Bug Bite Relief
After a blissful weekend at the cabin, many of us return home with constant itching and scratching from bug bites. What can you do to prevent these bites and how do you know when to worry? And what steps should you follow to experience bug bite relief?
Most bug bites are pesky and bothersome, but are not worrisome from a medical standpoint. You can easily treated them at home with hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine to help alleviate the itching. If a bite is persistent, accompanied by a rash or is super itchy or painful – come see us.
If you experience breathing difficulties, facial swelling, chest pain, feeling dizzy or your heart racing after being bitten or stung, act quickly. You must go to an emergency department immediately. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease are both infections that come from mosquito or tick bites and must be treated immediately.
To help prevent bug bites, we recommend using insect repellent with Picaridin or Deet as their active ingredients, or if you are going to be in a heavily wooded area with risk for ticks it is a good idea to treat your clothing with Permethrin before your trip. Wearing long sleeves and long pants can help reduce your risk of having a bug bite. Additionally, avoiding fragrant personal products like shampoos, perfumes and body lotions can be helpful.
If you have been bitten by a bug and have itchy spots or a rash, call our offices today to be seen by one of our medical providers. Often times, a simple prescription can help reduce your itching.