Today we are going to be placing our concern on the fastest way to get relieved from the bites and stings of insects,spiders and snakes
Obviously,we are in the raining season so I thought it's nothing but right to write on this
I hope you read to the end and also like and leave a comment/suggestions
So let me tell u a brief story
what my grandmother did when someone has been stung, back then in the village
She would force the person to eat bitterkola
a whole lot of bitterkola, and she would tie the area where the person has been bitten and cut the area and also suck out the venom
After sucking it out she would then crush the bitterkola and apply on the spot and let the person rest
Imagine the pain
Well that's why I'm here to teach you on how to take care of a sting or bite
So let's get started
Firstly,not all bites or stings are the same. You will need different first aid treatment and medical care depending on what type of creature has bitten or stung you. Some species can cause more harm than others
Here’s how to recognize and treat the symptoms of bites and stings from insects, spiders, and snakes.
Insects
Nearly everyone has been bitten or stung by an insect at one time or another. Whether you’ve been attacked by a mosquito, fly, bee, wasp, ant.Insect bites and stings usually cause a mild reaction. Your body reacts to venom that insects inject into you or transfer to your body through their saliva. This can result in symptoms at the site of the bite or sting, such as:
redness
swelling
pain
itching
The severity of your symptoms can vary, depending on the type of insect that bites or stings you.
First aid treatment
Wash the area of the bite with soap and water.
Place a cold compress or ice pack on the area for about 10 minutes at a time to help reduce pain and swelling. Wrap any avalible ice from the fridge in a clean cloth to protect the skin.
Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the area several times a day to help relieve itching and pain
You can also use any antihistamine cream or lotion getting from the pharmacy
Spiders
Most spider bites are relatively harmless. Anywhere from several hours to a day after you get bitten, you may notice symptoms similar to those of an insect sting or bite. At the site of the bite, you may experience:
redness
swelling
pain
itching
Some types of spiders can cause more serious reactions, including black widow and brown recluse spiders. If you know what to look for, it’s easy to identify both of these species.
Fully grown black widow spiders are about 1/2-inch long. They have a black body with a red hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomen.
Brown recluse spider bites cause damage to your skin. Within about eight hours of being bitten, you will experience redness and intense pain at the site of the bite. Over time, a blister will develop. When the blister breaks down, it will leave a deep ulcer in your skin, which can become infected. You also may develop symptoms such as fever, rash, and nausea.
First aid treatment
If you suspect that someone has been bitten by a brown recluse or black widow spider, help them get medical treatment immediately and follow the steps in the section. Otherwise, treat their spider bite like you would most insect bites and stings:
• Wash the area of the bite with soap and water.
• Place a cold compress or ice pack on the area for about 10 minutes to help reduce pain and swelling. Wrap any ice or ice packs in a clean cloth to protect their skin.
• Apply calamine lotion or a paste of baking soda and water to the injured area to help relieve itching and pain.
• And also apply an antihistamine cream if avaliable
Emergency treatment for a brown recluse or black widow spider bite
If you suspect that someone has been bitten by a brown recluse or black widow spider get them emergency medical treatment immediately.
• Clean the area of the bite with soap and water.
• Encourage them to remain calm and still to reduce the spread of venom.
• Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area of the bite. Wrap ice or ice packs in a clean cloth to protect their skin.
• If you can do so safely, take a description or picture of the spider that bit them. This can help medical professionals identify it and choose an appropriate course of treatment.
• Avoid giving them anything to drink or eat
Snakes
While many snakes are harmless, the bite of some species can be poisonous and even deadly.
Symptoms of a poisonous snake bite can vary, depending on the type of snake. They include;
• weakness
• dizziness
• fainting
• convulsions
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• rapid pulse
• loss of muscle coordination
• swelling in the area of the bite
A poisonous snake bite is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment can minimize symptoms and promote recovery.
First aid treatment for mild bites
If someone has been bitten by a snake, and you suspect it may be poisonous, help them get emergency medical treatment and follow the steps in the next session. If you know the snake wasn’t poisonous, treat the area of the bite for bleeding and other symptoms:
• Use a clean cloth or gauze to apply pressure to the area until bleeding stops.
• Clean the area with soap and water.
• Apply an antibiotic cream to help ward off infection.
• Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or gauze to protect it while it heals.
If the person is experiencing severe bleeding, help them get emergency medical treatment. Continue to apply new layers of cloth to the bleeding area(to keep pressure on the wound) on top of layers that have been soaked through with blood. Removing old layers can make the bleeding worsel
• Encourage them to remain calm, lie down quietly, and stay still. Movement can cause the venom to spread through their body more quickly.
• Remove tight jewelry or clothing around the site of the bite, since swelling may occur.
• If they develop pale and clammy skin, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, or increased heart rate, treat them for shock. Give them a blanket or extra layer of clothing to stay warm.
• If you can do so safely, take a description or picture of the snake that bit them. This can help medical professionals identify the snake and an appropriate course of treatment.
To avoid making things worse, do not:
endanger yourself by trying to capture the snake instead;
• wash the site of the bite, since residual venom can help medical professionals identify the type of snake and proper treatment
• apply a cold compress to the site of the bite
• raise the bitten area above the level of their heart
• cut or suck the site of the bite
• give the person anything to eat or drink
• give the person any pain relieving medication.
Research Credit:- Dr. Jacinta Ugoigwe
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