4 minute read
TACKLING BITES AND STINGS
The British countryside has been a great source of comfort for everyone lucky enough to be able to access it throughout the various lockdowns over the past year. It is a place of beauty and can provide a much-needed boost to our physical and mental health. As restrictions ease more people are likely to be venturing out so it is a good time to remind everyone to be prepared when they do. It is hardly a jungle out there, but it pays to be aware of elements of nature that can cause pain. Here are some to look out for this summer.
Bees, hornets and wasps wasps
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Sadly, an estimated two to nine people die every year in the UK after being stung by a bee or its similar fliers the hornet and the wasp. However, this isn’t usually down to the sting itself, which is a sharp sensation like a pinprick, it is linked to anaphylactic shock in people with certain allergies. If symtoms occur, such as difficulty breathing, swollen face, mouth or throat; dizziness or feeling faint dial 999 immediately.
In most cases, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent harm. If you have been stung while out and about or even just in your garden move away calmly in case there are other insects around. Honeybees and wasps produce a pheromone (a chemical “smell”) that attracts others of the same species to join in.
Check that the stinger isn’t in your skin. If it is, gently remove it by scraping with a credit card or something similar. Don’t pinch it or you may spread the venom. Wash the area with soap and water and apply a cold compress to any swelling for at least 10 minutes. Raise or elevate the affected area if possible to help reduce swelling.
If in pain take painkillers such as paracetomol or ibruprofen. Ask your pharmacist for creams and antihistamine tablets to relieve any itching.
Ticks
These tiny terrors are barely larger than a pinprick with eight legs and a small head that contain needle-like biters. They lurk in the long grass of fields and meadows waiting for unsuspecting, warm-blooded prey to latch on to. However, the bite isn’t the problem. Ticks are one of the most common insect transmitters of Lyme Disease, a potentially debilitating condition that can cause skin rashes, joint swelling and even heart issues. Luckily, not all ticks carry Lyme. However, it’s good to be vigilant, so try to cover legs and ankles if you know you’ll be walking in long grass and carry a pair of tweezers or tick removal tool to get any ticks off fast (for dogs and humans alike).
Mosquitoes and horseflies
Mosquito and horsefly bites are a little different, but both can be unbearably itchy. Bites from mosquitoes can cause small red lumps on your skin and some people may develop fluid-filled blisters.
Horsefly bites are similar where the bitten area will usually be red and raised, they are often considered more painful than mosquito bites – but neither are very nice. Similar to stings, you should try to keep the area clean with soap and water or an antibacterial wipe if you’re out exploring.
Stinging nettles and poisonous plants
Most people have been stung by nettles at some point. The small hairs on the leaves of the nettles penetrate the skin causing an immediate burning sensation as well as itching and a rash, which is often very uncomfortable.
To treat a stinging nettle sting, use soap, milk or a dilute solution of baking soda. However, if you don’t have any of these to hand while exploring you can always try the trusted dock leaf, which usually grow near to nettles.
There are also some poisonous plants in Britain and foxgloves are among the most common. Although they may look pretty, foxgloves are potentially deadly. Naturally occurring toxins and pollen distributed by foxgloves can have a negative effect on breathing if you get too close. If inhaled, symptoms can include dilated pupils, vomiting, abnormal heart rate and tremors. Seek medical attention immediately if any symptoms occur.
Weever fish
Small but often painful, the weever fish can be so annoying for the British seaside holidaymaker. These small, very well camouflaged fish spend their time in the shallows of beaches. With long, needle-like spines all down their back, they can inflict a severe pain often to people’s feet when paddling in the sea.
As they say, prevention is better than cure, so one way to reduce the risk of weaver fish stings is to wear proper foot protection when in the sea. However, if you do get stung the best thing to do is submerge the wound in hot water as the high temperature is thought to break down the components in the venom. Lifeguards are often well-equipped to deal with these nasty stings so it’s a good idea to consult them if you can.
