Prevention and care of bug bites
Signs of bug bite - Itching and red swollen bumps.
Medical attention is needed when the bite becomes secondarily infected. Signs of secondary infection are :-
1. Pain at the site of infection
2. Redness extending beyond immediate bug bite area
3. Drainage of pus
4. Worsening of site with time
Here are some of the most common bites and advice on what to watch for and some ways to treat them:
Ant bites - Most are generally harmless, but fire ant bites can be similar to bee stings and cause allergic reactions. Hives, swelling of the lips, breathing difficulty (wheezing), or fainting are signs that emergency care is needed.
Bee/wasp stings - Taking an antihistamine or ibuprofen immediately after being stung may help reduce the pain or swelling. People with known allergies to bee or wasp stings should seek immediate medical care and should carry an epinephrine (epi) pen.
Tick bites - Remove the embedded head of the tick from the bite. Try using a pair of tweezers and pulling back slowly or warming the tweezers to get the bug to release its head from the skin. Another method is to apply petroleum jelly, which suffocates the tick by blocking its air passages. If you see an expanding circle of redness that radiates out from the bug bite, it could be a sign of Lyme disease, and the bite needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
Insect bite prevention - Prevention includes wearing long sleeves or pants if you’re venturing into wooded areas or fields where bugs are likely. An insect repellent with DEET is the most effective and can also be sprayed on clothes.
Spider bites - Most routine spider bites can be handled the same as other insect bites. The bite from a brown recluse spider, however, means a trip to the doctor. You’ll know because the bite will develop a central purple color within two to three days, often with a central crater or ulcer.
Head lice - Lice live on humans, so you don’t get them from a trip through the woods. But daycare centers, schools or camps where kids are in close contact with one another can often result in transmission of lice. Over-the-counter remedies work for the majority of cases.
Reference - Medical News Today
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