Treatment Bites and Stings

 

• Please check one is not allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients.

Treatment:

• Bees may leave a stinger behind. Try to gently scrape the stinger off.
• Wash the wound with soap and water and/or salt water.
• Apply an ice pack or cold water for a few minutes to cool the skin especially if itchy.
• Consider medication.

Aim:

• The aim is to reduce the allergic reaction and let one continue their daily routine.

 

There are a wide range of treatments available.

Antihistamines

• These drugs work by blocking the chemical histamine which is released during an allergic reaction and should be taken when one expects their symptoms for the best results.

Older anti-histamines (can make one drowsy)	Time to Work	Duration of Action
Chlorpheniramine	15 – 20 mins	4-6 hrs

New anti-histamines (can rarely make one drowsy)	Time to Work	Duration of Action
Cetirizine	1 hr	24 hrs
Loratadine	1 hr	24 hrs
Acrivistine	15 – 20 minutes	8 hrs

Please note never to exceed the stated dose and are available in liquids and/or tablets and side effects of anti-histamines are more noticeable in older patients.

Anti-histamine creams

• These creams work by blocking the chemical histamine which is released during an allergic reaction.

Steroidal Cream/ointment

These creams are only used sparingly when one has a flare-up on unbroken skin.

• It can only be used up to seven days and restrictions do apply.
  • Do not apply on:
    • The face
    • Genitals
    • Any orifice i.e. inside mouth, earholes, anus without medical advice.
    • Under sweaty skins/skin folds i.e. armpits, under breasts, big belly folds, without medical advice.
    • Between toes
    • Under bandages or dressings.
    • Any suspected viral infection i.e. cold sores, shingles, genital herpes, chicken pox.
• If one wants to use it outside the restricted rules then one must see a medical doctor for a prescription, because the medical doctor must asses if it is suitable to use.
• They help to reduce redness and inflammation
• Do not use creams/lotions at the same time with steroidal products as this makes the steroid less effective.
• Ointments tend to be used at night or in more severe ‘flare ups’.
• Creams are generally used in mild ‘flare ups’ and are easier to apply.

Witch Hazel (only in bed bugs)

It contains tannins which has:

• Antioxidant properties
• Anti-inflammatory activity
• non anti-inflammatory activity that  fights against bacteria
• Can act as an astringent by drying out the skin
• Always use a high quality forms (many cosmetics contain perfumed products and other additives which may not agree with your skin)- preferably non alcohol and/or contain aloe vera (has antiseptic properties and good for sunburns as well as moisturising properties) and/or hyaluronic acid (act as a good moisturiser)
• It does not help to get rid of itchiness
• It is not be advisable for certain skin conditions, such as rosacea and/or extreme dryness as it can be very drying, which could cause your skin to overproduce oil and worsen blemishes.
• If one have any open skin areas, the product  also cause the skin to burn when applied and/or one may want to use with caution if you have sensitive skin. If one finds condition is getting worst after using witch hazel then stop using it.
• If you’re trying out witch hazel for the first time, it’s a good idea to test it out in a small area of skin away from your face, such as the inside of your arm. If you don’t see any redness, rash, or dryness after a couple of days, then you can try it out on your face.
• Do not apply under the skin directly to help bags under the eye (mix with other creams and/or lotions).
• If using this product and have signs of an allergic/anaphylaxis  reaction, such as problems breathing, hives, facial swelling, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, call for an ambulance and seek emergency medical attention.

Rubbing alcohol/Surgical spirit (only in bed bugs)

• Kills bacteria but doesn’t necessarily prevent their growth (if rubbing alcohol is mixed in with another solution, it must be more of more than half to be effective)
• It can also kill fungus and viruses.
• Never drink rubbing alcohol it can be fatal.
• One should only use it on your skin and never let children use it without supervision.
• Never use rubbing alcohol topically to reduce fever and in hot baths — it’s ineffective as well as alcohol can absorb in the skin and become toxic
• Rubbing alcohol is also highly flammable, so never use it near an open flame or high heat.
• Rubbing alcohol can cause the skin to get very dry as it has anti-stringent properties, it can be very drying to skin so don’t use on any dry areas i.e acne and dry skin eczema , which could cause your skin to overproduce oil and worsen blemishes.
• Applying it after shaving or to open acne areas can cause a burning sensation. Best to avoid as it can cause a chemical burn.
• Best to avoid if one has neurological conditions and/or heart conditions.
• If one finds condition is getting worst after using witch hazel then stop using it.
• If using this product and have signs of an anaphylaxis/allergic reaction, such as problems breathing, hives, facial swelling, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, call for an ambulance and seek emergency medical attention.

Vitamins

• Vitamin B complex
• Quercetin

Herbal

• Apple cider vinegar
• Arnica
• Camphor (itching)
• Devil's claw
• Eucalyptus (tick repllant)
• Lavender
• Lobelia
• Peppermint
• Soapwort
• Tea tree oil