What causes those itchy bug bites on your legs. How can you identify different insect bites. What are the best treatments for mosquito, tick, flea and other bites. When should you seek medical attention for a bug bite.

Common Culprits Behind Itchy Bug Bites

Encountering itchy bug bites, especially on the legs, is a common experience for many. Understanding what bit you is crucial for proper treatment and prevention. In the Huntsville area and similar regions, several insects are known to cause irritating bites. Let’s explore these common culprits and learn how to identify their bites.

Mosquitoes: The Familiar Foe

Mosquito bites are perhaps the most recognizable. These flying insects leave a distinctive mark due to their saliva, which contains proteins that trigger an immune response in most people. This reaction manifests as a red, itchy bump on the skin.

• Appearance: Small, raised, red bumps
• Sensation: Itchy and sometimes slightly painful
• Location: Can occur anywhere on exposed skin

Why do mosquitoes seem to prefer certain people? These insects are attracted to specific scents and carbon dioxide, which explains why some individuals appear to be more prone to bites than others.

Chiggers: Tiny Terrors in Grassy Areas

Chiggers are microscopic mites commonly found in meadows, golf courses, woodlands, and grassy areas near water bodies. Their bites can be intensely itchy and often appear in clusters.

• Appearance: Flat or raised red bumps, sometimes blistered
• Sensation: Intense itching
• Location: Often around sock lines and waistbands

How do chiggers feed? These tiny mites inject enzymes into the skin that break down tissue, creating a feeding tube called a stylostome. This process can cause significant discomfort and itching for several days.

Ticks: Hidden Dangers in Wooded Areas

Ticks are prevalent in woodland and grassy areas, especially where deer and other wildlife are present. Unlike other insects, ticks attach themselves to the skin to feed on blood.

• Appearance: The tick itself is often visible, starting small and swelling as it feeds
• Sensation: Often painless initially
• Location: Can attach anywhere but often found in warm, moist areas of the body

Why are tick bites concerning? Ticks can transmit Lyme Disease, a serious illness characterized by flu-like symptoms, lethargy, and aches. If you develop a bull’s-eye rash after a tick bite, seek medical attention promptly.

Identifying and Treating Flea Bites

Fleas are tiny, jumping insects that feed on the blood of humans and pets. Their bites have distinctive characteristics that set them apart from other insect bites.

Characteristics of Flea Bites

• Appearance: Small, red bumps in groups of three or four, or in a straight line
• Sensation: Extremely itchy, with possible soreness or pain around the bite
• Location: Prefer warm, moist areas like the waist, armpits, groin, or in skin folds

How can you differentiate flea bites from chigger bites? While both can be intensely itchy, flea bites typically don’t have the hard or scab-like center characteristic of chigger bites.

Treating Flea Bites

To alleviate the discomfort of flea bites, consider the following steps:

1. Wash the affected area with soap and water
2. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
3. Use over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve itching
4. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream for additional itch relief

When should you seek medical attention for flea bites? If you develop an allergic reaction, signs of infection, or if the itching is severe and persistent despite home treatments, consult a healthcare professional.

No-See-Ums: Tiny Biters with a Big Impact

No-See-Ums, also known as Pignon Gnats or Biting Midges, are minuscule flying insects that can cause disproportionately uncomfortable bites. Understanding their bite characteristics can help in identification and proper treatment.

Identifying No-See-Um Bites

• Appearance: Red-dot multi-bite clusters, often enlarging into raised welts
• Size: Welts can grow to 1-2 inches in diameter
• Duration: Bites can persist for two weeks or more
• Onset: May appear a day or more after the initial bite

How do No-See-Um bites compare to other insect bites? These bites tend to cause more pain than most other bug bites and can take longer to appear, often showing up a day or more after the encounter.

Managing No-See-Um Bites

To alleviate the discomfort from No-See-Um bites, try the following:

1. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and numb the area
2. Use over-the-counter anti-itch creams or oral antihistamines
3. Keep the affected area clean to prevent secondary infections
4. Consider natural remedies like aloe vera or tea tree oil for soothing relief

How can you prevent No-See-Um bites? Use fine-mesh screens on windows and doors, wear protective clothing, and apply insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin when outdoors.

The Importance of Proper Bite Identification

Correctly identifying bug bites is crucial for several reasons. It helps determine the appropriate treatment, assess potential risks, and implement effective prevention strategies for future encounters.

Why Bite Identification Matters

• Guides proper treatment selection
• Helps assess the risk of disease transmission
• Informs prevention strategies for future protection
• Assists in determining when medical attention is necessary

How can you improve your bite identification skills? Familiarize yourself with common local insects, their habitats, and the typical appearance of their bites. Keep a record of your outdoor activities to help narrow down potential culprits.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most bug bites can be treated at home, certain situations warrant professional medical care:

1. Signs of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
2. Development of a bull’s-eye rash (possible Lyme disease)
3. Persistent or worsening symptoms despite home treatment
4. Signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or pus
5. Flu-like symptoms following a bite, especially from a tick

How quickly should you seek medical attention for concerning symptoms? For signs of anaphylaxis or severe reactions, seek emergency care immediately. For other concerns, contact your healthcare provider within 24-48 hours.

Effective Prevention Strategies for Bug Bites

Preventing bug bites is often easier and more comfortable than treating them. By implementing a few key strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering biting insects.

Personal Protection Measures

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin for added protection
• Avoid peak insect hours, typically dawn and dusk for many biting insects

How often should you reapply insect repellent? Reapply as directed on the product label, typically every few hours or after swimming or sweating.

Environmental Management

Reducing insect populations around your home can significantly decrease your risk of bites:

1. Eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites
2. Keep lawns mowed and vegetation trimmed to discourage ticks and chiggers
3. Use screens on windows and doors to keep insects out
4. Consider professional pest control services for persistent problems

How can you make your yard less attractive to biting insects? Remove sources of food and shelter by keeping your yard clean, removing debris, and maintaining proper drainage.

Natural Remedies for Bug Bite Relief

While over-the-counter treatments are effective, many people prefer natural remedies for bug bite relief. These can be particularly useful for mild bites or when commercial products are unavailable.

Common Natural Remedies

• Aloe vera gel: Soothes itching and reduces inflammation
• Tea tree oil: Has antiseptic properties and can relieve itching
• Baking soda paste: Can help neutralize the bite and reduce itching
• Apple cider vinegar: May help reduce swelling and itching
• Ice pack: Numbs the area and reduces inflammation

How should you apply these natural remedies? Generally, apply a small amount directly to the affected area several times a day. For essential oils like tea tree, always dilute with a carrier oil before application.

Herbal Remedies for Bug Bites

Several herbs are known for their soothing properties when applied to bug bites:

1. Calendula: Has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties
2. Chamomile: Can reduce inflammation and promote healing
3. Plantain: May help draw out toxins and reduce itching
4. Lavender: Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects

Can herbal remedies replace medical treatment for severe reactions? While these remedies can provide relief for mild to moderate bites, they should not replace professional medical care for severe reactions or infections.

Understanding the Risks: When Bug Bites Turn Serious

While most bug bites are merely a nuisance, some can lead to more serious health issues. It’s crucial to understand the potential risks associated with different types of insect bites and know when to seek medical attention.

Potential Complications from Bug Bites

• Allergic reactions: Can range from mild to severe (anaphylaxis)
• Infections: Bacterial infections can occur if bites are scratched or not kept clean
• Disease transmission: Some insects can transmit diseases like Lyme disease or West Nile virus
• Persistent inflammation: Some bites can cause long-lasting swelling and discomfort

How can you differentiate between a normal reaction and a concerning one? Normal reactions typically subside within a few days, while persistent or worsening symptoms may indicate a more serious issue.

Recognizing Severe Reactions

Be alert for signs of severe allergic reactions or infections, which may include:

1. Difficulty breathing or swallowing
2. Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
3. Rapid heartbeat or dizziness
4. Nausea or vomiting
5. Fever or chills
6. Expanding redness around the bite site

What should you do if you suspect a severe reaction? Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience any of these symptoms following a bug bite.

The Role of Professional Pest Control in Bug Bite Prevention

While personal prevention methods are crucial, professional pest control services can play a significant role in reducing insect populations around your home and minimizing the risk of bites.

Benefits of Professional Pest Control

• Targeted treatment for specific insect species
• Long-lasting protection against various pests
• Identification and elimination of breeding sites
• Expert advice on ongoing prevention strategies
• Use of safe and effective pest control methods

How often should you consider professional pest control services? The frequency depends on your location, the types of pests in your area, and the severity of the problem. Some homeowners opt for quarterly treatments, while others may need only annual service.

Choosing a Pest Control Service

When selecting a professional pest control service, consider the following factors:

1. Reputation and customer reviews
2. Licensing and certifications
3. Types of treatments offered
4. Safety measures and eco-friendly options
5. Guarantee or warranty on services

What questions should you ask a potential pest control provider? Inquire about their experience with local pests, the products they use, and their approach to integrated pest management for long-term control.

By understanding the various types of bug bites, their potential risks, and effective prevention and treatment strategies, you can better protect yourself and your family from the discomfort and potential dangers associated with insect bites. Remember, while most bites are harmless, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention if you have any concerns about a bite or sting.

What Bit Me? What You Need to Know

Everyone has suffered from that incredibly itchy bite that keeps you awake at night, and no matter what type of bug bite you have, it is good to know what bit you. Learning to identify a bug bite by how it looks and feels will help you know whether to treat the bug bite at home or seek immediate medical care. Most bug bites and stings from common insects are harmless and heal quickly. Here in and around the Huntsville area, some of the common insects that can cause irritating bites are mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, pinyon gnats (aka no-see-ums), and chiggers.  Some of these bites can be hard to identify, and how you treat these bites can determine how uncomfortable you are and for how long.

DO NOT SCRATCH: Until you can identify what you have been stung by, try your best not the scratch the bite. Once the skin has been broken the bite is far more likely to become infected.

Below is a quick guide to help you figure out what has bitten you:

Mosquitoes – Mosquito have the most identifiable bite. Their saliva contains proteins that most people react to causing an red and itchy bump. They sniff their victims out and choose them based on their scent. Some mosquitos are around more in the daytime, some at dawn and dusk. Deet based insect repellents are widely seen as the most effective.

Chiggers – Chiggers are little mites that are commonly found in meadows, golf courses, woodlands, parks and in grasslands around lakes and rivers. Symptoms of chigger bites include intense itching, and flat or raised red bumps on the skin that sometimes appear blistered. When the chigger bites, it inserts its feeding structures and mouth parts into the skin where it injects enzymes into the host skin that destroy the tissue around the bite. The area around the bite then hardens, and they insert a feeding tube, called a sylostome, further into the bite area. They can feed on the skin through this structure for a few days. These bites are usually found around sock lines and belt lines.

Ticks – Ticks are tiny creatures that live in woodland and grassy areas, they are particularly prevalent if there are deer and other wildlife. They bite into the skin to feed on blood. Initially they are extremely small, but swell as they eat, eventually becoming pea sized and therefore easier to spot and remove. With a tick, you will probably notice the tick before the bite. In this case, they should be very carefully removed with tweezers or ideally with a proper tick remover, gently pulling without twisting in any way. Ticks carry Lyme Disease, which is a serious illness in humans, characterized by flu like symptoms, lethargy and aches and pains. If you have been bitten by a tick and/or happen to develop a classic bulls eye type rash, which can appear on any part of the body, please seek medical attention.  If a doctor can diagnose and treat Lyme Disease quickly, it is possible to make a full recovery.  However it can cause paralysis, arthritis, meningitis and severe long-term problems.

Fleas – Fleas are tiny, irritating insects, that like to feed on our blood and that of our pets. Flea bites are small distinctive, red bumps that usually occur in groups of three or four, or in a straight line. Fleas like warm moist areas such as the waist, armpits, breasts, groin, or in the folds of the elbows and knees, but they also nibble the easy to reach areas such as ankles and calves. Fleabites are incredibly itchy, the skin around each bite can be sore or painful and you might develop a rash or hives near the site of a bite. These bites can be confused with Chiggers at times, but the main difference is that a Chigger bite will almost feel hard or scab-like in the center.

No-See-Ums (aka Pignon Gnats and Biting Midges) – No-See-Um bites generally appear as red-dot multi-bite clusters. Over time, these bites can enlarge into raised welts, up to one to two inches in diameter. Also, note that tender no-see-um welts can linger on your skin for two weeks or more. When comparing no-see-um bites, it’s important to note how long bug bites last. Pay attention to the fact that no-see-um bites appear a day later (or more) in many instances after the initial bite. Also, no-see-um bites tend to cause more pain than than most of these other bug bites.

If you need help in eliminating these pesky biting insects from your yard, our Huntsville, Alabama Team here at MosquitoNix® is here to help!  

Insect bites & stings: treatment

About insect bites and insect stings

Insect bites and stings are very common.

The symptoms of insect bites or stings are usually a:

• sharp, temporary stinging pain where your child has been bitten or stung
• white mark surrounded by a small, inflamed area.

Some children might get a bigger reaction, with more inflammation. Younger children tend to have bigger reactions than older children and teenagers.

If an insect stings or bites your child, remove the insect carefully while wearing gloves. If the insect is dead, keep it so your doctor can identify it, if necessary.

Insects in Australia don’t generally spread infections. And most aren’t poisonous.

A few children get life-threatening anaphylaxis after insect bites or stings. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, a swollen tongue or throat and unresponsiveness. First lay your child flat or keep them sitting. Next use an adrenaline auto-injector like EpiPen if one is available. Then call an ambulance – phone 000.

Ant bites and stings

Symptoms

• A painful inflamed lump
• Swelling
• Itchiness

If your child has an ant venom allergy, they might get symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Medical help: when do you need it?
Most ant bites and stings don’t need medical treatment, but take your child to your GP if they:

• get blistering, widespread hives or ulcers
• have pain that doesn’t go away
• have signs of infection – for example, pus and increasing pain and heat at the site
• start to feel unwell or have vomiting, stomach pain, fever, sweating or headache.

If your child has symptoms of anaphylaxis, you should lay your child flat, use an adrenaline auto-injector and call an ambulance on 000 as soon as possible.

Treatment for ant bites and stings

• Give paracetamol or ibuprofen in recommended doses to ease pain and swelling.
• Put a cold pack on the area to reduce swelling.

Relief from itching caused by ant bites and stings

• After checking with your GP or pharmacist, give antihistamine tablets or syrup, especially if the itching is stopping your child from sleeping.
• Use calamine lotion, menthol moisturisers, or gels and sprays with aluminium sulphate.
• Use a mild corticosteroid ointment, which you can get from your local pharmacy.
• Encourage your child to have a cool bath.
• Distract your child with games or activities.

It’s a good idea to keep your child’s fingernails short. This can help to prevent infection if your child is scratching a lot.

Ant bite symptoms should improve over a few days.

Prevention of ant bites and stings

• Stay away from nests and other areas where there are a lot of insects.
• Use insect repellent.
• Wear appropriate clothing – for example, shoes, long sleeves and pants when you’re outside.

Bee stings

Symptoms

• An inflamed lump
• Severe pain and rapid swelling
• Possible itchiness

If your child has a bee venom allergy, they might get symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Medical help: when do you need it?
Most bee stings don’t need medical treatment, but take your child to your GP if they:

• get blistering, widespread hives or ulcers
• have pain that doesn’t go away
• have signs of infection – for example, pus and increasing pain and heat at the site
• start to feel unwell or have vomiting, stomach pain, fever, sweating or headache.

If your child has symptoms of anaphylaxis, you should lay your child flat, use an adrenaline auto-injector and call an ambulance on 000 as soon as possible.

Treatment for bee stings

• Scrape off the sting carefully if you can.
• Avoid squeezing the bee sting, because this will inject more venom into the wound.
• Give paracetamol or ibuprofen in recommended doses to ease mild pain and swelling.
• Put a cold pack on the area to reduce swelling.

Relief from itching caused by bee stings

• After checking with your GP or pharmacist, give antihistamine tablets or syrup, especially if the itching is stopping your child from sleeping.
• Use calamine lotion, menthol moisturisers, or gels and sprays with aluminium sulphate.
• Use a mild corticosteroid ointment, which you can get from your local pharmacy.
• Encourage your child to have a cool bath.
• Distract your child with games or activities.

It’s a good idea to keep your child’s fingernails short. This can help to prevent infection if your child is scratching a lot.

Bee sting symptoms should improve over the next few days.

Prevention of bee stings

• Wear light-coloured clothing.
• Avoid wearing strong perfume or banana-scented products.
• Wash regularly to avoid body odour.
• Try to keep children away from flowering plants.
• Clean up food scraps and drinks.
• Avoid swatting at bees with your hand.
• Be careful when drinking from open soft drink cans if you’re outside.

Centipede bites

Symptoms
Centipede bites are uncommon, but their symptoms are:

• an inflamed lump, which might be painful
• swelling
• itchiness.

Medical help: when do you need it?
Most centipede bites don’t need medical treatment, but take your child to your GP if they:

• get blistering, widespread hives or ulcers
• have pain that doesn’t go away
• have signs of infection – for example, pus and increasing pain and heat at the site
• start to feel unwell or have vomiting, stomach pain, fever, sweating or headache.

Treatment for centipede bites

• Give paracetamol or ibuprofen in recommended doses to ease mild pain and swelling.
• Put a cold pack on the area to reduce swelling.

Relief from itching caused by bee stings

• After checking with your GP or pharmacist, give antihistamine tablets or syrup, especially if the itching is stopping your child from sleeping.
• Use calamine lotion, menthol moisturisers, or gels and sprays with aluminium sulphate.
• Use a mild corticosteroid ointment, which you can get from your local pharmacy.
• Encourage your child to have a cool bath.
• Distract your child with games or activities.

It’s a good idea to keep your child’s fingernails short. This can help to prevent infection if your child is scratching a lot.

Centipede bite symptoms should improve over a few days

Flea bites

Symptoms

• Small, itchy marks on your child’s ankles and legs
• Small, itchy marks on other parts of the body if your child has been bitten while holding an animal

Medical help: when do you need it?
Most flea bites don’t need medical treatment, but take your child to your GP if they:

• get blistering, widespread hives or ulcers
• have pain that doesn’t go away
• have signs of infection – for example, pus and increasing pain and heat at the site
• start to feel unwell or have vomiting, stomach pain, fever, sweating or headache.

Treatment for flea bites
Put a cold pack on the area to reduce swelling.

Relief from itching caused by flea bites

• After checking with your GP or pharmacist, give antihistamine tablets or syrup, especially if the itching is stopping your child from sleeping.
• Use a mild corticosteroid ointment, which you can get from your local pharmacy.
• Use calamine lotion, menthol moisturisers, or gels and sprays with aluminium sulphate.
• Encourage your child to have a cool bath.
• Distract your child with games or activities.

It’s a good idea to keep your child’s fingernails short. This can help to prevent infection if your child is scratching a lot.

Flea bite symptoms should improve over a week.

Prevention of flea bites
The key to preventing flea bites is getting rid of fleas from your home:

• Thoroughly vacuum floors, carpets and rugs.
• Wash bed linen.
• Treat pets with insecticides, especially in the summer months. Ask your vet for advice on what insecticides to use.

Limiting your child’s contact with pets can also help with flea bite prevention.

Mosquito bites

Symptoms
Children’s reactions to mosquito bites vary a lot, but symptoms are usually:

• itchy inflamed lumps
• swelling, especially if the bite is on children’s faces.

Medical help: when do you need it?
Most mosquito bites don’t need medical treatment, but take your child to your GP if they:

• get blistering, widespread hives or ulcers
• have pain that doesn’t go away
• have signs of infection – for example, pus and increasing pain and heat at the site
• start to feel unwell or have vomiting, stomach pain, fever, sweating or headache.

Treatment for mosquito bites
Put a cold pack on the area to reduce swelling.

Relief from itching caused by mosquito bites

• After checking with your GP or pharmacist, give antihistamine tablets or syrup, especially if the itching is stopping your child from sleeping.
• Use calamine lotion, menthol moisturisers, or gels and sprays with aluminium sulphate.
• Use a mild corticosteroid ointment, which you can get from your local pharmacy.
• Encourage your child to have a cool bath.
• Distract your child with games or activities.

It’s a good idea to keep your child’s fingernails short. This can help to prevent infection if your child is scratching a lot.

Mosquito bite symptoms should improve over a few days.

Prevention of mosquito bites

• Put a net over your baby’s cot.
• When you’re indoors, avoid turning on lights until windows and doors are closed.
• Fit insect screens onto windows and doors.
• Consider using an electronic mosquito trap.
• When you go outside, dress children in light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and long pants.

Take extra care in the summer, especially at dusk and night. Mosquitoes are most active at these times.

Insect repellent
If your child is one year old or older, they can use a small amount of insect repellent. The best repellents have an ingredient called DEET. Repellents with up to 10% DEET are OK for children.

Here’s how to use insect repellent:

• Try to keep insect repellent away your child’s mouth, eyes and any cuts or abrasions. It might be better to use a roll-on rather than a spray.
• For young children, rub or spray the repellent onto clothing, rather than directly onto skin. Some insect repellents can stain or damage fabric, so test the repellent on the fabric first.
• Reapply repellent after swimming, exercise or a lot of sweating.

Mosquitoes can spread infections from person to person, so avoiding mosquito bites is very important, particularly if you’re travelling overseas. It’s rare for mosquitoes in Australia to carry diseases but the risk is higher in some parts of Australia. Diseases caused by mosquitoes include Ross River Virus, Murray Valley encephalitis, Kunjin virus and Barmah Forest virus.

Spider bites

Symptoms

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Itchiness

Funnel-web and red-back spider bites can cause death.

Medical help: when do you need it?
If you think your child has a spider bite, you should take your child to the GP if they:

• get blistering, widespread hives or ulcers
• have pain that doesn’t go away
• have signs of infection – for example, pus and increasing pain and heat at the site
• start to feel unwell or have vomiting, stomach pain, fever, sweating or headache.

You should also take your child to the GP or a hospital emergency department if you think they’ve been bitten by a funnel-web or red-back spider. If possible, keep the spider to show the doctor.

Treatment for spider bites

• Give paracetamol or ibuprofen in recommended doses to ease mild pain and swelling.
• Put a cold pack on the area to reduce swelling.

Relief from itching caused by spider bites

• After checking with your GP or pharmacist, give antihistamine tablets or syrup, especially if the itching is stopping your child from sleeping.
• Use calamine lotion, menthol moisturisers, or gels and sprays with aluminium sulphate.
• Use a mild corticosteroid ointment, which you can get from your local pharmacy.
• Encourage your child to have a cool bath.
• Distract your child with games or activities.

It’s a good idea to keep your child’s fingernails short. This can help to prevent infection if your child is scratching a lot.

Spider bite symptoms should improve over a few days.

Tick bites

Symptoms
If you find and remove a tick quickly, symptoms will probably just be inflammation around the bite.

In more severe cases, a tick bite can cause anaphylaxis or tick paralysis. Symptoms of tick paralysis include:

• body rashes
• headaches
• fever
• flu-like symptoms including coughing and sneezing
• difficulty walking
• sensitivity to bright lights
• arm, leg and face weakness

Medical help: when do you need it?
If you think your child has tick bite, you should take your child to the GP or hospital emergency department if you can’t remove the tick, or your child:

• has a known tick allergy
• starts to get an allergic reaction
• get blistering, widespread hives or ulcers
• has symptoms of tick paralysis
• has pain that doesn’t go away
• has signs of infection – for example, pus and increasing pain and heat at the site
• starts to feel unwell or has vomiting, fever, sweating or headache.

Treatment for tick bites

• If your child hasn’t had an allergic reaction to a tick bite before, try to remove the tick.
• Spray insect repellent containing pyrethrin or pyrethroid chemical on the area. Or apply permethrin cream to the area twice, leaving one minute between applications. You can get these products from a pharmacy.
• Use tweezers to grasp the tick and pull upwards – don’t jerk, twist or squeeze the body of the tick as it might burst and leave parts of the tick in the skin.
• Give paracetamol or ibuprofen in recommended doses to ease mild pain and swelling.
• Put a cold pack on the area to reduce swelling.

Tick bite symptoms should improve over a few days.

Prevention of tick bites

• Avoid tick-infested areas. This includes coastal bushlands and grasslands, particularly during humid weather and after rainfall.
• If you have to be in these areas, make sure your child is dressed in light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and long pants. It’s a good idea to tuck pants into socks too.
• Treat clothes with permethrin before and after visiting tick-infested areas.

Diseases caused by ticks include Queensland tick typhus and Flinders Island spotted fever. There’s no evidence of ticks causing Lyme disease in Australia.

Wasp stings

Symptoms

• Pain
• Swelling

Allergic reactions to wasp stings aren’t common. Some children might be at risk of anaphylaxis if they have a wasp allergy, but this isn’t common either.

Medical help: when do you need it?
Most wasp stings don’t need medical treatment, but take your child to your GP if they:

• have pain that doesn’t go away
• get blistering, widespread hives or ulcers
• have signs of infection – for example, pus and increasing pain and heat at the site
• start to feel unwell or have vomiting, stomach pain, fever, sweating or headache.

Treatment for wasp stings

• Give paracetamol or ibuprofen in recommended doses to ease mild pain and swelling.
• Put a cold pack on the area to reduce swelling.

Relief from itching caused by wasp stings

• After checking with your GP or pharmacist, give antihistamine tablets or syrup, especially if the itching is stopping your child from sleeping.
• Use calamine lotion, menthol moisturisers, or gels and sprays with aluminium sulphate.
• Use a mild corticosteroid ointment, which you can get from your local pharmacy.
• Encourage your child to have a cool bath.
• Distract your child with games or activities.

It’s a good idea to keep your child’s fingernails short. This can help to prevent infection if your child is scratching a lot.

Wasp sting symptoms should improve over the next few days.

Prevention of wasp stings

• Wear light-coloured clothing.
• Avoid wearing strong perfume or banana-scented products.
• Wash regularly to avoid body odour.
• Try to keep children away from flowering plants.
• Clean up food scraps and drinks.
• Avoid swatting at wasps with your hand.
• Be careful when drinking from open soft drink cans if you’re outside.

If your child has an insect allergy and is at risk of anaphylaxis, your allergy or immunology specialist might talk to you about allergen immunotherapy. This treatment typically takes 3-5 years to complete but it usually works well.

Ministry of Health

mosquitoes
spoil our vacation not only in nature and near water bodies, but also while at home.
One of
common assertion is that people with a certain group
blood mosquitoes bite more often. But one of the reasons mosquitoes choose their “victims”
is body odor. How to protect yourself from mosquito bites told the dermatologist of the clinic
No. 2 of the Central Clinical Medical Unit Lyudmila Lapushkina.

– Why are mosquito bites dangerous?

-Mosquito bite itself often
painless, but the consequences can be serious. After biting through
mosquito skin injects an anticoagulant. It is he who prevents blood clotting,
causes swelling and redness. Mosquito saliva quickly spreads to neighboring tissues.
That’s why a mosquito bite itches. If you comb the bite site, itching will only
stronger. Allergies to mosquito bites are rare. However, to exclude the appearance of unpleasant
symptoms are not possible. In sensitive people, allergy symptoms may appear in
greater or lesser degree. They are accompanied by swelling, headache,
dizziness, nausea, fever. It is important to know what to do if a mosquito has bitten a person
the temperature rises more than 38 degrees, there was a strong itch, appear
convulsions or asthma attacks, there are severe headaches, chills,
dizziness is observed. The situation may be complicated by loss of consciousness or
vomiting. In this case, you should immediately call the doctor.

– What clothes will protect
from mosquitoes?

-Better prevent insect bites,
than to deal with their consequences. Therefore, in order to protect yourself and your
health from annoying mosquitoes, should be protected. The most secure
“non-chemical” protection – closed clothing. Therefore, it is better to choose nature
clothes with long sleeves, preferably made of dense fabric, something else on the head,
and pants on your feet – and the mosquito will not get to you. In addition, light
clothes that mosquitoes do not like, and therefore will not actively attack. However, so
You can dress up when it’s cold outside. If the heat – arms and legs are bare – you can
use special means against mosquito bites.

– How to protect yourself from
mosquitoes?

-Helps prevent bites
special creams, sprays, lotions. However, store-bought products may cause
allergic reactions. Therefore, if there is a tendency to such – it is worth
consult a doctor. Or do a test – apply the product on
the inner surface of the forearm and wait a certain time – see
there will be no irritation.

– How to protect children from
mosquitoes?

-Choosing creams or lotions for stings
mosquitoes for children – a dermatologist advises to adhere to those indicated on
recommendation packaging. As a rule, such funds can be applied to children with
two or three years. If the baby is not allergic – these means of special
do no harm. Another thing is that the baby is too “sensitive” to allergies –
then you need to consult a doctor. If the child has itching after
mosquito bite – be sure to disinfect the wound. To prevent infection
do not let the baby “comb” it. The same applies to adults – places
mosquito bites, the main thing is not to itch!

– What scares
mosquitoes?

– To get rid of mosquitoes in
indoors – if possible, it is worth putting mosquito nets. Its effect will
more if you sprinkle the mesh with citrus, pine needles or geranium essential oil. Mosquitoes also do not like various
specific saturated smells of smoke. You can scare them away with the help of smoke from an abandoned
into the fire of needles, cones (if you are in nature), a few drops of camphor or
cedar oil. Mosquitoes are also repelled by tobacco smoke and the smell of valerian. Such
the same means will help get rid of midges and flies. Tablespoon of food decoction
cloves mixed with the same amount of any cologne will also help
get rid of mosquitoes for a while. Or, alternatively, cut
half a lemon and insert clove buds into it. Post a “composition”
next to the bed and you can sleep with the window open. Pleasant smell and no
mosquitoes guaranteed.

– Is the fumigator harmful?
from mosquitoes?

-Effective against mosquitoes and acts
electro-fumigator with plates. Such a small device that
plugged into an outlet. Its principle of operation is simple: a cardboard box is heated
a plate impregnated with an insecticide, or a spray can with the same preparation, but in
liquid form. From heat, the insecticide begins to evaporate, and after 10-12 minutes
surrounding mosquitoes lose interest in you. The radius of action of a good fumigator –
12 sq. meters. An hour before you should go to bed – the device is better
turn off. Despite its effectiveness
– its action is harmful, especially for children and pregnant women. So it’s better
use the fumigator when no one is in the house and ventilate at the same time
room. If, while using the device, you experience a headache, unexpected
rashes on the skin, stuffy nose or “pulls” the throat, it is better to refuse it.

– What to do if
bitten by a mosquito?

If the “little vampire” has already bitten –
First you need to reduce the itching. You can also use special tools:
creams, lotions. And you can choose folk methods. The simplest is to process
the affected area of ​​tincture of calendula. Or wet the bite with ordinary
with a solution of soda – 1 teaspoon per glass of water and grease with lemon juice. If you defend yourself
from mosquitoes failed, the blisters from the bites became inflamed, and the itching does not go away for a long time
time and is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, it is necessary to seek
qualified medical care in the clinic.

14 remedies to prevent mosquito bites from scratching

Health

July 19, 2017

It’s useless to scratch: the itch always comes back, it’s a vicious circle. Let’s try to break it.

When we scratch a mosquito bite, we slightly scratch the skin and a slight pain temporarily drowns out the itch. Then the body releases some pain-relieving serotonin, we feel better. But then the bite itches even more, there are more scratches, and as a result, we are left with a wound, a scar, or even worse, with an infection. Therefore, you can not scratch. Here’s what might help.

1. Medicines

The civilized way to solve the problem is to go to the pharmacy and buy medicine that will help with various mosquito bites.

Tablets

We will need allergy tablets, especially if the reactions are strong, the bites are many and they itch so much that it is impossible to endure. Cetirizine-based products work quickly, but be sure to read the instructions and check the contraindications before using them.

Ointments

At the pharmacy, the pharmacist will suggest antihistamine ointments based on dimethindene. If you have already combed yourself, take an ointment with dexpanthenol so that the wounds heal faster.

Patch

Useful in case of nasty reactions when a mosquito bite bulges into a bubble ready to burst. The patch will cover the irritated area, protect it from dirt and from your nails.

Antiseptic

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a quick relief for itching. Reduces inflammation and at the same time disinfects scratches.

Essential oil

Tea tree oil, which dries the skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect, will also help against mosquito bites.

Aspirin

If you have no contraindications to aspirin, the tablet should be crushed, a drop of water should be made and a paste should be made, which should be applied to the bite.

2. Home and folk remedies

It’s scary to realize it, but sometimes they work just as well as pharmacy ones. Lifehacker has already written that it will help with a mosquito bite, here are more options.

Cold water and ice

Bite reaction is often accompanied by swelling, swelling and pain. Periodically dip the bite site in cool water or apply ice. This will help reduce redness, remove the bump, and endure the itching.

Warm water and a hot towel

Oddly enough, both cold and heat help with itching. Therefore, a warm shower will help if there are a lot of bites. In the shower, use ordinary soap and do not touch the washcloth so as not to injure the skin, but put a warm compress from an ironed towel on very itchy places.

Baking soda

Dissolve a couple of teaspoons of baking soda in a glass of warm water and apply this solution with cotton to the bites. You can make a small cotton compress.

Oatmeal

Oat flakes will help, which should be boiled, and not just poured with boiling water. The flakes must be ground into dust in a coffee grinder or blender, mixed with water and made into a thick paste. Apply it on the bites, wash off after 10-12 minutes.

Tea brew

It is most convenient to apply a bag to the bite, which has been wrung out and cooled.

Plantain

Seriously, plantain. Or basil, which is now much easier to find in the kitchen than plantain on the side of the road. The leaf must be washed, cut or crushed (it will work well in a blender), and the bites should be smeared with green mass. When it’s not up to it, crush the leaf in your hand to extract some juice to the surface, and apply to the bite.

3. When there is absolutely nothing at hand

If there is no chance to get to the pharmacy, kitchen or garden, and your hand treacherously reaches out to comb everything that itches, try to deceive your receptors.