An increasing number of people are becoming inflicted with insect bites, and painful insect stings each year. The reason for this is that insects are often found in and around. A bite from a tick, flea, or other such creature can lead to serious illness or even death in some cases.
Insect bites can take many forms. They can be very mild and barely noticeable, while other types can be excruciating. Insect bites should never be ignored as they may lead to a serious condition such as encephalitis, which is a life-threatening disease. If insect bites lead to an encephalitis attack, they may not be cured by conventional treatment methods. Some alternative treatments, though, are available.
To date, there have been no known cures for this severe health condition. The most effective treatment methods involve using an antihistamine. This type of medicine blocks the production of histamines in the body that cause the reaction associated with insect bites. As histamines are produced when a foreign body or substance threatens the body, the medication used for allergy shots works by blocking the reaction. Some experts believe that shot allergy treatments may actually be more effective than the bite itself since the shot can trigger the same reaction in a person who is not allergic to insects.
One type of insect bite therapy that has been successful is using citronella oil. This plant ingredient is commonly used for stink bug control. According to experts, a small quantity of citronella oil placed on the bite can prevent itching, swelling, and inflammation caused by insect bites. The same remedy can also be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the bites.
A more common home remedy used for insect bites is vinegar. Vinegar has antiseptic properties and can help relieve the pain caused by insect bites. You need to dilute the vinegar with water first before applying it to the bite. However, this type of remedy should not be used for long periods as it might aggravate swelling and irritation. Some experts also suggest that if you are prone to insect bites, you may want to consider wearing a special pair of gloves that cover your hands and forearms when handling insect bites.
Another insect sting treatment that is commonly used is calamine lotion. Although this treatment has proven effective against bites by bees, it has been said to have little effect on bites by other insects such as wasps and hornets. Some experts recommend that no medication can provide instant relief aside from antivenin when an insect bite occurs. Instead of opting for expensive medical procedures, you may want to try a natural treatment first before deciding on using prescription medicines.
If you are wondering how you can get rid of these annoying insects in the first place, consulting your physician is highly recommended. In fact, consulting your physician about insect bites early on can help you prevent further bites from happening. Your doctor can advise what you should do to prevent insect bites or what you should do when one happens. You can always visit their website to schedule a consultation.
When it comes to home remedies, there are many options available for you to treat yourself. You can use ice or cold compresses to relieve the pain from bites. You can also apply ice packs directly to the area or take an ice cube or an ice bag apart and wrap it in a cloth to ease the pain. Applying lemon juice to the bite can also help relieve the itchiness caused by bites. And to make things even better, applying petroleum jelly after the bite can provide some comfort and prevent swelling.