insect bites – Hello Doctor

5 home remedies for mosquito bites

October 6th, 2019 by Content Editor

Mosquito bites are common, especially in summer, and can cause inflammation and itching.

Besides the annoying itch mosquitos provide, they can carry parasites and some pathogens, like malaria, filariasis, and viruses. In most cases, people may have allergic reactions to the bites.

Typically, a bite brings a red, swollen bump which is accompanied by an itch that can develop within hours and lasts a few days. A mosquito bite can also cause blistering-type lesions, hives, fever and swelling in the joints.

Your immune system reacts by releasing histamine, which creates a small, itchy bump. So the bump is not caused by the bite, but by your body’s allergic reaction to substances that the mosquito bite leaves behind.

Avoiding mosquito bites altogether is the best approach, but if you can’t. Keep these home remedies for bug bites that itch and swell, handy.

1. Tea tree essential oil

This oil has antiseptic properties that can help treat a variety of skin-related symptoms, including mosquito bites. Dab a little essential oil onto a cotton swab and rub it on the affected area. Lavender and peppermint oils also work well. Some people may be sensitive to essential oils applied directly to the skin; if that’s the case for you, try diluting the oil.

2. Baking soda paste

Add a few drops of water to some baking soda, mix it into a paste, apply it directly onto bug bites, and allow it to dry. The result will be a reduction in inflammation around the bite, which helps relieve soreness as well as itching. The alkalinity of baking soda can help neutralise the pH of an infected area and reduce itching. Just mix a tablespoon of baking soda with only enough water to create a paste.

3. Ice cubes

The easiest way to stop itching could be to hold an ice cube on the bite. It’s been found that since the brain can only process one sensation at a time, the itching will stop as you will feel the intense cold. Cold therapy numbs nerves that trigger itching and pain so that you don’t feel either one. The cold temperature helps limit the inflammatory substances to the site of the bite, which lessens swelling and ultimately provides immediate relief. Hold a bag of frozen veggies, ice wrapped in a cloth, or an ice pack on the affected area for about 15 minutes.

4. Honey

When it comes to soothing itchy bites, honey is a great go-to reliever. It’s a natural popular pick as it contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Place a drop on a mosquito bite for almost instant relief. Apply as often as needed until the itching and swelling subsides.

5. Lemons

Packed with naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anaesthetic properties, the citrus fruit makes for a useful natural remedy for mosquito bites. Cut a lemon in half and rub the inside over the bite for instant relief. Applying the juice can also help lessen the chance of an infection. However, don’t use lemons as a preventative measure before going outdoors. This would be ineffective and applying citrus juices to the skin when it’s exposed to sunlight can result in blistering.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if bites last longer than a week or show signs of infection. In extreme cases, mosquito bites and other insect stings can lead to an anaphylactic shock.

If you or a loved one experiences any of the following symptoms, immediate medical attention will be needed:

Breathing problems.
Hives or swelling
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Dizziness.

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How to remove a tick the safe way

May 3rd, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Ticks belong to a group of animals called arachnids because they’re closely related to spiders. They look a lot like spiders and have eight legs.

Ticks have oval bodies that swell when they feed on the blood of all kinds of animals, including humans.

With just a bite, ticks can bring on allergic reactions or pass on diseases to humans and pets. These can be dangerous or even deadly.

Ticks are mostly found outdoors. They make their homes in wooded areas with lots of shrubs, in grass, weeds and bushes. They settle down in overgrown patches in your yard. If you’re outside hiking or playing, you may pick up a tick. It can attach itself to your pet, too. Ticks may stay attached to your pet, or they can jump on to you when you touch or hold your pet.

A tick bite

Because some ticks are relatively small, there’s a good chance you won’t notice one on you. They burrow their little head into your skin and release blood-thinning, skin-numbing saliva.

If you’re bitten by a tick, a small red bump may appear in a few days, usually at the site of the bite. This bump may feel warm and tender when touched.

Tick bite fever

If you’re allergic to tick bites, you may feel:

A burning sensation at the site of the bite.
Pain or swelling at the bite site.
A rash.
Blisters
Difficulty breathing, if severe.

Ticks spread diseases by passing on bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Most of these illnesses give you typical flu-like symptoms, like chills, fever, headache, and muscle aches. Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in the world.

Symptoms of tick-borne diseases include:

A full body rash
A red spot or rash near the bite site
Neck stiffness
Headache
Nausea
Weakness
Swollen lymph nodes

How to remove a tick

If you’re bitten, you’ll have to remove the tick as soon as possible. Don’t use petroleum jelly or a hot match to kill and remove a tick. These methods don’t get the tick off the skin, and they can make it burrow even deeper. Follow these steps instead:

Use tweezers to grasp the tick firmly at its head or mouth, next to the skin.
Pull firmly until the tick lets go of the skin. Avoid twisting it or rocking it from side to side. If a part of the tick stays in the skin, don’t stress, it will eventually come out on its own.
Release the tick into a small plastic bag or jar.
Wash your hands and the site of the bite with soap and water.
Swab the bite site with alcohol.

At this point, it may be best to see a doctor to find out if any treatment is necessary based on the type of tick; and to find out about the risk and complications to look out for.

References

Can body paint protect you against insect bites?

April 8th, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Pitching a tent, exploring nature and sleeping under the stars. Ah, there’s nothing quite like exploring the wild. But with all the perks of the great outdoors there’s one real bugbear; bug bites. And lots of them.

Good news. You don’t have to pack bug repellent in bulk because a dab of body paint might do the trick. A recent study by researchers from Sweden and Hungary revealed that white painted stripes on the body could protect your skin from insect bites.

Body painting began long before we started wearing clothes. And today, most indigenous communities still paint their bodies. In the areas where they live, there’s usually an abundance of bloodsucking insects like mosquitos, horseflies and tsetse flies. When these insects bite you, there’s a risk of bacteria, parasites and other pathogens entering your body.

For the experiments, the researchers painted three plastic human models. One dark, one dark with pale stripes and one beige. The three models were then covered with a layer of insect glue and some were placed standing up, while others were placed laying upward. During the study, the dark model attracted ten times more horseflies than the striped model and the beige model attracted twice as many as the striped one.

Furthermore, the results showed that only the female insects were attracted to the standing models, while both males and females were drawn to the ones laying upward.

This study was based on previous studies done in 2016. For example, it was shown that zebra stripes, also known as pale fur, provides protection against horse flies.

Protect yourself against bloodsuckers

Although the two studies were successful, painting your body with paint daily isn’t practical. There are other ways to protect yourself from pesky bugs:

Wear appropriate clothing. If you’re going to be outdoors for long periods, particularly in a wooded area, cover up as much as possible. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and closed shoes. For extra protection, pull your socks up over your pants and tuck your shirt into your pants too. Light-coloured clothing are best as insects are attracted to patterns and contrasts.
Use nets. If you’re sleeping outside, use nets to protect yourself against mosquitos. Bed nets are especially helpful when you’re trying to get some shut-eye. Choose one that’s been treated with insecticide.
Use insect repellent. Choose a repellent that contains 20 to 30 DEET (Diethyl-meta-toluamide, the main ingredient in insecticide) and spray it on exposed skin and your clothing. Apply and reapply as directed but use it sparingly. If you’re wearing sunscreen too, first apply the sunscreen. Once it’s dry, apply the repellent.

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10 ways to use baking soda as a remedy

October 22nd, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

You probably use baking soda at home for cleaning and baking. Good news: it has health perks too!

Cool down heartburn

Heartburn is that painful burning sensation in the upper part of your stomach that can spread up into your throat. It starts when acid rises into your oesophagus (the tube that connects your stomach to your mouth). This can happen if you eat too much, feel stressed or eat spicy foods. Baking soda can help treat heartburn by neutralising stomach acid.

– Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of cold water and sip slowly. –

Keep your mouth bacteria free

Mouthwash is important in your oral hygiene routine. It reaches places of your teeth, gums and tongue that a toothbrush can’t. You can use baking soda as a replacement mouthwash instead of the expensive ones from the shops. Baking soda has antibacterial properties which will help freshen your breath and get rid of bacteria.

– Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to half a glass of warm water. Swish it around your mouth and spit. –

Treat urinary tract infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system like the kidneys, bladder or urethra. Women are more likely than men to suffer from these. These kinds of infections cause burning when you urinate. Studies have found that baking soda can help to neutralise the acid in urine when you have a UTI. This allows the body to deal with the bacteria that caused the infection on its own.

– To use baking soda for UTI, dissolve half to one teaspoon of baking soda in water and drink it on an empty stomach. –

Whiten your chompers

If you’d like to whiten your teeth, look no further than baking soda. It has mild cleaning powers that help get rid of stains on your teeth. Don’t use this method more than once a week though, as baking soda may damage the outside layer of your teeth.

– Mix baking soda with water or lemon juice until it’s a paste. Dab it on your toothbrush and brush for two minutes. Rinse your mouth thoroughly and follow by brushing with toothpaste and then flossing. –

Freshen up

Make your own deodorant! It’s natural, free from excessive chemicals, and can be a cheaper alternative to those you buy in the store.

– Mix a teaspoon of baking soda added to water to create a milky baking soda paste. Rub it under your arms or feet to stay fresh. –

Relieve itchy skin

If you suffer from skin allergy rashes, baking soda can help.

– Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water to make a paste and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse well. Use this method as often as needed. –

Banish bug bites

Many over-the-counter creams for bites have baking soda, as it helps relieve itching and swelling from insect bites.

– Create a paste with a teaspoon of baking soda and water. Use it at least three times a day until your bites heal. –

Get rid of flakes

Remove dry skin from your face by using baking soda as an exfoliant.

– Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with half a cup of water and rub it on your face in a circular motion, then rinse. Don’t do this too often as baking soda could upset the pH balance of your skin. –

Remove splinters

Splinters can be painful – and difficult to remove.

– Soak the splinter area in a mix of a tablespoon of baking soda and warm water. Try this twice a day and it should eventually come out by itself. –

Calm sunburn

Treat fragile sunburned skin by soaking in baking soda and water.

– Add half a cup of baking soda to a warm (not hot) bath and immerse in the mixture. You can also try mixing some baking soda in your body lotion to calm any sunburn. –

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What to do when you get bitten or stung

October 22nd, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Outdoor fun during summer comes with a high risk of insect bites and stings. In most cases, these aren’t serious and get better in no time.

In some cases, however, insect bites can cause an allergic reaction. This can either be a mild reaction causing the affected part to swell and become painful, or a severe reaction that could become life-threatening. With a more severe allergic reaction, you could become dizzy, nauseous, have breathing difficulties, find yourself wheezing, have chest pain, cramps, a swollen face or mouth and a blotchy rash that spreads to other parts of the body.

If you’re bitten or stung, try not to excessively scratch the area. This can cause the skin to break allowing bacteria to enter your body. This can cause the area to become infected.

Treat your bites

Bites can cause pain, redness and swelling around the injury. When you’re bitten or stung, an insect injects venom into your body. You’ll have to clean the site of the bite with antibacterial soap and water. Follow up with a damp cloth filled with ice to relieve the pain.

Learn how to identify a bug bite by how it looks and feels. This will help you know whether to treat the bug bite at home or seek immediate medical care.

When you get bitten or stung:

Move to a safe area to avoid more bites or stings.
Remove the sting or tick if it’s still in the skin.
Apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the swelling for at least 10 minutes.
Raise or elevate the affected area, to help reduce swelling.
Avoid scratching the area!
Get over-the-counter medication that can help, like painkillers, creams for itching and antihistamines (medicines often used to relieve allergy symptoms).

Keep insects away:

Avoid insect-heavy areas.
Don’t eat foods or wear fragrances that attract bugs.
Wear protective clothing and avoid bright coloured clothing.
Use insect repellent.
Use pesticide products in your garden at home.
Understand your own personal risk for having an allergic reaction to a bug bite.
If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, like camping, make sure you use netting when sleeping.
Avoid wooded, bushy and grassy areas.
If you’re having a picnic, cover your drinks and food.
Check water containers; as these could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Get treatment

A more serious reaction may need oral antihistamines or painkillers. In more severe cases of swelling, your doctor may prescribe oral steroids (to help reduce the swelling and inflammation of airways).

If you’re using an insect repellent and a sunscreen, apply your sunscreen first. Bites are very common, and you’re always at risk if you spend time outdoors. Check whether the area you’re going to visit has insects and take the necessary safety measures. If you have flu-like symptoms days after an insect bite, see your doctor for tests to check if there aren’t any infections or diseases you may have contracted.

References:

Don’t get bitten by these little beach-monsters

October 10th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Mosquitoes aren’t the only critters that can turn your beachy holiday into an itchy nightmare. Sand fleas are another pesky pest to keep an eye out for.

Sand fleas are found in beaches along coastal areas and in marshes. These buggers are often mistaken for insects, which they’re not. In fact, they’re not even fleas – they are actually crustaceans: like the crab, lobster and shrimp. Sand fleas get their name because their bites and after-effects are similar to that of a flea.

Sand fleas vary in size. They can be small like a dot of ground pepper or grow to about the size of a rice grain to something bigger. Despite their size, a bite from one of these monsters can leave you with a large, itchy welt or rash that can persist for days.

There are two types of sand flea bites:

The first one looks like a mosquito bite and happens when the flea feeds on your blood. This bite can irritate the skin and cause an allergic reaction.
The second is caused by breeding female sand fleas. The fleas burrow into the skin and lay eggs. Swollen areas with black spots in the middle are a telltale sign of this type of bite. You may experience fever, pain and infections in the area.

Sand fleas typically bite the feet, ankles and legs because they are closest to the ground.

Banish the buggers

Don’t scratch the bites. This will just increase your chance of getting infections.
Check the bites for breeding. Sand fleas can live under your skin and live from your blood for weeks. Like the mini-vampires of the sea! If you suspect the little critter is still there, it’s best to visit your doctor to get proper treatment.
Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream on the bites to help soothe and calm the itching and swelling. Baking soda mixed with water may also help. Just put it on the affected area and let it work. Aloe vera in a gel or lotion form is also great for all kinds of wounds and has a soothing effect on sand flea bites. Lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil may also help get rid of discomfort.
Try soaking in an oatmeal bath to curb the itching.
Take painkillers to help ease the pain and swelling.

If this doesn’t help, the symptoms get worse or you notice signs of breeding, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Avoid the bite

Prevention is better than cure.

Stay away from the beach early in the morning and late at night, or after it’s been raining. Sand fleas tend to be more aggressive when the air is cool and moist. The best time to visit the beach is in the middle of the day. However, this is the worst time for sunburn, so remember that sunscreen!
Bring a towel or blanket to act as a barrier between you and the fleas. This will protect the back of your legs and ankles from being bitten.

References:

The insect bites that can kill you

May 11th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Insect bites and stings are common and often minor, but it’s worth knowing how to treat the irritation. These bites can be deadly but are completely treatable too.

Spider
House spiders are usually harmless. Spiders like black widows and brown recluses are poisonous, but they don’t bite unless they’re threatened. Bites can cause pain around the injury, swelling and redness.

What to do: Clean the site of the bite with soap and water first, and follow with a damp cloth filled with ice to relieve the pain. If you have a reaction that lasts for more than 24 hours, speak with your doctor, as you might be allergic to the venom.

Scorpion
The symptoms of a scorpion bite start with a small swelling, and your skin becomes sensitive to touch; this can disappear in about 30 minutes. The sting can cause mild to severe pain. The result of it causes jittering of muscles, swelling, redness, vomiting and numbness.
What to do: An infection can develop if you don’t disinfect and clean the site properly.

Mosquito
Mosquitoes carry malaria and yellow fever. These bites cause hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. The bites leave red-inflamed itchy welts.
What to do: For immediate relief, dab a small amount of vinegar on the bump. Toothpaste, dry bar soap, aloe, onion, raw honey, essential oils and salt paste can also help get rid the itching. Watch out for swelling in your throat or wheezing. You need to see a doctor immediately.

Killer bees and wasps
Stings from a bee or a wasp bring on a sharp, instant burning pain, and leaves a wound on the skin. These bites are generally sore, painful and normally don’t escalate to anything of a serious nature. These may cause life-threatening reactions that could leave you unconscious, cause swelling, nausea and breathing difficulties. The redness of the sting may appear 48 hours later and could last for up to a week.
What to do: Try to remove the stinger as soon as possible. Scrape it off with a fingernail, or a piece of card. Get urgent help if you start feeling dizzy or have trouble breathing. Wipe the wound with plain soap and water, and apply a cold compressor to reduce the swelling.

Red fire ants
The pain from this type of bite causes immediate and intense pain. It may subside after a few minutes, but the skin irritation could last up to weeks. Fire ant stings leave a mark that’s different from other insect bites. The wounds are round pus-filled blisters that look like pimples.
What to do: Use a hydrocortisone cream on the skin to relieve itching, or an antibiotic cream to prevent an infection from developing. If your tongue or throat starts swelling up, get medical help immediately. The same applies if you feel confusion or lose consciousness; you may go into shock if you ignore these signs.

Lice
Lice bites can drive you crazy with its incessant itching! These wingless insects suck and feed on human blood and skin. Lice lay eggs on the body, hair and in clothing. These parasites are not dangerous as they don’t pass on disease, but they will cause excessive itchiness as they feast on your blood. Excessive scratching of the scalp and body can also cause infections. The skin can break, and bacteria can enter and grow there.
What to do: Get rid of the pesky creatures with a lice shampoo or medicine from most clinics and pharmacies.

References