Insect bites Flashcards
Don’t self treat insect bite
history of hypersensitivity, younger than 2, infected bite, Deer tick(lyme), brown recluse or black widow(poisonious)
non-pharma bite relief
-ice pack( 10 min at a time)
-avoid scratching
-comfortable clothing
-nail polish over chigger location
-tick removal
-skin cleansing
How to remove a tick
1)clean, fine tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to skin as possible
2)pull up with even pressure
3)clean bite with rubbing alcohol or soap/water
4)never crush, dispose of live tick
OTC Insect bite treatment
external analgesics(local or counterirritants), topical hydrocortisone, skin protectants
Follow up reccomendations for insect bites
infection developes, symptoms not resolves after 7 days, Lymes disease ‘bullseye’
DEET Efficacy
30% is 90% repellent, more than 30% is not much more effective, lasts 6-8 hours
DEET in children
-6 m to 2 years: 1 application/day
-2-12: 3x/day
-max of 10% or less
Picaridin dosing
20%=effective 8-10 hours
True or False: Permethrin is more effective than DEET in preventing ticks but not mosquitoes
true
Symptoms of stings
-not allergic: pain, itching, irritation, rare systemic symptoms, possible delayed inflammation weeks later
-allergic: hives, swelling, burning, possible anaphylaxis
Do not self treat stings
allergic reaction symptoms, younger than 2
Treatmet of sting
remove stinger, ice pack(10 minute intervols), topicals, systemics(diphenhydramine
Follow up care for stings
symptoms worsen, not better after 7 days, emergency care
Stinger and venom sac removal
1) remove ASAP with fingernail or credit card
2)clean site with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol
wet combing
fine knit comb to remove lice and eggs from hair, 15-30 min, section and apply conditioner or oil
