Her Check-Up: Treating An Insect Bite

With summer holidays and foreign travels on the horizon, the chances of escaping every wasp or mosquito that will cross your path is pretty slim. While most people won’t necessarily notice a bite, some reactions can be stronger than others. If you’re out and about and notice a prick on your skin, here’s how you can treat an insect bite. What symptoms should you expect from an insect bite? If you have been bitten by a mosquito, or stung by a wasp or bee, look out for:

• redness and soreness
• mild burning
• localised and minor swelling or pain
• itching

How do you treat an insect bite? Most insect bites or stings will result in redness and itchiness of the area. While most stings heal themselves within a number of hours, most minor bites and stings can be treated by:

• Remove the venom from the area, being careful not to spread the infection
• Wash the affected area with anti-bacteria soap and water
• Use a cloth, cooled with water, and place over the affected area to reduce swelling and stinging
• Refrain from scratching the area to keep it from becoming infected
• Use an over-the-counter anaesthetic cream to reduce inflammation or risk of infection

What should you do if the swelling doesn’t go down? If the swelling persists, take paracetamol or ask your pharmacist to recommend an antihistamine. If your symptoms persist or worsen, see your GP. If you have an allergic reaction to a bite or sting, seek medical help immediately.