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Bites and stings E-mail
Written by Dr. Bhatti   
Wednesday, 22 August 2007

Essential oils of lavender and eucalyptus can help reduce the swelling and sooth the irritation of bites and stings, writes Dr Bhatti

Stings and bites can be washed straight away with warm soapy water or with alcohol to remove germs and clean the surrounding area. Ice can be applied if necessary to prevent swelling. Wasp venom is alkaline, which is why sometimes onion juice is used to reduce the swelling. Ant bites and bee stings are more acidic in nature, so for these you want to neutralize the effect of the venom and a paste of plain baking soda and cold water can be used. Freshly cut cucumber is particularly successful with ant bites. Comfrey ointment is often used as a soothing balm, especially if the area becomes very swollen. Applying a wet black tea bag to the affected area may help because the tannic acid in tea may help reduce swelling.
 
An old home remedy for drawing out a wasp or bee sting was to apply stale bread that has been soaked in milk as a poultice until the sting has been drawn out. Mud or clay paste was also used as a poultice. Daily garlic or supplements of garlic can help keep insects away. Perfumes, hair spray and bright colours attract most insects (although mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours). Essential oils of lavender and eucalyptus can help reduce swelling and sooth irritation. Calamine lotion is traditionally used for calming reactions to bites. Consult your pharmacist for expert advice.
 
People react differently to bites and stings. Reactions to mosquito bites vary considerably. Some people will have only a small area of redness, swelling and itching, which typically goes away within 24 hours. Others may have a larger area of itching, sometimes the size of a grapefruit in highly sensitive individuals, which may require medical attention. This swelling may last for days and even leave a red mark for weeks even after the swelling has gone. To avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, stay away from marshes and avoid going out when mosquitoes are most active, which is at dawn and dusk and just after rain. Avoid stagnant water, which attracts mosquitoes, as this is where they lay their eggs, for example ponds, puddles and any other pockets of water. Wear protective clothing and use a repellent.
 
Some people may have a serious reaction to bites and stings. Their throat may swell, hives will develop and they may start wheezing. This life-threatening condition (anaphylaxis) requires immediate medical attention. Your health care practitioner may recommend antihistamines for itching and swelling. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if infection is present. If the reaction is serious enough that a hospital visit is warranted, antihistamines may be given intravenously and epinephrine (adrenaline) may be administered. Your doctor or a specialist may advise you to carry an adrenaline injection at all times in case of an emergency.
 
Always consult your GP before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. If you would like a topic covered, contact The Clinic of Complementary and Natural Medicine, Kiltartan House, Forster St., Galway on 091- 568804.
 
Dr H Bhatti is the President of the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners and can be contacted at his clinics at Kiltartan House, Forster Street, Galway on 091 568804 or at The Village Nursing Care Centre, Ballygarriff, Craughwell on 091-777700.


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