This week Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Jane Scribner about bug bites and stings, and possible reactions that may require medical attention. Dr. Scribner is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and a board-certified dermatologist and pathologist at MUSC.
TRANSCRIPT:
Conner: I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio with Health Focus here at the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Most bug bites and stings cause mild symptoms that can easily be treated at home, but it's important to know signs and reactions that may require medical attention. Doctor Jane Scribner is here to provide the details. Doctor Scribner is an Associate Professor of Dermatology, and she's a board certified dermatologist and pathologist at MUSC. Doctor Scribner what are the common types of bug bites and stings that can cause problems in our area of the country?
Dr. Scribner: Our warm, humid climate is known for a variety of bugs that can bite and sting, especially in the summer months. For example, insects that are very prevalent that can bite and sting include mosquitoes, ticks, ants, and biting flies. And these again, are very prevalent in this area. Most are harmless, but as you said, some, like fire ants, are particularly bothersome or even dangerous. And insect bites and stings can be dangerous if a person is allergic to the bug venom, or if the bug or insect that bites the person or stings the person carries a disease.
Conner: Well, initially, after some sort of bite or sting, what do we need to do?
Dr. Scribner: It's important to remember to stay calm. Most bees sting only once, but wasps or hornets can sting again. One should remove themselves from additional exposures by calmly walking away. Remove the stinger if you see it gently by brushing your hand across the area or using gauze, but try not to pinch or squeeze the skin, as this can cause additional release of the venom. And, wash the area with mild soap and water. And this is generally enough to minimize any symptoms.
Conner: And what kind of care might be needed at home for a really mild reaction to a bug bite or sting.
Dr. Scribner: Most can be treated at home with ice packs to help with pain and swelling, and that can stave off the itch. If the itch has already started, hydrocortisone over-the-counter can soothe the skin. And, hydrocortisone penetrates better if one covers the area with a band aid, which is also important to prevent additional scratching. Over-the-counter pain medications or antihistamines also can help with itching and discomfort.
Conner: Are there any other topical creams or ointments that might be helpful in treating these minor symptoms from common bug bites and stings?
Dr. Scribner: With the exception of over-the-counter hydrocortisone, other topical preparations are really not necessary to treat these bites. Topical antibiotics and topical antihistamines can actually contain irritants that worsen redness and actually can be more harmful.
Conner: What are some of the signs that someone may need to seek medical care from a bite or a sting?
Dr. Scribner: If a severe blister develops at the site of a bite, or a blister, or a bite with a headache, fever, lymph node swelling, body or muscle aches, or persistent pain, that's an indication to seek medical attention. In addition, if someone is allergic to insect venom and develops any difficulty breathing, lip swelling, shortness of breath, chest tightness, that's an urgent issue and they need to seek immediate medical attention.
Conner: Doctor Scribner, thanks for this information about bug bites and stings.
Dr. Scribner: You're welcome.
Conner: Thank you. From the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio.
Health Focus transcripts are intended to accurately represent the original audio version of the program; however, some discrepancies or inaccuracies may exist. The audio format serves as the official record of Health Focus programming.
