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Remedies and cure for sting or bite
what is best for a sting or bite?
(18 Sep 2007)
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There is no simple answer to your question, since stings or bites can be caused by a whole range of insect species. Stings are commonly caused by insects, spiders, and scorpions. The risk of you suffering from either a sting or bite depends very much on your environment.
If you live in an area that has a large spider population, there is a higher possibility that your insect bite has been caused by a spider. The same rule can be applied to other insects, especially mosquitoes and bees as these are very common causes of insect bites.
Under stings, the most likely culprits are flying insects, including bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. Insects typically use a specialized stinger to deliver venom into your skin. While each insect species has unique venom, their stings generally cause only local irritation and discomfort. However, you may be in danger if you are allergic to the venom. For example, bee venom can cause anaphylactic shock in people with histamine allergies, which could even lead to death. If you notice symptoms such as shortness of breath, weakness, and nausea or vomiting, you should call the medical emergency services. However, in the vast majority of cases the only symptoms are swelling of the stung area, which becomes red and feels tender. This last for a few days before the body heals itself. If stung, you should first carefully remove the insect sting (if it is still present) and run cold water over the area for relief. Ice packs are also very effective in reducing the irritation, as is aloe vera, which also helps to reduce the swelling and speeds up the healing process.
Ticks and bed bugs are another common cause for insect bites. If you have a pet, make sure that you bathe him/her often as pets are very common carriers of fleas and ticks. You can use a shampoo that contains tea-tree oil to help prevent tick and flea infestation. Ticks and fleas often cause tiny red bumps over your skin that are extremely itchy. You can use a calamine lotion to soothe your skin and reduce the itching. If you notice that you have large raised bumps over your skin when you wake up, it is very likely that you suffer from a bed bug problem. The simplest way to deal with this problem is to get your entire house treated for bed bugs. This will also prevent a re-infestation.
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answered by G M on 8 Apr 2010, 9:11:10
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Although insect bites or sting need not need a medical attention, the scars, swellings and pain which they leave are often irritating. Try the following home remedies for sting or bite -
- With the help of the blunt side of a knife scrap out the skin where you have got a sting or bite. Dissolve 1 tsp baking soda in water to make a paste. Apply this directly on the sting for 15-20 minutes.
- Rub the affected skin with wet aspirin. This is a very effective remedy and gives immediate relief.
- Apply calamine lotion on the bites, it will act as a great coolant and prevent itching.
In future to avoid bee sting wear appropriate clothes preferably with full sleeves and full pants and boots during any outdoor activity and don’t disturb the bees nest purposely.
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answered by S P on 26 Sep 2007, 4:22:24
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