The good weather in summer invites you to do multitude of outdoor activities. Excursions through the countryside, camping, picnics, terrace nights and swimming in the sea or the pool are activities that both children and adults enjoy enormously.
But, the summer heat also brings us a series of animals with which we must live during these summer months. As you may have already guessed, we talk about insects, arachnids or other typical summer animals, whose bites can become quite annoying or cause serious reactions in some people. In fact, bites are one of the most frequent reasons for consultation in summer. That is why it is important to know how to prevent and treat them in both children and adults.
What do I do if my child is bitten?
When we suffer a sting, there is a reaction whose severity varies depending on the animal that has bitten us and the reactivity of each person. So it is very important that we try to identify the responsible animal to be able to follow the appropriate treatment.
Mosquito bites
Mosquito bites are the most frequent. They usually cause hives that are itchy and last a couple of days. They are usually not serious, but sometimes large local reactions such as swelling, red spots, increased local temperature, blisters, or other reactions occur after hours and last for days or weeks. If the reaction is very intense, it is best to consult your doctor to prescribe the appropriate treatment.
In normal bites the most effective remedies are:
- Ice. Applied immediately, it causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels, exerting an anti-inflammatory and anesthetic effect.
- Ammonia. In the pharmacy they sell bars with ammonia whose effect is to neutralize the poison. They relieve itching quickly but have the disadvantage that if they are not applied immediately after the bite, their effectiveness decreases.
- Topical antihistamines. In the pharmacy you can find them in different formats. Creams, gels, roll-on. They are quite effective in relieving itching but you have to be careful as they can have a photosensitizing effect.
- Topical corticosteroids. In addition to being effective against itching, they are anti-inflammatory. In children it is not convenient to abuse them, but sometimes they are the only alternative in cases of very inflamed or reddened bites. You have to be careful with the sun as they can give photosensitivity reactions.
- Oral antihistamines. In case of very intense reactions or excessive itching, the doctor may prescribe an antihistamine by mouth.
Wasp and bee stings
Normally they do not present complications, but it will depend on the age of the child and the area of the body where the bite was received. The most dangerous areas are those of the mouth and throat, so it is advisable to go to the doctor if this happens.
Treatment is the same as for mosquito bites except that bees usually leave the stinger in the area of the sting and it must be removed pushing it from the base with a needle.
We must also be attentive to local reactions since if they are very intense they can be a warning of possible serious allergic reactions in the future. If any abnormal reaction such as swelling even in areas far from the bites, difficulty breathing or general discomfort, you must go immediately to the emergency room.
Spiders, ticks, scorpions, and other wild animals
The bites of these animals are not usually so frequent, but it does not hurt to know them and know what to do in case of suffering them.
The spider bite presents two specks of blood separated from each other and surrounded by a halo. Common house spider bites are not usually serious and can be treated with the remedies mentioned above.
Dangerous spiders include the black widow, which is often found in dark, damp areas such as basements, garages, tree trunks, or under rocks. They are typical of the Mediterranean and Andalusian areas. Its sting is very painful. In case of being bitten by a black widow must be washed with water, apply local cold and go immediately to the emergency room.
Scorpions and scorpions are usually found in the field under rocks or in the sand, although their adaptability is such that they can be seen almost anywhere. Its sting is very painful and can cause general discomfort, muscle cramps, numbness of limbs or other more serious reactions. In case of being bitten by a scorpion or scorpion, you must go immediately to the emergency room.
Ticks lie in vegetation waiting for a host to attach to. Its sting does not cause pain since its saliva has anesthetic substances. Sometimes it can cause itching or a slight redness that can become infected. They tend to have a preference for areas with folds such as English or armpits, although you can find them in any other area.
Some species can transmit diseases, although it is Spain and the risk of infection is low.
If you find a tick on the skin, you should not pull it and tear it off, nor press it since its jaws can be inside the skin. It is best to try to remove it with tweezers in the area closest to the skin with slow and gentle movements. TAfter extraction, you have to wash the area and apply an antiseptic. If you are not sure you can remove it, it is best to go to the nearest health center.
You should be attentive to any symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headaches or infection in the area and go to the doctor in case any of them appear.
How to prevent bites in summer?
- Wear inconspicuous colored clothing. If you go to the countryside or areas with a lot of vegetation, try to wear pants and long sleeves.
- Avoid using perfumes or creams with a strong smell
- Use insect repellants appropriate to the age of your children and the area in which you are.
- Put screens on the windows or electric repellants.
- Avoid walking in humid areas at dusk and at night.
- Teach your children not to lift stones or remove vegetation in unknown places as they may find a poisonous animal.
- For collars and antiparasitic pipettes to your pets.
- Keep the house clean and tidy to prevent insects from nesting.