With the warmer season upon us, many of us will be spending a lot of time outdoors. Warmer weather also means we have to be vigilant in the safety of ourselves as well as those around us, particularly children. Angie Wallace, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner at Keystone Pediatrics Waynesboro, shares a few ways to stay healthy and reduce the risk of harm.
Bug Safety
How can you lower your risk of being stung or bitten?
You can lower your risk of being bitten by an insect by wearing shoes, long pants and a long sleeved shirt when going outside. Caution can also be taken by applying an insect repellent lightly to exposed skin or clothing (not under clothing), and a thin layer can be applied to the face. Care should be taken to not get the repellent into your eyes or mouth and your hands should be washed after application.
If using sunscreen, it should be applied before insect repellent. Sunscreen and insect repellent combinations are not recommended for children due to the frequency of application necessary for sunscreen. Insect repellent does not need to be frequently applied. DEET is just one example of an insect repellent and is considered the most effective. Insect repellent containing DEET should not be used for children younger than 2 months of age. Repellents with 10%-30% DEET should be safe and effective for older infants and children. They should be used according to the directions on the product’s labels and should be washed off when no longer necessary.
Insect repellent will not protect you against stinging insects as they sting for self-defense. Therefore, not provoking these insects or avoiding them as much as possible is best. Wear shoes so that bees are not stepped upon. Clean up spills and cover food outside so that bees are not attracted. Call a pest control professional if a bee hive is found.
Staying inside during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active will reduce your risk of being bitten. Drain areas of standing water (i.e. wading pools and buckets) as mosquitoes use these areas to breed. Keeping exposed skin covered will also reduce your risk of being bitten or stung by an insect.
How can you avoid a tick bite?
Ticks are very prevalent in this region. Precautions should be taken to cover exposed skin by wearing long pants tucked into tall socks when in grassy or wooded areas. Skin should always be checked for ticks after being outside in an area where ticks may be present. If a tick is found, gently remove it with tweezers. A tick must be attached for several hours in order to cause infection (i.e. Lyme Disease). If the tick cannot be removed, a rash develops at the bite site, or there are concerns about how long the tick was attached to the skin, it is recommended to see your Primary Care Provider for an evaluation.
How can you soothe a bug bite?
If stung, all of the venom is released from the stinger within the first few seconds, so the stinger should be removed as quickly as possible. Bites should be cleaned with soap and cool water. A cool damp cloth applied to the bite could help soothe it. An anti-itch medication could be taken or applied, and pain medication could be taken for pain. Avoid scratching at the site. If the bite area should become red, swollen, hot to the touch, very painful or oozing, it should be evaluated by your Primary Care Provider.
What should you do if someone is having an allergic reaction?
If someone is having an allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis, 911 should be called immediately. Anaphylaxis is a reaction causing difficulty breathing, wheezing, hoarse voice, swelling of the hands, feet, face, eyelids and/or ears, nausea, vomiting, stomachache, dizziness or fainting. After ensuring an emergency response team is on its way, Benadryl may be given if available.
This article contains general information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or care by a qualified health care provider.
