Monday, August 20, 2012

Insect Bites and Stings: Tips and Remedies



Have you ever been be attacked by a bee or a mosquito?  Well that is a silly question because we all know that we have.  But what do we do when it happens? 

I would like to share with you some things I discovered from The Old Farmer's Almanac.

Bee Stings:

  1. If you have a history of bad reactions to insect stings, call emergency medical services.
  2. If the stinger is still in the wound do not pinch it to get it out.  If you do you may squeeze more venom into the wound.
  3. Gently scrape the skin with a credit card, your thumbnail or a blunt knife.
  4. Apply ice or a cold pack to help reduce the swelling.
  5. Clean the area with soap and water and apply a hydrocortisone cream or a mixture of baking soda and water.
Mosquito Bites:

  1. Males only feed on nectar.  The female nourish their developing eggs with protein rich blood.
  2. They prefer to bite ankles and wrist.  The blood vessels are nearer to the skin's surface.
  3. They spit an anticoagulant under the victims skin, leaving us with whatever disease they are carrying.
  4. Lemon Eucalyptus oil can be used to repel mosquitoes.
  5. Coll the area of the bite to constrict the capillaries near the skin's surface and reduce swelling. 
  6. Do not scratch the bite.  This will only make it worst.
  7. To eliminate the itch, rub with  a meat tenderizer or lemon juice.
  8. White vinegar is another remedy to relieving the itch of insect bites.  Apply it in full strength.  Do not use vinegar if the area is raw.
This is not intended to be medical advice.

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