3-rx.comCustomer Support
3-rx.com
   
HomeAbout UsFAQContactHelp
News Center
Health Centers
Medical Encyclopedia
Drugs & Medications
Diseases & Conditions
Medical Symptoms
Med. Tests & Exams
Surgery & Procedures
Injuries & Wounds
Diet & Nutrition
Special Topics



\"$alt_text\"');"); } else { echo"\"$alt_text\""; } ?>






You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Injuries and Wounds > Insect Bites and Stings: Treatment & Monitoring
      Category : Health Centers > Injuries and Safety

Insect Bites and Stings

Insect Bites and Stings | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the injury?

Treatment for tick bites is as follows:

  • Remove the tick's head from under the skin, using tweezers. Removing the tick's head is more important than removing the whole tick.
  • After removing the tick's head, the area should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water. It is important to get rid of bacteria on the skin.
  • If the head of the tick cannot be removed, a person should see a healthcare provider for removal, and for information about Lyme disease .
  • If the sting appears to have been made by a honeybee, try to remove the sting sac. This can be scraped out of the wound with a fingernail or plastic card. Care should be taken not to pinch the sting sac with fingers or tweezers. This will cause more venom to be released.

    Other steps that should be taken after a bite or sting are as follows:

  • washing the wound with soap and lukewarm water
  • covering the site with a clean, dry cloth
  • removing rings and other constricting items
  • keeping the person still
  • watching for serious problems with breathing
  • remaining with the person until medical help arrives
  • Bites by black widow or brown recluse spiders require immediate medical attention because the venom kills the skin tissue around the bite. Also, it is important that the person have an up-to-date tetanus shot. This vaccination is given every 10 years, or more frequently if there is a danger of a wound becoming infected.

    Insect bites or stings can cause anaphylaxis in some people. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that causes breathing difficulties and possible cardiac arrest. If a person appears to be having trouble breathing, call for medical help immediately. In the meantime, keep the person's airway open, and do not let the individual lie down. If he or she carries injectable medicine for treatment of anaphylaxis, it should be given right away. If the person stops breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, at once.

    What are the side effects of the treatments?

    Medicines used to treat insect bites or stings may cause drowsiness and other minor side effects.

    What happens after treatment for the injury?

    Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.


    Previous section

     

    Next section

    Insect Bites and Stings: Prevention & Expectations

     

    Author: James Broomfield, MD
    Reviewer: Sandy Keefe, RN, MSN
    Date Reviewed: 08/22/01



    \"$alt_text\"');"); } else { echo"\"$alt_text\""; } ?>





    Home | About Us | FAQ | Contact | Advertising Policy | Privacy Policy | Bookmark Site