Bug Bites and Stings
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It’s springtime, and the bugs are out.
Fortunately, most bug bites are harmless unless you are allergic to the venom or if the bug is carrying a disease. However, getting bitten is never fun!
Here is how to prevent bug bites as you venture outside:
Use insect repellent that includes 20-30 percent DEET on exposed skin. If using sunscreen, apply your sunscreen first and let it dry before applying the insect repellent. Reapply sunscreen and insect repellent as needed. Make sure to use the insect repellant in smaller quantities.
Cover your skin as much as you are able. Wearing long-sleeved shirts with pants tucked into your socks can help prevent bug bites, especially if you are hiking in a wooded area or in an area with long grass.
Use a pretreated bug net if sleeping outdoors.
If you have any of the following symptoms after being bitten or stung by a bug, seek medical help right away:
Breathing problems, including feeling like your throat is closing, if your lips, tongue, or any other part of your face is swollen
Pain in your chest and/or a fast heartbeat that occurs for longer than a few minutes
Dizziness, vomiting, fever, or a headache
A red, donut-shaped rash could be a sign of Lyme’s disease if a tick has bitten you.
A spotty rash that develops and is red or black and spreads with an accompanying fever could be Rocky Mountain spotted fever, an infection most commonly carried by ticks.
If a bug or tick has bitten you, it is important to pay attention to the site of the bite and watch for changes. Most bites can be treated at home. You can get hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine over the counter and use them per the product directions. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication can also help reduce the pain and swelling.
