What should you put on bites

Clean the site of the bite with disinfectant. Traditional methods of tick removal using a burned match, petroleum jelly, or nail polish do not work well and are not recommended. One type of tick carries a germ called Borrelia burgdorferi which causes Lyme disease. See the separate leaflet called Lyme Disease.

Tick-borne encephalitis is usually spread by bites from ticks which are infected with a virus. The infection often causes a flu-like illness that lasts about a week.

This may progress to inflammation of the brain encephalitis or inflammation of the tissues around the brain meningitis. Tick-borne encephalitis is uncommon in the UK but is increasingly widespread across Europe. See the separate leaflet called Tick-borne Encephalitis Immunisation for more information. Diagnosis and management of hymenoptera venom allergy - guidelines ; British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol.

Allergy Asthma Proc. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. Pucci S, D'Alo S, De Pasquale T, et al ; Risk of anaphylaxis in patients with large local reactions to hymenoptera stings: a retrospective and prospective study. Clin Mol Allergy. I'm worried about falling asleep. Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.

Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions. In this series. In this series: Jellyfish Sting. In this series Jellyfish Sting. In this article Insect stings Insect bites How do you know if a bite or sting is infected?

Allergies to insect stings Preventing insect bites and stings. Call an ambulance immediately. If you have been issued with an adrenaline epinephrine pen, use it as directed straightaway. You must however still call an ambulance. You may be given oxygen and injections of adrenaline epinephrine , steroids and antihistamines in hospital to counter the allergic reaction.

Some people require a fluid 'drip' and other intensive resuscitation. Suffer from dermatitis? Book a private appointment with a local pharmacist today to discover treatment options Book now. A word on Lyme disease If you're bitten by a tick, you may develop a 'bull's-eye' rash over several days. Cover exposed skin as much as possible by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks and closed shoes instead of sandals.

For additional protection, pull your socks up over your pants and tuck your shirt into your pants. You can also pre-treat outer layers of clothing with insect repellent containing the active ingredient Permethrin. Follow the directions carefully and allow the clothes to dry for at least two hours before wearing them. Use bed nets. If sleeping in the great outdoors, use bed nets to protect against mosquitoes.

Look for one that has been pre-treated with pyrethroid insecticide. Pay attention to outbreaks. Fortunately, most bug bites and stings can be safely treated at home. For painful bites , such as a bee sting, take an over-the-counter painkiller, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always follow the directions on the label and use the correct dose. For bites that itch , apply an ice pack or an over-the-counter anti-itch cream, such as hydrocortisone.

Another option is to take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine. If you experience any serious symptoms after a bug bite, such as a rash, fever, or body aches, see your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist immediately.

Sprinkle 1 cup of oatmeal or ground oats into a bathtub full of warm water. Soak in the oatmeal bath for 20 minutes, occasionally rubbing some of the clumped oatmeal onto irritated areas of your skin.

Cold temperatures and ice can reduce inflammation. The cold also numbs the skin, which can give you immediate but short-term relief.

The Mayo Clinic recommends using a cold pack or a bag filled with crushed ice to relieve the itching caused by a mosquito bite. You can also put a barrier, such as a washcloth, between your skin and the ice so you can leave the ice on the bite longer.

This sugary sweet substance is a common pick among home-remedy enthusiasts because it has many antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for hundreds of years as a treatment for ailments like sore throats to bumps and bruises. A small drop on an itchy bite can reduce the inflammation. It should reduce your temptation to itch, as itching skin covered in honey can create a sticky mess.

A common household plant, aloe vera has many uses beyond shelf decoration. The gel has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to heal minor wounds or calm infections. To try this, cut open a small section of the plant. Let it dry, and apply again as needed. Found in virtually every kitchen, baking soda has a multitude of uses — from baking bread to clearing drains.

Otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda may also provide relief from a mosquito bite. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with just enough water to create a paste.

Apply it to the bug bite, and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing it away. The fragrant basil plant is a key ingredient of many of your favorite Italian recipes, but it does double duty as a mosquito-bite remedy.

Studies suggest that a chemical compound called eugenol, which is found in basil, could relieve itchy skin. To make a basil rub, boil 2 cups of water and add half an ounce of dried basil leaves.

Then dip a washcloth into the liquid, and rub it gently on your mosquito bites. Alternately, you can chop some fresh basil leaves up until very fine, and rub them on to your skin. For centuries, apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural remedy to treat many medical conditions, from infections to blood glucose problems.

If you have an itchy bite, dab a drop of vinegar on it. The vinegar can help reduce stinging and burning sensations. If you need more relief, try soaking a washcloth in cold water and vinegar, and then applying it to the bite. If you have many bites, dilute 2 cups of vinegar in a tepid bath and soak for 20 minutes.

Beware, a hot bath may make itching worse. Not only can onions bring tears to your eyes, they can bring relief to your mosquito bites. Onions also have a natural antifungal property that can reduce your risk for an infection. Rinse and wash the area well after you remove the onion. The petite leaves of the thyme plant are delicious on potatoes, fish, and more. They may also help ease the itching of a mosquito bite. Thyme has antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it can help reduce your risk of irritating and infecting the skin around a mosquito bite.

To get the most benefit from thyme, finely mince the leaves. You can apply the leaves directly to your bite, and let them sit for 10 minutes. You can also make a concentrated liquid by bringing water to boil, and adding several sprigs of thyme. Let the sprigs steep until the water is cooled. Then dip a washcloth into the thyme-infused water, and apply to the bites.

Leave the washcloth in place for a few minutes.