Itching, burning, swelling, soreness--we have all had bug bites, and we know they are no fun

Itching, burning, swelling, soreness--we have all had bug bites, and we know they are no fun. These nuisances come in many forms depending upon their sources and therefore the combinations of possible symptoms are endless. The best you can do is learn to determine what type of creature the wound came from. This is the best way to know how to treat insect bites when they are on your body.

Fire ant bites are a wound we all feared as children playing out on the sidewalk or whilst on camping trips in the summer. We see their red, ominous color and know that they can inflict pain. These are some of the most uncomfortable bites we can be inflicted with, as they can blister, swell, and be very painful--along with the itching. In addition, it is not uncommon to have many at one time.

Because these creatures are so tiny and are often found in groups, it is a person's best bet to first do a thorough inspection to ensure they are all off your body. Then, immediately apply something to neutralize the effects of the venom--either meat tenderizer and water or crushed aspirin and water will do. Finally, soak the affected area, often the feet and ankles, in salt water for as long as necessary to ease any pain and swelling.

Anyone who hangs outdoors knows what it is like to have mosquito bites and that they can very easily turn into wounds and scabs. Likewise, anyone with pets knows that flea bites are some of the biggest nuisances known to man. The itching inflicted by both types of wounds is unceasing and therefore extremely uncomfortable. Take measures to prevent scratching them until the point of bleeding, especially in children who do not know better.

Calamine lotion and other anti-itch formulas are a good idea, along with clipping fingernails, to attempt not to itch the area. Be aware, though, applying any sort of cream or lotion to a bite if it has already been scratched could mean getting it into a wound, which will sting! Some people are affected greatly by these sorts of bites and this will be obvious if the area is extremely swollen. An antihistamine, in this case, should do the trick. Open wounds should be washed regularly.

Aside from the various sorts of discomfort, probably the worst thing about insect venom is the fact that the scratching could cause the person to unintentionally induce an infection on himself. Therefore, try to nip the problem in the bud. Identify a bite as soon as possible and attempt to rid oneself of the itching symptoms to avoid further problems. It always helps to know the basic facts about how to treat insect bites.