How to Treat Insect and Spider Bites

Insects and spider bite, bee stings, wasp stings are all common summertime occurances. Especially if you or your child is outside, taking a walk in the woods, camping or just having fun. These insects are all around us and inevitably someone will suffer from a sting or insect bite during the summer. The stings and bites usually cause a localized reaction such as swelling, redness and itching Some people are allegeric to these bites and may suffer anaphylactic shock.

In most cases bites and stings do not cause reactions all over the body. There are instances in which mosquitoes have caused encephalities and malaria, but most us will never be concerned about malaria. Those people who have a sever reaction, the bite or sting will affect thier whole body. They may have a shortness of breath and a tighness in their chest. These people might suffer with bouts of dizziness, wheezing or swelling of the tongue and face. If you or someone you know shows these signs see medical attention immediately.

Black widow spiders may be up to two inches across, they are shiny black with a red hourglass mark on their undersides. Bites by a black widow may cause chills, fever, nausea and abdominal pain. People with high blood pressure, children and the elderly are at the greatest risk. If you see these reactions seek medical attention.

Brown recluse spiders are smaller than black widows and they have long legs. They are brown with white violin shaped mark on their back. The bites may result in a lot of pain and may blister, they have been known to cause nausea, headaches and chills. Seek medical attention.

To try and prevent the chance of bites, try wearing white or light colord solid fabrics. Bees are attracted to dark colors and flowered prints. Avoid wearing perfumes and colognes when you are outside. Wear gloces and tuck your pant legs into your socks when working in the garden, sheds or basements where spiders can be found.

If you are bit or stung by an insect, remove the bee stinger by scraping or flicking it out. Do not squeeze the stinger, if you squeeze it you are going to release more venom into your bloodstream. If the bite is from a black widow or brown recluse spide, apply ice and seek medical attenetion. For other stings and bites, apply cold pack or an ice cube to the bite. YOu can also try using baking soda and water, make a paste and apply to the affected area. Use an oral antihistimine to help relieve the itching. Calamine location is always a good thing to have in the house to use on these bites.

Seek medical attention if you start to wheeze or have difficulty breathing. If you start to swell around the face, lips or tongue seek out medical attention. Look at the area where the bite or sting has occured, if the skin starts to discolor or a blister strats to appear, then seek medical attention.