First Aid Tips for Bug Bites

Photo Credit: Dmitry Grigoriev

Have you been out enjoying the summer heat this year? It’s great to spend some time in the sun at the beach or at a BBQ, although it can be annoying when those pesky bugs are out and biting. Here are a few simple first aid tips for bug bites. For more first aid tips, first aid course sign up and first aid kits visit us at: pacificfirstaid.ca

1. Watch for common symptoms such as: redness, swelling, itchiness and pain. These are all regular results after receiving a bug bite form something such as a: mosquito, ant, wasp or bee.

2. Watch for bad reactions. Some insects are more poison than others and can cause different levels of reactions. Some people are allegoric to bee stings and should be careful and prepared when it comes to being in the outdoors. Some common things to watch for when someone is allergic to bees is: vomiting, swelling, hives and more! Make sure a person who is reacting in this way gets emergency help they need, as these situations can be life threatening.

3. Remove stingers! The source of pain and discomfort with most bug bites comes form the fact that stingers can get caught and stuck in the skin. The best way to remove these stingers against popular belief is to slowly to drag a flat surface such as a photo id or credit card over the wound and drag the stinger out. Rather than digging around in the wound with tweezers this is a much better method.

4. Disinfect the area! Clean the wound with soap and water and make sure the area around the wound has been properly disinfected and stinger is removed.

5. ICE ICE ICE! Apply an ice pack to the wound for 10 minutes with light pressure to help reduce swelling and redness.

These are just 5 simple tips that can help you be more prepared for a nasty bug bite. If you have an interest in learning more about first aid training, first aid kits, food safety, mental health first aid and first aid course sign up then visit us at:

Pacificfirstaid.ca