At The Academy, we take Health and Safety very seriously. Other than providing healthy balanced meals and ample outside time, we love to offer you information on taking care of yourself and your family outside of school hours.
Here's some great information on recognizing certain bug types and their bites, as well as the perfect way to treat them, whether you are indoor or outdoor.
There’s no shortage of bugs in the great outdoors. Here’s how to recognize their bites and stings:
- Mosquito Bites
Small, itchy red bumps often appear immediately after the bite. For some people, the bites may swell and become more irritated.
- Tick Bites
Usually painless, tick bites often appear as small red marks, sometimes accompanied by the tick still attached to the skin. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, so early detection is critical.
- Bee and Wasp Stings
Painful stings that cause swelling, redness, and sometimes a white welt where the sting occurred. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can cause difficulty breathing and need immediate medical attention.
- Spider Bites
Reddened skin, irritation, and a small puncture wound may indicate a spider bite. Certain spiders like the black widow or brown recluse may also cause systemic symptoms like muscle pain or fever.
Treating Bug Bites and Stings
Once you’ve identified the culprit, follow these steps to treat the bite or sting:
- Wash the Area
Clean the affected area with soap and water to remove bacteria or venom that might cause irritation or infection.
- Reduce Swelling with Ice
Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and inflammation. Leave it on for 15 minutes at a time.
- Apply Anti-Itch Creams or Lotions
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or antihistamine creams can help soothe itching and discomfort. For severe itching, oral antihistamines like Benadryl can also be effective.
- Remove Stingers or Ticks Carefully
- For stingers (such as from bees), scrape it out gently with a flat object like a credit card.
- For ticks, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out without twisting. Clean the bite afterward.
- Monitor for Allergic Reactions
Watch for symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or widespread rash. If these occur, seek emergency help immediately and use an epinephrine injector if available.
