. In case of local skin infections, there are antibiotics currently available in the market.

When one is bitten by a spider, you will often see a red wheal about the size of a dime. This is a result of the body's reaction to histamine and you will experience a combination of itching and pain. Two specific types of spiders can be dangerous to humans: the black widow and brown recluse spider.

If you are bitten, make sure to do the following procedures:

  • Find the exact location of the bite. Then, snugly tie it with a bandage to prevent the spread of the venom without blocking circulation.
  • Press a cloth dampened by cold water against the location of the bite.
  • Spider bites caused by the black widow and brown recluse require antivenom medication. Hence, seek emergency help as soon as possible.

First Aid for Flea Bites

When suffering from flea bites and in search for immediate relief, you need to understand that it is a gradual process. However, people whose had flea bites understandably look for quick relief because it can itch terribly. Common symptoms for flea bites include raised red bumps on the skin that appear on various areas of the body, commonly around the crease of the neck, behind the knees, groin, armpits, ankles, etc.

For an effective first aid treatment on flea bites, try the following:

  • Take a warm soapy bath.
  • Apply hydrocortisone cream on specific areas of the body affected by flea bites.
  • Follow proper hygienic measures in your home such as washing your beddings in hot water, fumigating your home, spraying with flea killer, etc.

First Aid for Snake Bites

Snake bites are common and yet deadly. Therefore, your ability to think quickly and respond to emergency situations could mean the difference between life and death. Here are first aid tips you need to know when dealing with snake bites:

  • Call for backup medical emergency help immediately.
  • While waiting for medical assistance to arrive, wash the area of bite using water and soap.
  • Do not raise the location of bite above the heart.
  • Immediately remove any items that might cause constriction in the area of bite. As swelling is typical in snake bites, you do not want to cause tissue death or damage due to such constrictions.
  • Do not suck the venom nor cut the area of bite for it will only expose you to infections.

First Aid for Animal Bites

When bitten by animals or insects, you must always treat it as an emergency condition. Do not wait until further symptoms show up until you treat the bite or sting for it could easily develop into an infection that can damage your tissues.

For common bites, scratches, or mild reactions, you can perform self-care. However, elevate the issue to the medical professionals when you see signs of severe allergic reaction or shock. When you witness someone bitten by an animal or insect, your first course of action should be to call for a medical response team such as the 911. Then, take note of the first aid tips provided above for specific types of bites or stings until emergency help arrives.


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