TODAY’S TIP

Taking the Sting Out of Insect Bites

The two greatest risks from most insect stings and bites are infection and allergic reaction, which may occasionally be fatal. Most spiders found in California are harmless, however, with the exception of the black widow.

What to do for common spider bites:

* Wash the area carefully with soap and water. Do this two to three times a day until skin is healed.

* Apply a cold pack, an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, or a cold, wet washcloth.

* Apply a paste of baking soda and water, and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.

* Give acetaminophen for pain.

* To protect against infection, apply an antibiotic ointment and keep hands washed.

If you have any reason to suspect your child has been bitten by a black widow, head to the emergency room. Symptoms include:

* Signs of infection around the bite (swelling or redness).

* Body rash.

* Muscle spasms, tightness and stiffness.

* Abdominal pain.

* Headache or fever.

* General “sick” feeling.

* Lack of appetite.

* Joint pain.

* Pink or red urine.

First aid for bee, wasp, hornet and yellow jacket stings:

* A bee will leave behind a stinger attached to a venom sac. Don’t try to pull it out, because doing so may release more venom. Instead, gently scrape it out with a blunt-edged object, such as a credit card or dull knife.

* Wash the area carefully with soap and water. Do this two or three times a day until the skin is healed.

* Apply a cold pack, an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, or a cold, wet washcloth.

* Apply a paste of baking soda and water, and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.

* Give acetaminophen for pain.

* Other remedies for pain and itching include dabbing on a tiny bit of household ammonia, and taking over-the-counter antihistamine, if your doctor says it’s OK.

Seek emergency care if you see any of the following symptoms, which may indicate an allergic reaction to a sting:

* Large area of swelling.

* Abnormal breathing.

* Tightness in throat and chest.

* Dizziness or fainting.

* Hives.

* Nausea or vomiting.

* Persistent pain or swelling (more than 72 hours).

How to prevent bee stings, spider bites and other insect bites and stings:

* Do not leave food, drinks or garbage out and uncovered. * Avoid wearing perfumes and other floral scents.

* Avoid wearing bright floral patterned clothes, so you don’t look like a flower.

* Do not walk barefoot.

* Shake all shoes, clothing, towels and bedding that have been sitting around. Insects and scorpions may have crawled inside to hide.

* Wear a Medic-Alert bracelet if you are extremely allergic to bee or wasp stings.

* Do not plant shrubs or flowers that attract bees, such as star jasmine or bottle brush, next to swimming pools, decks or patios.

Sources: American Medical Assn., California Poison Control System