At some point of life, every person would have experienced stings and bites from insects. It is quite common to get bites from mosquito, spider and other small insects. It goes mostly unnoticed unless you experience swelling or pain in the affected area. You will get to know, how far insect bites are a matter of concern and how it can be treated with simple remedies at your home. Often, insects do not bite us unless it is provoked. They indulge in biting as a matter of defensive mechanism.
They sting when their hives are injured or disturbed accidentally. Most of the insects inject poisonous chemicals in our blood when they bite which may cause allergic reaction in the system. Insect bites can cause redness, swelling and mild to severe pain at the site. Some of the common insects that bite humans are wasps, bees, mosquitoes, ants, caterpillars and hornets. Stings from certain wasps can cause severe allergic reaction.
Each type of insect is different in biting or stinging. Honey bee actually injects the stinger (a small part) and it may die in the process. A wasp can inject venom many times while stinging. Fire ants rotate their bodies and can pass on the venom by biting with their jaw. Mosquitoes indulge in biting for the purpose of sucking blood. Very often insect bites are harmless unless they inject micro-organisms like bacteria or virus into the bloodstream. Mosquitoes are the leading cause for malaria, encephalitis, dengue, cholera and elephantiasis and much more. Ticks and flies can also transmit parasites causing fever and other diseases.
Insect Bites Symptoms :
Some of the common signs of insect bites are pain, redness, swelling, itching and formation of blister on the site of bite or sting. In rare cases it can trigger severe allergic reaction leading to anaphylaxis. This is a serious condition causing symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, hives, lack of mental coordination and unconsciousness. In such cases the person should get immediate medical care to prevent death. Large hornets can cause muscle weakness and breakdown. Spider bites can affect the nervous system and skin ulcers.
Insect Bites Home Remedies :
1. Cold Packs
As soon as you realize that you have been bitten by insect, apply ice cubes on the affected site. Application of ice can prevent spread of venom and reduce swelling to large extent. Wrap some ice cubes in a towel or apply it directly on the spot. Cold packs can numb the area instantly, so that you will not feel any pain. In case you didn’t have ice cubes readily in your freezer you can always use some frozen vegetables on the affected area. Applying cold packs immediately on the skin can significantly reduce inflammation and pain caused by insect bite.
2. Remove The Insect