Insect Bite Or Sting
What is it?
Insect Bite Or Sting Care Guide
An insect is a bug. An insect bite or sting is a red lump in the skin that sometimes has a tiny hole in the center. Sometimes the insect leaves a stinger in your skin. Most bites or stings are not a problem. If you are allergic (uh-ler-jik) to bug bites/stings, you may have swelling, rash, itching, or even trouble breathing. These allergic symptoms are caused by a chemical called histamine (his-tuh-meen).
Causes:
An insect bite or sting can come from many different insects. Some insects that bite people are mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, chiggers, or bedbugs. Ants, bees, wasps, spiders, or other insects also bite or sting people.
Signs and Symptoms:
You may see or feel a red lump, pain, swelling, itching, or a rash. You may also have a headache or feel dizzy. Sometimes you will have an upset stomach or vomit (throw up). Very serious problems are chest pain, a tight feeling in your throat or chest, and trouble breathing. This is called anaphylaxis (an-ih-fuh-lak-sus) or allergic shock. It usually starts within minutes after the bite or sting and can be life-threatening. Also some insect stings and bites can cause infection (in-fek-shun) or nerve problems.
Care:
- Take the stinger out by scraping it off with your fingernail, edge of a credit card, or a knife blade. Do not squeeze it. Gently wash the area where the stinger was with soap and water.
- Ticks must be removed as soon as possible to try and keep you from getting diseases caused by tick bites. To remove the tick:
- First, clean the tick bite site with rubbing alcohol.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull it straight out and up with tweezers or with fingertips protected by a tissue or cloth.
- Pull gently until the tick lets go. Do not twist the tick or jerk it suddenly because this may break off the tick's head or mouth parts.
- Do not crush the tick or touch it with your bare hands. Flush the tick down the toilet
- Do no t put a hot match, petroleum jelly, or fingernail polish on the tick. It is not helpful and, it may be dangerous.
- After the tick is removed, clean the area of the bite. Then, wash your hands with soap and water.
- First, clean the tick bite site with rubbing alcohol.
- Go to the hospital right away if you have trouble breathing or a tight feeling in your chest or throat. Call 911 or 0. This is an emergency!
Do's and Don'ts:
To keep from getting bitten or stung again, use insect repellent on skin and clothing when going outside. Wear long sleeves, pants, and shoes. Do not wear bright-colored or flower-print clothing. Do not wear hair spray, perfumes, or colognes (after shave).
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
