Insect Bites
Insect bites and stings are common and usually cause only minor irritation. However, some stings can be painful and trigger a serious allergic reaction. Insects that bite include midges, mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs and although not strictly insects, spiders, mites and ticks, which are arachnids
- Insects that sting include bees, wasps and hornets.
An insect bites you by making a hole in your skin to feed. Most insects sting as a defence by injecting venom into your skin.
Symptoms
- The skin around the bite is red, swollen and itchy.
- The venom from a sting often causes a swollen, itchy, red mark (a weal) to form on the skin, which can be painful but is harmless in most cases.
- The affected area usually remains painful and itchy for a few days.
- The severity of bites and stings varies depending on the type of insect and sensitivity of the person.
Supplements that may help to prevent or treat insect bites
- Vitamin B1 with a B Complex acts as an insect repellent
- Lavender Essential Oil aids healing
- Incognito Insect Repellent repels insects
- Garlic repels insects (it must not be the odourless type)
- Vitamin C aids skin healing and boosts immune system
- Tea tree Essential Oil anti-bacterial, to aid healing without infection
- Turmeric-may have anti-inflammatory action
- Aloe Vera Gel topical relief of itching, pain and swelling
- Bromelain may have anti-inflammatory action, works well with turmeric
