From ticks to mosquitoes and even bees, several different insects bite or sting. Often these bites and stings cause an immediate skin reaction. Generally, a bit from a fire ant and sting from a bee, wasp or hornet causes pain. A bite from a mosquito, flea or mite, however, typically causes more itching than pain.
Most people experience minimal side effects of a bite or sting. The common symptoms of an insect bite vary depending on the insect and individual. Nonetheless, most people experience pain, redness, inflammation and itching. Some slight burning, numbness and tingling may also be experienced. In some rare instances, individuals experience a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis which requires immediate emergency care. Anaphylaxis causes chest pain, facial or oral swelling, difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing and even shock.
When an insect bites or stings an individual, the insect typically injects some type of venom or saliva into the individual. As an individual’s body reacts to the foreign substance, the characteristic insect bite appears – red, inflamed and even heated bump or lump at the site of a bite.
Most insect bites require little medical attention. However, these bites are often itchy and sometimes even painful. Applying a natural, topical treatment can help relieve itching and soreness. Tiger balm, aloe vera and apple cider vinegar can be applied to a bite to relieve the symptoms and reduce swelling. Additionally, Echinacea, bentonite clay, charcoal and even aspirin used as a poultice treat common insect bites. Preventing insect bites is also fairly easy to accomplish naturally. Brewer’s yeast, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 taken several days prior to insect exposure help prevent mosquito bites. Likewise, avoiding sugar before and during outdoor activities and exposure to mosquitoes helps keep bites at bay.
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