William Penn Life, 2011 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2011-08-01 / 8. szám
Our Health Corner with Debbie Wolfe, rn What's bugging you? HOPE EVERYONE is enjoying their vacations! Whether you are visiting a beach, the mountains or a theme park or just enjoying your own backyard, something is trying take the fun out of your day. Bugs are everywhere, and as long as we are outside, we are part of their world. Insects don't usually attack unless provoked. Most stings and bites are defensive. These stings and bites are common, often only resulting in redness and itching to the affected area. But sometimes a sting can cause a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction. Common mosquito bites do not usually cause significant illness, with the exception of the West Nile and other new emerging viruses. Most bites result in a small, red, itchy bump. Chiggers, mites and sand fleas cause a localized itchy rash. Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants give stings that inject venom. These stings usually result in pain, redness, itching and swelling at the site of the sting. If you experience more serious symptoms—such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, sensation of throat closing, difficulty swallowing or speaking, faintness or weakness—seek immediate medical attention. You may be experiencing a reaction known as anaphylaxis. Treatment depends on the type of reaction. If there is only redness and slight pain at the site of the bite, application of ice is usually adequate. Clean the area with soap and water to remove any contaminated particles left behind by some insects, like mosquitoes. These particles may further contaminate the wound if not removed. Try not to scratch because this can cause the skin to break down and allow infection to form. You may treat the itching with an over-thecounter antihistamine like Benadryl in cream or pill form. Calamine lotion may also prevent itching. People who have experienced severe reactions to bites or stings may have been prescribed an anaphylaxis kit. The kipshould contain a tourniquet, an oral antihistamine and an epinephedrine injector (or epi-pen) to give an injection. These kits need to be close at hand at all times when outdoors. And always follow doctors orders for use of the kit. Prevention is always easier than treatment. You can minimize your exposure to insect bites by changing your pattern of activity or behavior. Some mosquitoes are most active during twilight periods, at dawn and dusk, and evening time. Try to limit outdoor activity during these periods. Wear long sleeves, long pants and hats to minimize the amount of exposed skin. Tuck your shirts in. Use insect repellants. Repellants applied to clothes, shoes, tents and gear will enhance insect protection. Permethrin-containing repellents like Permanone are recommended for use on clothing, shoes, tents and hiking gear. It is a highly effective insecticide. Treated clothing repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes and many other insects and retains this desired effect after repeated washings. Repellants containing DEET as an active ingredient are recommended by most authorities. DEET repels mosquitoes, ticks and other flying insects when applied to the skin or clothing. Use only formulas with 35 percent or less DEET. So while bugs are a necessary part of the outdoors, I hope using these suggestions may make dealing with the little critters easier. Get out there, enjoy your summer and try not to let the little things BUG you! Until next month.... stay Healthy - stay Happy Fit! egészségére! Mosquito © Petro Perutskyy/Dreamstime.cc Ey.ilUjÜüiJáa To learn more about how to prevent and treat insect bites and stings, log onto: O http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000033.htm (Information from Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine) O http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-insect-bites/FA00046 (Information on treating bites and stings from Mayo Clinic) William Penn Life 0 August 2011 0 13 © Julien Tromeur/Dreamstime.com
