Spring Stings Are No Fun

As the weather continues to warm up, more and more family activities start moving outdoors. Movie night and video games for the kids give way to local parks, camping trips and neighborhood adventures, and that means there’s a risk for insect bites and stings, poison ivy and other skin conditions. You can protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and pants, treating your clothing and skin with insect repellants and limiting exposure to areas high in potential irritants such as woodsy areas or other areas with high grasses, brush and trees, creeks and other bodies of water.

However, if the spring stings get you, these ailments are rarely a major concern and can be remedied at home. Below are a few tips about treating rashes caused by some plants and bug bites.

Plants

• Rinse the skin as soon as possible with rubbing alcohol, specialized plant washes, dishwashing soap and plenty of cold water to neutralize the oils that irritate the skin.
• Apply a wet compress, calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream.
• Take an antihistamine to relieve itching.

Insect Bites and Stings

• If the ailment is a sting, make sure to remove the stinger from the wound and leave the area where it occurred to avoid further stings.
• Apply a cold pack or cloth filled with ice to reduce swelling.
• Take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease pain.
• Apply a topical cream that contains hydrocortisone or lidocaine to provide itch relief.
• Take an antihistamine to relieve itching.

If the above recommendations don’t result in relief from your symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for further consultation. The Little Clinic treats minor bites and stings, along with other skin conditions, such as eczema, acne and minor scratches.