Dealing with Insects

The two things most of us complain about in summer time include heat and bug bites. Well, in some areas of the country thunderstorms may outweigh one of the above, but we don't get many where I live.

At this writing, my left leg is has splotches of pink nail polish on it, due to a run in with chiggers. These insects cause extreme itchiness and will spread on your body as long as they have contact. They're mites, so they can be brushed off, but it is likely that you will run into more than one.

They aren't the only insectoid scourges we have to deal with, and to a certain degree how you treat them is dependent on what got you. Thankfully, the preventative measures do cover the entire scope.

Prevention: You can buy products that ward off bugs, but they make your skin feel weird and some of them might be harmful. Of these, Avon's Skin So Soft is the best bet; it isn't harmful and can help improve skin quality.

I've also used the clip on repellent made by Off. That also seems very effective, and it has the added benefit of not having to be spread from head to toe.

On the other hand, there are a few herbs that you can use to discourage biting bugs. Cayenne and marjoram, either separately or together, are good examples. It makes your perspiration spicy and drives them off to find other, sweeter flavored people.

Treatment: There are a lot of home remedies floating around out there, but some work better than others. Here are my recommendations for the four most common types.

Chiggers: Nail polish painted on the bites can stop some of the itching, but doesn't kill them. Of all the insects I've had bite me, these are the worst in the itch department. If the nail polish doesn't work, go to the doctor. Some people need prednisone to get over the reaction.

Bees/wasps: Once the stinger is out, pain the area with a paste made from baking soda and water. This helps soothe the pain and may help draw some of the venom out. If you are allergic to any of the stinging insects, talk to your doctor prior to getting stung so you know what steps to take.

Mosquitoes: Aside from the nuisance of the bite, mosquitoes carry diseases. If you can prevent being bitten, that's best. Afterwards, however, there are a few things you can use. I remember as a child being told to rub meat tenderizer on it, which seemed to offer short term relief. I've never been sure if it's something in the product itself or if it's the gentle scratching. An infusion of lemon balm both internally and externally can also make it feel better for a while.

Horse Flies: I would recommend a two step approach to a horse fly bite. First, use the baking soda and water paste. Second, coat it liberally with a topical antibiotic. These bites can get infected, especially if scratched. If an infection does develop, see your doctor. If it starts to send out red streaks, go to the emergency room.

We can't always avoid bites and stings, but we can treat them. It is important to note that any bite or sting may need to be treated by a doctor, depending on your reaction to it. Allergies can develop without warning.