Treating Insect Bites & Stings
If you live in areas where you are susceptible to contact with Lyme ticks, and spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in wooded areas, make sure to take the extra precautions necessary.
Long pants are a must. When you get home, make sure to shower thoroughly and ask someone to check you for ticks.
A rash which looks like a bull's-eye near the bite is a symptom of Lyme disease and is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such as fever or headache, nausea and vomiting.
Some people, however, may only develop flu-like symptoms, and not a rash. If you are bitten by a tick, and develop a rash, seek medical assistance for possible treatment and testing for Lyme disease.
The first thing to do when stung by a bee or wasp, is to look at the spot where you were stung to determine if there's any stinger remaining. If there is, use a firm object, like a credit card to sweep across the area, and pull out the stinger. Don't squeeze or pinch the skin to remove the stinger as this will cause additional venom to be released into the bite.
Clean the area of the sting with soap and water.
To relieve redness and/or pain, try applying some toothpaste or hydrocortisone to the affected area. If there is a reaction to the sting, treat by applying a cool compress, or ice.
If you develop a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 911 and seek emergency care immediately.
Make It Yourself
Insect bites that produce itching such as the bites from mosquitoes, can be treated with a variety of homeopathic medicines and herb combinations.
Rubbing a paste of cornstarch and water, meat tenderizer, wet clay, aloe vera, or wet tea leaves on the affected area can help sooth the irritation.
Lavender is a great natural anti-itch, anti-inflammatory product worth using in your insect bite sprays and lotions. (Learn how to easily make your own lotions.)
TIP: For localized bites, Combine 1 tsp of lavender essential oil with 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil to rub on your insect bites. It is best to use this on closed skin, so try to get there before the scratching begins.
Avoid use near the eyes. Use sparingly.
For a full out, all over body insect bite attack, nothing soothes like an oatmeal bath. (grind some oatmeal from your cupboard, put it in some cheesecloth or thin cloth and put it under the tap when running the bath - warm to cool but not too cold is more soothing, let the kids tell you what seems comfortable - and watch them, they might eat it!)
Follow it up with some good old fashioned calamine lotion or soothing all over skin product, comfy jammies and a few cookies with milk never hurts.
See www.homemademedicine.com for more make it yourself ideas.
While most everyone looks forward to outdoor activities this summer, insect bites can not only ruin a wonderful day, but develop into subsequent problems. By following these safety tips and knowing how to solve insect related troubles, you can look forward to an enjoyable summer.
Additional Information
