|
|
|
|
|
During Kansas summers we not only battle the hot, muggy weather but also the bugs that come along with it. Two of the most annoying bugs, here in abundance in Kansas, are chiggers and mosquitoes that leave us with irritating bites that can cause intense itching.
Prevention:
To avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes and chiggers, covering the skin as much as possible is the first line of defense. Try to where clothes that are cuffed around the ankles, wrists and neck. Avoid areas that harbor mosquitoes and chiggers such as swampy areas, dense woods and dense brush. If you can't avoid going to an area where chiggers and mosquitoes thrive, apply an insect repellent that contains DEET. There are many different products on the market that contain DEET, such as: Off, Cutter and Repel.
Treatment:
If you are unfortunate enough to get bitten a welt-like bump will form that will itch. When treating a mosquito or chigger bite it is important to relieve the swelling, pain and itching and prevent scratching that may lead to secondary bacterial infections.
If you aren't able to promptly get to your pharmacy you can start off by applying an ice pack to the bite area to reduce swelling, itching and pain. Also, to ease in the discomfort avoid wearing rough, irritating clothing over the bite area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
When you are able to get to the pharmacy and purchase a product to treat the bite your options are to use a topical pain reliever, a topical antihistamine, a counterirritant, a corticosteroid or a combination product.
Local anesthetics, topical antihistamines and counterirritants cause a temporary loss of sensation to the area, which relieves the itching and irritation caused by the bug bite. Local anesthetics contain benzocaine, which is an effective agent that can help with your discomfort. A few of the trade names that contain benzocaine that you can look for at your pharmacy are: Lanacane, Solarcaine, and Itch-X. Topical antihistamines contain diphenhydramine, which is better known as Benadryl. Try using the topical Maximum Strength Benadryl Cream/Spray for some relief. Counterirritants, such as Sarna Lotion, contain camphor and menthol and can also be used to relieve the itching and irritation caused by the bug bit.
Corticosteroids are used to reduce the inflammation caused by the bite which results in the temporary relief of pain and itching. Hydrocortisone is the primary
ingredient in topical corticosteroids that are used for bug bites. Products that contain hydrocortisone are: Cortaid, Cortizone and Lanacort.
If you are looking for something that will attack the pain and itching
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
through different mechanisms, and you don't want to apply more than one medication, a combination product is a good choice. There are several combo-products on the market, a few of the more popular choices are: Aveeno Anti-Itch Cream/Lotion, Benadryl Itch Stopping Maximum Strength Gel, Caladryl Clear Lotion and Compho-Phenique.
Any of these products can be applied to the bite area three or four times daily. However, do not use any of these products for more than seven days. If symptoms such as redness, itching and swelling around the bite don't improve after 7 days of treatment, you need to see the doctor and may be advised to use more extensive measures.
|
|
|
|
|
|
