insect bites and stings Flashcards
what is an insect bite?
tend to involve the injection of insect saliva into the body causing a local allergic reaction
what is an insect sting?
involve the injection of mild poisons causing initial pain and inflammation.
symptoms of insect bites and stings
local redness, itching and swelling
what is anaphylaxis?
the body’s immune system makes antibodies against the allergen and the next time the person is stung , the immune system goes into over-drive and can cause fatal symptoms.
symptoms of anaphylaxis
facial swelling (lips and eyes), panic/anxiety, itchy and swollen tongue, nausea, rash, unconscious or collapse, itchiness in skin and eyes and difficulty breathing.
treatment of anaphylaxis
adrenaline in the form of an epipen or anapen
what is lyme disease?
caused by ticks, pass on bacterium when biting the victim causing serious infection
symptoms of lime disease?
headache, muscle pain, stiff neck, swollen glands, fatigue, nausea and rash
what are the treatments for bites and stings?
corticosteroids (hydrocortisone), antihistamines, antiseptics
how do corticosteroids work treating bites and stings?
steroid creams reduce the itchiness, redness and inflammation.
cautions around hydrocortisone cream?
1% is most recommened. shouldnt be used in pregnancy, breastfeeding or under 10’s. shouldnt be used around the genitals, on the face or broken skin
how do antihistamine creams work for bites and stings and the licensing around it?
can reduce redness, itching and inflammation. shouldnt be used for 4+ days and cant be used on broken skin, near eyes or mouth.
how do antiseptic creams treat bites and stings?
used to prevent infection from bacteria entering the bite. infected bites will become severely red and swollen, may leak pus and will feel hot to touch.
