HOW TO PREVENT AND TREAT BUG BITES

Simple Steps To Prevent Bug Bits And Treat

The bite: You’ve seen it: a soft pale bump that turns red and swollen. Mosquito bites are usually innocuous, but they can carry serious diseases, such as West Nile virus.

Treat it: Washing the area with soap and water may diminish your reaction. An ice pack can reduce swelling; soothe itching with calamine lotion or an oral antihistamine.

Avoid it: Check your yard for pools of stagnant water (mosquitoes love ’em). If you’re out at dawn or dusk, cover up and/or use a repellent (25 to 40% DEET) on exposed skin.

Bees
The bite: First comes the sharp pain, followed by a small red welt. Unless you’re allergic or are stung numerous times at once, a bee sting is usually just a (painful!) nuisance.

Treat it: Remove stinger ASAP with tweezers; wash and apply a cold compress. If you have symptoms of anaphylaxis (fainting, shortness of breath, wheezing), call 911.

Avoid it: Bees love all things sweet, including that half-empty soda can at your picnic. Toss plates and cups, and dress in light colors—bees are drawn to bold, bright hues.

Ticks
The bite: You may have pain, swelling, redness, or itching where bitten. If you’ve been bitten by a tick carrying Lyme disease, you may get a round bull’s-eye or oblong rash.

Treat it: Check for ticks after you’ve been outdoors; remove ’em promptly. (Use tweezers to grasp at the head or mouth, and pull gently.) If you spot a rash, visit your doc stat.

Avoid it: Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks in areas with woods or tall grass; stick to the middle of trails and avoid leafy debris. Wearing repellents with DEET helps, too.

Bedbugs
The bite: Little red bumps, typically clustered or in rows, often found on face, neck, arms, and hands. While their itch is an annoyance, they won’t do any real physical harm.

Treat it: Use a hydrocortisone cream or oral antihistamine to ease the itch. Be sure to call an exterminator ASAP.

Avoid it: To keep from picking up hitchhikers during summer travels, check your hotel room as soon as you arrive. If you spot any signs of, swap your lodging.


source: Health