This is what you need to know now to
protect yourself from reactions to insects.
What
are signs and symptoms of an insect bite?
· Pain,
swelling and redness confined to the sting site
· Intense
itching at the site.
· In severe
cases, insect bites can cause severe allergic reactions that can result in
death.
When
Should You Be Worried about An Insect Sting?
· There
are 3 types of reactions an insect can cause:
a local reaction, a large, local reaction and a systemic allergic
reaction.
·
A normal local reaction
will result in pain, swelling and redness confined to the sting site.
·
A large local reaction
will result in swelling well beyond the sting site. For example, a sting on the
forearm could cause the whole arm to swell - a condition that usually peaks two
to three days after the sting and can last a week or more.
·
A systemic allergic
reaction is the most serious and requires medical attention. Symptoms of a
systemic allergic reaction can range from mild to severe.
· If
you’re worried at all, seek immediate medical advice.
What’s
Most Likely to Bite Us?
· Mosquitos, fleas, chiggers, and bed bugs-
most likely will cause a local allergic reaction.
· Wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and bees are
the cause of the majority of insect stings- sting insects that can cause a
local and/or total body allergic reaction.
About 3 out of 100 adults have severe allergy to flying insects
resulting in potentially deadly reaction.
· Fire Ants (red or black) -
extend from the southern US up into NY.
Bites from these insects typically cause a blistering reaction.
How
Can you Prevent Insect Stings/Bites?
- Always wear shoes when walking
in the grass. Many bees burrow in the ground and you can unsuspectingly
step into their nest.
- Wear bug sprays like Off or Deet. Wary of harsh chemicals? Geraniums and citronella are natural
mosquito propellants.
- Don’t drink from open soft
drink cans; stinging insects are attracted to them and may crawl inside.
- Cover food when eating outside.
- Don’t use sweet-smelling
perfume, hairspray or deodorant.
- Avoid wearing brightly colored
clothing with flowery patterns.
- Protect your legs, arms and
body with long pants/long-sleeved shirts when working outside.
- Use caution near bushes, attics
and picnic areas.
How can you Treat Insect Bites?
Local
and large local reactions can most likely be treated with OTC anti-histamines
and topical steroids. Some large local
reactions will need medical care.
Systemic
allergic reactions ALWAYS require medical attention. Lifesaving epinephrine may be
administered. If you have a reaction,
seek treatment from an allergist. They
have treatment that can potentially you of your insect sting.
Need
more help or have questions? Schedule anappointment here.
