Summer Health Flashcards
Outline bites and stings as summer health
- Appears as an itchy, red, swollen weal that may
weep – particularly if scratched open - Symptoms will normally improve within a few hours or days
- Some patients will have a mild allergic reaction – a larger area of the skin around the bite/sting becomes swollen, red and painful. This should pass within a week
- Some patients may have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)
which can potentially be fatal which requires immediate medical treatment
Outline signs and symptoms of an anaphylatic shock
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- A swollen face, mouth or throat
- Being/feeling sick
- Increased heartrate
- Dizziness/feeling faint
- Difficulty swallowing
Outline what to do in presence of an anaphylatic shock
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector if the person has one
- Call 999 for an ambulance immediately
- Remove any trigger if possible
- Lie the person down flat
- Give another injection after 5-15 minutes
Outline when to refer for bites and stings
- Symptoms do not improve within two days/getting worse
- If stung or bitten near mouth/throat/near your eyes
- An area of 10cm or more patch of skin around the bite becomes red or
swollen - Symptoms of a wound infection; pus, pain, swelling or redness
- Raised temperature
Outline a simple way of treatment of bites and stings
- Remove the sting or tick if it is still in the skin
- Wash the affected area with soap and water
- Apply a cold compress to any swelling for at least ten minutes
- Raise or elevate the affected area if possible
- Avoid scratching the area to reduce the risk of infection
Outline 1 treatment option for bites and stings including dose
Insect Repellents
- Repels biting insects
- Contains 50% DEET
- Apply carefully to all exposed clean and dry skin except for eyes and lips
Outline a 2nd treament option for bites and stings including dose
Topical anaesthetics
- For relief of irritation and itching following insect bites
- Contains 3% Benzocaine
- For Adults and children over 12
- Apply a small amount to the affected area up to 3 times a day
Outline a 4th treatment option for bites and stings including dose
Topical corticosteroids
- Reduces swelling and redness of insect bite
reactions
- Contains 1% Hydrocortisone Acetate HC45 cream
- Apply THINLY once to twice a day to affected area for no more than 7 days
- NOT to be used on the face or children under 10
Outline a 5th treatment option for bites and stings
Topical antihistamines
- Symptomatic relief of skin irritation caused by insect bites/stings
- Contains 2% Mepyramine Maleate
- Suitable for children over 2 years old
- Apply directly to the affected
part two or three times
a day for up to three days
Outline lifestyle advice for bites and stings
- Remain calm and move away slowly if you encounter wasps, hornets or
bees - Cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers
- Wear shoes when outdoors
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin – 50% DEET
- Avoid strongly perfumed scents
Outline hay fever
- An allergic reaction to pollen – typically when it comes into contact
with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat - The reaction normally takes place in the upper respiratory tract – the
nose, sinuses and throat
Outline what causes hay fever (Seasonal allergic rhinitis)
- Pollen is produced at different times of the year dependent on the
source. A person can be allergic to more than one type of pollen
Tree – February to June
Grass – May to August
Weeds – August to October
Moulds –November to January
Outline signs and symptoms of hayfever
- Sneezing and coughing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- Pain around your temples and forehead
Outline when to refer for hayfever
- Symptoms do not respond to over the counter treatments
- Symptoms get progressively worse
- Pregnant/breast-feeding women
- If you suspect a severe reaction (think anaphylactic symptoms)
Outline treatment options for hayfever
- Block the affect of histamine and relieves most allergy symptoms
- Quick onset of action
Two types:
1. Sedating antihistamines
2. Non-sedating antihistamines
