How to be safe from Bites, Stings, and Rashes

This article on “How to be safe from bites, stings, and rashes” will help each of us, our children, family and friends be safe as possible during the spring and summer seasons.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Prevention
• Snake Bites
• Animal Bites
• Insect Stings
• Poisonous Plants

1. 

   The best prevention is to do whatever necessary to prevent bites, stings and rashes. However, most of the time, this is not possible, but there are a few things we can do to ward off these potentially dangerous and harmful predators.
   
   When traveling get advices on the area to see if malaria, rabies, or other infectious diseases or poisonous creatures pose a health risk. If they do, take preventive measure, e.g. vaccines and or other medicines. Wear light but not bright colored clothing; avoid perfumes, colognes, scented soaps and cosmetics (yeah right to cosmetics).

2. 

   Generally, if you have been bitten by a snake, you will know it. If you have been bitten and you are not sure if it is poisonous or not SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IMMEDIATELY!
   Wash the bite with soap and water, immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than your heart. DO NOT use a tourniquet, DO NOT use ice or cold compress and DO NOT cut near the wound and try to suck the poison out.

3. 

   Animal bites can vary; some may be deep while others may be only a scratch. If you develop fever or chills, redness and warmth at the site of the bite, a lot of swelling or pus draining, this is usually an indication that the bite has become infected. If bleeding is severe, apply direct pressure with a clean dry cloth and SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IMMEDIATELY! If it is not severe, wash the area with mild soap and water and cover with a clean dressing. Make sure to watch and observe the site over the next couple of days for any signs of infection.

4. 

   A sting can hurt more than a bite and is usually noticed right away. Stings can be very dangerous especially if you are allergic to certain insects. In severe cases the allergic reaction can cause anaphylactic shock. Symptoms are hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing and overall fatigue or weakness.
   If you suspect you or someone you know is having this type of reaction, SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IMMEDIATELY!
   If you can see the stinger, gently remove it without squeezing or using tweezers. Gently scrape a flat object across the skin with a sideways motion, then clean the area to prevent possible infection.

5. 

   Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac all have oil called urushiol. When urushiol comes into contact with the skin, it results in a rash. The rash appears generally within 12-48 hours after exposure to the plant oil. Redness and swelling are followed by blisters and severe itching. Generally, it takes about 10 days to heal. If you experience weakness, dizziness bluish mouth or lips, or swelling of the throat and tongue, SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IMMEDIATELY!

Tips & Warnings

• Wear insect repellent containing 12% to 25% DEET.
• Apply DEET directly on your clothing.
• Reapply DEET as necessary.
• Know and avoid poisonous plants.
• Check your skin and clothes daily for ticks, suspicious stings and bites.
• Do not use DEET on open wounds, sores, or cuts.

[lovelights]

on 9/25/2009 Very informative and well-written. I have a daughter that is allergic to bee stings and has to carry a bee kit with her. 5* article. :)

[lmccray4]

on 9/22/2009 Useful information, well written. 5* and recommendation

[eyota53]

on 9/21/2009 Very informative article! In the case of poison Ivy, Wash with soapy water EVERYTHING that has come in contact with the plant... bicycle, tennis shoes,etc.. the oils can linger on these items and cause the rash to keep coming back. 5* and 1 rec!

[alexew]

on 9/21/2009 This is a great article! Nicely done.

[hradcliffe]

on 9/21/2009 Well written and great pictures. 5* and rec.