Enjoying the summer out with your lovely company? Many people are! As a matter of fact, it’s not only limited to people. Other creatures love summertime and, unlike you, they enjoy it more without any company. And, if you dare get in their way, it’s revenge time.
Insects are one of the most common problems that could interfere with you having a nice time in the back yard, and their bites could turn the smiley face you have right after applying your sun block lotion into a very sad face!
It is somewhat disturbing being bitten by an insect, not only because of how painful it could get or because it bit you in your nose right before your anniversary, but because you don’t really know what this bite could carry!
There are a few common responses to a bite that are natural, such as jumping, screaming or even pretending as if nothing happened so you don’t embarrass yourself in front of other people while you’re dying inside. I wish I had this last one! However, there are some other things you need to do after a bite to minimize your injury as much as possible.
If you are bit by a bee:
– First, you need to remove the stinger it leaves behind. It is attached to a venom sac, so it needs to be removed as soon as possible.
– Then, you need to wash the area very well, more than once.
– A bee sting obviously is painful and could cause some swelling, so you may need to apply an ice pack to minimize the harm. You also might need to take some over-the-counter Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, provided it doesn’t interfere with any medication you take or a health condition you have.
– You could apply some over-the-counter Corticosteroid and take an oral Antihistamine for the itchy feeling. If a child has been stung, you have to be very careful with the type of Antihistamine you give them. It’s recommended that you consult with a doctor first.
– If symptoms get worse or if you are experiencing any tightness in your throat, swelling of your lips, tongue or face, or if you feel nauseated, then you need to seek immediate medical help.
If you are bit by a spider:
– Wash the area very well.
– Apply an ice pack
– Use some over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to protect against infection.
– If you think you were bit by a black widow or brown recluse spider then you need to seek medical attention right away, even if there are no concerning symptoms. A Black Widow bite could cause painful cramps, nausea, vomiting, chills, fever and muscle aches.
For Tick Bites:
– Always check yourself carefully for ticks after being in or around a wooded area as you might not feel anything. Some ticks, such as Deer Ticks, could cause Lyme disease. If you find a tick you might need to put it in a container so it could be identified.
Never use petroleum jelly or a lit match to kill the tick, because not only will you not get rid of the tick, but you might cause the insect to burrow deeper into your skin.
This is only a few of many. Obviously, it’s better to be able to identify the bite and to recognize the enemy so you could handle it better. I hope I didn’t scare you! Well, at least you have a better idea on first-aid items and steps you need in case you had the “unexpected company” bite!
Enjoy your summer time and take lots of pictures!
