Lesson 4: BITES AND STINGS

INSECT AND SEA CREATURE BITES AND STINGS

There are so many biting and stinging insects and sea creatures in the world it would take an entire course to identify them all! We’re going to concentrate on common biters and stingers of the air and sea, keeping in mind that most of the first aid techniques used for the insects and sea creatures discussed here will work for others not listed, as well.

• MOSQUITOS So common, we just couldn’t ignore the pesky mosquito. Not really dangerous, just quite annoying. Bites from mosquitoes cause a small localized allergic reaction in a great majority of the population. If you must administer first aid to a mosquito bite, use a small amount of anti-itch cream, and don’t itch! Be aware that mosquitoes can carry diseases such as Malaria, so report any unusual symptoms to your doctor.
• BEES & WASPS Bee and wasp stings range from mild to lethal. Some people go into ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK after a bee sting. Mild to moderate symptoms of a bee sting occur within minutes of the sting, and generally include pain, redness, and itching at the site of the sting. If a bee stings you, removing the stinger may lessen the severity of the symptoms. Stinging wasps do not lose their stingers when they sting, which makes them more dangerous: they can sting over and over. After a sting, a bee loses its stinger, and dies shortly thereafter. First aid for mild to moderate stings:

• Use a product specifically designed to rid your home environment of bees and wasps. Use the products according to directions. Early morning or evening is the best time to apply bee and wasp killers—at these times, the creatures are at their most sluggish. NEVER try to “smoke out” bees or wasps, and never use gasoline.
• Keep an eye out for ground nests when mowing your lawn. A nest that has been mowed over can really agitate the residents!
• If you encounter a bee or wasp, or a swarm, leave as quickly and quietly as possible. Gently brush off any bees on your body, but don’t swat at them.
  
  
  
  SEA CREATURES
  
  There are many stinging and biting creatures in the sea. We’ll be looking at two types of creatures that are commonly encountered when swimming in the ocean:
  • JELLYFISH AND MAN O’ WAR are two types of gelatinous sea creatures capable of inflicting painful stings. These types of animals contain stingers throughout their bodies. The stinging portions of their bodies can still inflict stings long after the creature in dead, so avoid even dead creatures washed up on the beach. The venom contained in the stingers of these creatures vary depending on the species, but the symptoms are generally the same with all stings:
    *A stinging, often intense, pain at the site of the sting.
    *A rash or raised red welts may be present at the site.
    *Some people may experience an allergic reaction to stings by these creatures. Mild allergic symptoms include itching, hives, coughing, and wheezing.
    *More severe allergic reactions can occur in susceptible individuals, and the symptoms of a more intense allergic reaction include a rapid pulse, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. Moderate allergic reactions can progress to a life-threatening condition in a short period of time, so if you experience anything other that a localized reaction, seek medical help.
    *Some people may even go into ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK after a sting by a creature of this sort.
  
  
  FIRST AID FOR SEA STINGS
  • Remove any tentacles or material left on the skin. The irritation will continue until all traces of the creature are removed from your skin.
  • A paste of baking soda and water applied to the site of the sting will help alleviate pain. Vinegar and rubbing alcohol will also work.
  • Monitor the sting for signs of infection. In some cases, systemic antibiotics will be needed for an infected sting from a sea creature.
  • If you have any systemic symptoms, such as joint pain, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, or a severe headache, call your doctor. These symptoms may not appear for up to two days after the sting.
  
  
  
  STINGRAY STINGS
  A sting from a stingray is different from that of a jellyfish or Man O’ War. Stingrays have long thin tails with serrated spines that contain venom. These spines are able to inflict deep cuts and/or puncture wounds. Stingrays aren’t normally aggressive, so most stings (and stingray stings are very common) occur when a person in the water accidentally steps on one. With their flat bodies, stingrays are almost invisible lying on the sandy bottom of the ocean.
  SYMPTOMS OF A STINGRAY STING
  • Immediate sharp, agonizing pain in the area of the sting. If a stingray stings you, you’ll know it immediately!
  • Bleeding from the site of the wound that will last for 1-2 hours.
  • In time, the wound may become swollen and the color of the skin around the wound may look red, blue, or very pale.
  • In some cases, the lymph nodes of the victim may become swollen.
  • Systemic symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, fever, chills, fainting, muscle cramps and tremors, a rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and even seizures may develop. If any of these symptoms develop at any time, even days after the sting, seek emergency medical care immediately. In some cases, stingray stings can be fatal.
  
  
  FIRST AID FOR STINGRAY STINGS
  • Wound management is the immediate priority for a stingray sting. Control any bleeding (this may take awhile), and clean the wound thoroughly.
  • Stingray stings may also become infected, so watch for signs of infection in the days following the sting.
  • Any systemic symptoms warrant a trip to your local emergency room.
  • A wound that isn’t healing, or is getting worse, should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible.
    
    
    

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