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| The dreaded mosquito in action |
WELLBEING/BODY
By Feriha Özdemir Ibrahim
What is an insect sting?
An
insect bite and sting is painful wound that is caused by an insect’s stinger
being thrust into skin. The sting or bite causes an immediate reaction in the
skin, with most people experiencing redness and swelling in the affected area,
which usually lasts for a few days. Common biting insects include flies and fleas,
while stinging insects include bumblebees, honeybees, hornets and wasps.
There are three main
reactions to stings:
§
Redness
§
Itchiness
§
Pain (of varying degree)
It is important to seek
medical assistance if the sting becomes infected, or if there is an allergic
reaction or anaphylactic (severe swelling which affects air flow and
breathing).
Treating bites and stings
§
Wash the area and pat dry. Remove the sting if
it is visible
§
Apply a local anesthetic: using a soothing
cream containing hydrocortisone or antihistamine can reduce redness and
swelling. Calamine lotion can also be used to reduce the itching.
§
Antihistamine tablets can be taken to reduce
the swelling, redness and itching if the bite/sting area is large.
§
If the bite/sting is serious, the patient
should seek medical help immediately. This is especially important if an
anaphylactic reaction occurs.
Preventing bites and stings
It is important to take
some precautions especially while on holiday to prevent yourself getting
bitten:
1.
Use insect repellants containing DEET
2.
Avoid marshy areas
3.
Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers to
prevent bites in the evening.
If you do get bitten and
feel unwell (develop a temperature, breathing difficulties etc.) it is
important to seek medical help immediately.
Talk to your local pharmacist
Your
local pharmacist can help you to buy appropriate antihistamine creams and
lotions, including antihistamine tablets. They can also help you to purchase
painkillers and insect repellants, including general holiday essentials.
T-VINE
Wellbeing writer Feriha Özdemir Ibrahim is a fully qualified pharmacist who helps run
her two family chemists, Woodside Pharmacy, in Leytonstone, East
London . If you have any questions for her, please email: woodsidepharmacy@live.co.uk
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