Insect bites, how do you get first aid?

An insect bite or sting is a condition that causes pain and causes an immediate reaction to the skin. It can start with bites from ants, fleas, and mosquitoes, or it could be due to being stung by bees and wasps.

Most of the effects of bites are only mild and can improve within a few hours, but there are also some people who develop allergies or infections afterward.

Overview of insect bites

Insect bites are common. You can get bites or stings at any time, but the risk is higher when you go outside where there is a lot of grass or go into the forest without wearing protective clothing.

Some insect bites and stings are poisonous and some are not. Some insects that can inject venom through stings are bees, wasps, and fire ants.

These insects provide a poisonous sting as a defense mechanism. Usually this sting will cause pain or swelling.

Meanwhile, the non-poisonous insect bites through the skin to feed on blood. After being bitten, a person will experience intense itching. Some of the insects included in this group are mosquitoes and fleas.

Even though some are not poisonous, you still have to be careful with any insect bites. The reason is, some insects carry viruses and bacteria that make you infected with serious diseases such as dengue fever, lyme disease, or malaria.

What are the signs that appear after being bitten by an insect?

Some of the most common signs and symptoms following an insect bite or sting are:

• pain in the skin,
• itchy,
• redness,
• swelling in the bitten area,
• feel a burning sensation, and
• numb.

As already mentioned, these bites and stings can also cause infectious diseases. Therefore, you must be vigilant if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea.

If you experience these symptoms or are worried about other symptoms that are not mentioned, consult your doctor immediately.

Sometimes, even a severe allergic reaction can occur. An allergic reaction will usually make a person feel short of breath, dizzy, and experience swelling of the face or mouth. This reaction should be treated immediately with medical care.

How to treat insect bites?

Insect bites and stings can actually be treated at home. However, if you do get stung, you have to clean the affected area first before starting to treat it.

Sometimes, insects such as bees leave part of their stinger broken or even intact in the skin.

How to handle it, remove the bee sting that is still stuck in the skin by pulling it with tweezers as quickly as possible. Eliminate stinger and pockets of poison from the skin will prevent further irritation.

After that, you can start doing the following treatment steps.

1. Apply an ice pack

An ice pack can reduce pain and redness on the skin. The trick, put a few ice cubes in plastic and wrap it with a clean, thin towel. Then, apply the ice pack to the swelling for 10-15 minutes.

If you want to repeat it, wait about 10 minutes then apply the compress again.

Keep in mind, always use a cloth to protect the direct contact between the skin and ice. Do not apply ice directly to your skin, as this will cause damage.

2. Apply essential oil

There is little medical evidence to suggest that essential oils can relieve pain or swelling caused by insect bites.

What has been popular for generations to treat insect stings and bites is tea trea oil , lavender oil, thyme oil, rosemary oil, and witch hazel.

Before applying essential oils to the skin, first mix them with a solvent oil, such as olive oil. Keep in mind that some essential oils may cause allergic reactions.

3. Aloe vera

Applying aloe vera or aloe vera to the skin is often a way to treat bee stings. The sap or aloe vera gel can moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation naturally. Aloe vera also has antibacterial properties, which help prevent the site of the sting from becoming infected. You simply apply it on the affected skin area.

4. Calamine lotion

Calamine lotion is often used to relieve itching, but it can also reduce pain from bee or wasp stings.

Try applying a small amount of calamine lotion to the site of the sting and waiting a few minutes for the symptoms to subside. May be repeated several times a day if deemed necessary.

5. Honey

Honey contains compounds that reduce inflammation and swelling, making it suitable as a natural insect bite remedy. The natural antibacterial properties in honey can also help prevent infection and promote healing of the skin.

You can apply a small amount of honey to the bite or sting site. If you are using it to treat bee stings, do this in a closed room so the smell of honey doesn't attract other bees.

Keep in mind, the above treatment steps only apply to light bites. If the pain is unbearable, you should immediately see a doctor to get proper treatment.

6. Using topical steroids

Topical steroid medications such as topical hydrocortisone can treat the swelling, itching, and irritation caused by insect bites, such as hydrocortisone ointment. You must get it by prescription.

Apart from reducing irritation and preventing inflammation, topical hydrocortisone medications can also prevent the reaction from spreading to a wider range of skin. Usually this drug is enough to be applied once or twice to the affected area.

How to prevent insect bites?

Of course, insect bites can be prevented. Therefore, it's best to do the following habits to protect you.

• Wear closed clothes when going to the forest or garden.
• Use shoes outdoors.
• Apply an insect repellent cream to the skin that is not covered by clothing. Choose a product that contains 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) for more effective protection.
• Avoid using bath soaps, shampoos, and deodorants that contain strong fragrances, as their scent can attract insects.
• Stay calm and move your body slowly when the insects begin to get closer to the skin. Don't wave too hard or hit the insects right away.

If you have questions, consult your doctor for the best solution.