Worm Bites

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Whether you live in the city or the country, chances are you have experienced an itchy bump on your skin from a spider bite or more commonly, an insect bite. For the most part, insect bites are hardly ever serious and very rarely are they fatal. If an insect such as a fly has bitten you or a mosquito or even a worm, you can relax — chances are you won’t die from these types of bites.

The most common symptoms of bites from every day insects/animals, including worms, include: swelling, redness, bumps, itching, and pain to the affected area. While it is considered rare, certain allergic individuals may have a more severe reaction to bites or stings from insects such as bees and hornets. In these cases, the allergic individual may experience shortness of breath, hives, wheezing, and even unconsciousness or death within a half hour of the bite or sting.

Outside of hornets and bees, multiple bites from fire ants can cause a serious reaction as well. The individual may have a pimple-like sore resulting form the bite, which will become increasingly itchy and extremely painful. In these cases as well as in cases involving a severe internal allergic reaction, you must seek medical attention immediately.

An itchy or sore bump resulting from a worm bite or mosquito bite, for instance, is no cause for concern. However, there are some things you can do to alleviate any itching or swelling to the affected area. If there is any redness or pain at the site of the mosquito or worm bite, clean the area with soap and water. You can even use peroxide if or alcohol if it will put your mind at ease. After the area is clean, simply apply ice. It is important to avoid scratching the affected area at all costs in order to avoid infection. Instead or scratching, use an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl to alleviate itching. Benadryl is available in cream, spray or pill form. Calamine lotion, commonly used for chicken pox, is also an excellent medication for itching.

Most worm bites or other insect bites typically clear up in a few days with proper treatment. To prevent worm bites (or any other type of insect/animal bites) in the future there are several things you can do to protect yourself. You can use insect repellants directly on exposed skin as well as on clothing, shoes, and other gear. Permethrin-containing insect repellants are highly recommended for use on clothing and gear, and repellants such as OFF, which contains N, N-diethylmetatoluamide or DEET, is highly recommended for skin. It can also be applied to clothing for a stronger effect. It is important to note that once applied to clothing, shoes or gear, Permethrin-containing insect repellants remain on items even after repeated laundering.

You can also protect yourself against worm bites by wearing the right types of clothing when you are in medium to highly infested areas. You can wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts (tucked in) as well as hats and socks to protect the skin.

As stated earlier, chances are you are not one of the very few people that experience severe allergic reactions to insect bites. However, if you are one of the unlucky few and you experience wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, a sensation of the throat closing, faintness or weakness or a bite or wound that appears infected (excessive amounts of pus, blood, pain, swelling), please seek medical attention immediately.

TIP: If you have a history of severe reactions to insect bites or stings an anaphylaxis kit could save your life. The kit contains an epinephrine injector, tourniquet, and an antihistamine. The injector is used to administer the shot yourself or someone else can, if necessary. The kit should only be used according to your doctor’s instructions.

 

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Author: The Top Worm

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