For the next couple of days, I will be putting you through some DIY measures you can take if you or anyone close to you gets injured or ill.
First aid is an assistance given to any person suffering a sudden illness or injury, to preserve life, prevent the condition from getting worse and/or promote recovery. The essence of First Aid is to provide intervention in a serious condition prior to professional medical help being available, as well as the complete treatment of minor conditions, such as applying a plaster to a cut.
This time, we are starting with First Aid Treatment for Insect Bites and Stings. Read on:
Signs and symptoms of an insect bite result from the injection of venom or other substances into your skin. The venom causes pain and sometimes triggers an allergic reaction. The severity of the reaction depends on your sensitivity to the insect venom or substance and whether you’ve been stung or bitten more than once.
Most reactions to insect bites are mild, causing little more than an annoying itching or stinging sensation and mild swelling that disappear within a day or so. A delayed reaction may cause fever, hives, painful joints and swollen glands.
Signs and symptoms of a severe reaction include:
- Nausea
- Facial swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain
- Deterioration of blood pressure and circulation (shock)
First Aid for mild reactions:
- Move to a safe area to avoid more stings.
- Remove the stinger, especially if it’s stuck in your skin. This will prevent the release of more venom. Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply a cold pack or cloth filled with ice to reduce pain and swelling.
- Try a pain reliever to ease pain from bites or stings.
- Apply a topical cream to ease pain and provide itch relief. Creams containing ingredients such as hydrocortisone, lidocaine or pramoxine may help control pain. Other creams, such as calamine lotion or those containing colloidal oatmeal or baking soda, can help soothe itchy skin.
First Aid for severe reactions
- Severe reactions affect more than just the site of the insect bite and may progress rapidly. Call for emergency medical assistance if the following signs or symptoms occur:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips or throat
- Faintness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hives
- Nausea, cramps and vomiting
Take these actions immediately while waiting with an affected person for medical help:
- Do not panic, but be fast.
- Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don’t give anything to drink.
- Turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking if there’s vomiting or bleeding from the mouth.