Learn what to do when you get bitten by a mosquito, bee, wasp or stung by a jelly fish or scorpion fish

You are far more likely to be bitten or stung during the summertime. There are more insects around when weather gets warmer, and moisture and warm sea water attract jelly fish and scorpion fish. You need to be vigilant! Here are some tips so that you will know what to do:

1. Mosquito bites.

These are very common in hot, humid areas. They are not serious unless you have a strong reaction, but they are uncomfortable.

Mosquitoes suck blood, which causes local inflammation and itching, the desire to scratch. If you are allergic, the swelling is far worse and may cause pain and a high temperature.

The best way to treat a mosquito bite is to apply local cold and apply an anti-inflammatory cream to the affected area.

Protect yourself from mosquito and other insect bites by using a mosquito repellent and spraying your home. Mosquito nets in windows are advisable. Also, try to keep the home cold, because these insects are attracted by high temperatures.

2. Bee and wasp stings.

Bee and wasp stings are pretty painful and cause serious inflammation. In this case, the insect injects a cytotoxic venom into the skin.

Some people are particularly sensitive to these insects and their reaction to being stung can be explosive and troublesome. It is especially serious if you are bitten in the nose and mouth, because there is a risk that the inflammation will obstruct the airways.

First of all, wash the area with water.
If you can see a sting, then try to remove it with some disinfected tweezers.
Do not squeeze the area to prevent the venom from spreading.
Apply local cold and a cream to relieve the itching, or an antihistamine cream to reduce the inflammation.

If you have a very strong reaction, then go to the emergency department.

3. Jellyfish stings

Jellyfish stings occur when the stinging cells inside the tentacles brush against your skin. The larger the contact area, the bigger the sting. Jellyfish stings cause itching, reddening, pain, burning, inflammation and even bleeding.

Cleanse the area immediately with seawater or physiological saline solution. Do not use fresh water because this will spread the stinging cells.
Apply a cold cloth or compress to the area.
You can take an analgesic for the pain and a local antihistamine will reduce the inflammation.

If the sting is very large, the pain is very intense or the reaction is exaggerated, then go to the emergency department.

4. Scorpion fish or stone fish.

The scorpion or stone fish is one which stays half buried in the sand. The fins of these fish carry poisonous venom, and their sting can cause intense pain and swelling at the site.

Immediately you realise you have been stung, clean the area thoroughly to remove the sand and to see any remains of the sting. If possible, remove them with some tweezers.
Then apply heat to the area, submerging it in warm water. This will deactivate the venom.
Apply a cream to reduce the inflammation and take an analgesic.

If there is a lifeguard on the beach, he or she will help you to do this. To prevent future stings, it is a good idea to wear protective footwear when walking along the seashore or fishing among the rocks and sand.

Maybe you can't avoid getting bitten all summer long, but with these tips at least you will know what to do.

This post is also available in: Spanish