Warm moist humid weather means insects problems, especially insect bites. We use repellents before yard activities. We keep the grass cut short and eliminate weeds. Still, the little creatures tend to show up and cause problems for us and our friends.
Many times, insects such as spiders and mosquito’s will fly in unseen by the human eye, and attack us. Usually bites occur in areas that aren’t covered by clothing. Ankles, wrists, forehead, and back of the neck are areas of attack. No matter how hard we try to avoid them, they still happen.
According to the Tri-County Journal, Dr. Ken Haller a SLUCare pediatrician has the perfect remedy for bites. He suggests using an antiperspirant for a bite. Roll-ons or sticks work the best. However, if you only have a spray, use it.
The aluminum salts in the antiperspirant help the body to absorb the fluids of the insect bite.” “The swelling goes down and the itch subsides.”, he says.
His line of thought goes this way. An antiperspirant goes under the arm to reduce perspiration. The aluminum salt makes fluid less available and keeps individuals from sweating.
When a mosquito bites the skin, the bite releases cells and chemicals that make fluids build up in the skin. When this happens, the body in turn releases various chemicals, including antihistamines that fights the invasion of the insect bite. This release causes itching. The individual in turn starts to scratch and rub vigorously the bite area. This in turns increases the inflammation of the area. This is worst than the bite itself. Our body over reacts in many ways. In some individuals, they mentally start to panic and this can cause even more problems.
He does suggest not putting it on the hands or face because it is easy to ingest. It is not a repellent. It is simply used to treat a bite. The bar or roll-on works best because it can get into the skin quicker than a spray. The hair on the skin usually collects the spray and it takes longer to get to the skin area of the bite.
There are many individuals that can have a systematic breakdown in the body by an insect bite. Mosquito’s and spiders are only two of the culprits. Wasps, hornets, bees, and yellow jackets can attack in swarms. That means a possibility of more than one bite. There have been many deaths caused by these critters.
Here is some advice to help avoid insect bites. Get rid of standing water. Use citronella candles. Avoid bright colors, they attract insects. Keep your grass cut short and do away with weeds. Wear long sleeves when possible. Spray you yard area well in the early spring. Avoid floral smelling perfumes. Never remove a nest of bees, hornets, or wasps. Have a professional do it. Don’t go barefoot. Don’t have uncovered trash cans or bins.
Know your insects. Have an understanding about them and how they react. For example, mosquitoes are very active in the early morning and evening hours. Bees are more aggressive in the heat of the day.
Sources;
Dr. Ken Haller, SLUCare Pediatrician
http://tricountyjournal.stltoday.com/articles/2008/07/08/news/sj2tn20080707-0709wcj-insect0.ii1.txt
