Emergency and First Aid Measures for Bites and Stings

There is no difference between the stings of bees and wasps, so the remedies can be applied to both. The reason for the sting being so painful, is that the insect injects a small quantity of formic acid. Insects sting or bite from fear or in order to avenge themselves. This is very different from mosquitos or fleas, which seek to extract blood for nourishment. There are some cases where a bee or wasp sting have caused death, often in under half an hour. This is not often however, and only occurs when the insect is diseased. When the bite or sting is severe, it is known as anaphylaxis. This is a severe allergic reaction that affects the entire body (systemic). Some of the symptoms are severe itching, welts on the skin, difficulty breathing, swelling abdominal cramps and sometimes unconsciousness. If this occurs, then get the person to a hospital or healthcare facility immediately. The first thing to do in a bee or wasp sting, is to get rid of the poison which was injected into the body, possibly by sucking, or by making a small incision at the spot, so as to get the poison out of the skin. Then use an antiseptic to clean the area, then apply iodine or some other ointment. There are a number of over the counter ointments which are effective in treating bites or stings. Care should be taken to clean the area, and dress it to protect it from contamination. Small wounds may be dabbed with a small amount of iodine, but a larger one should simply be covered with an antiseptic, or a clean dressing, until it can be attended by a doctor. In the case of an insect bite, first clean the area with an antiseptic, or alcohol, then apply ointment to the affected area, if there is swelling, then it should go down after the ointment is applied. If it is a serious bite or sting, then you should seek the care of a healthcare professional. Under no circumstance should a bite or sting be ignored, especially when it concerns a child, as soon as possible, you should try to determine which insect it was, and take the necessary precautions to alleviate the pain, stinging, or itching it involves. There are a lot of anti-itch ointments available, which both alleviate the itching, and disinfects the area. Bites and stings of insects may produce itching, pain and swelling, and there is always the further danger of septic poisoning ( blood poisoning). Or of infection by many serious diseases, though the latter is to be feared in the tropics or during relapsing or some other fevers. The best treatment for the bites is the application of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), or common salt. Pain may be relieved by rubbing with a menthol or an evaporating lotion. Insect bites or sting may be prevented by rubbing the skin with ointments or lotions containing insect repellent.