Summer brings us outside to enjoy the warm weather, but it also brings out some uninvited guests. Ticks and mosquitoes commonly bite during the summer, plus there are other summer skin woes. With proper protection, some bites can be avoided. Recognizing what type of bite you have can help you treat your rash and prevent what can be serious complications.
Prevent Bites to Begin With
[post_ads]A variety of insect repellents are available, but they only work if you use them! Repellents containing DEET are currently the gold standard. DEET has been studied the most and is the single most effective ingredient for prevent bites from a variety of insects. While the ingredient has received some negatively publicity, it is safe when used properly. Just be sure to avoid applying it over cuts or open wounds.
For those looking for a more natural option, there are several non-DEET repellents. Look for products that contain ingredients like oil of lemon eucalyptus, geranium, soybean, or citronella oil. While not quite as effective as DEET, they certainly offer high-quality protection.
If you're applying sunscreen during the day, make sure not to apply bug repellent at the same time. First put on your sunscreen, then wait 20 minutes before using bug repellent. Putting them on together can make DEET penetrate your skin at too-high levels.
Besides using bug repellent, make smart clothing choices to help protect yourself from bites. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants provide physical barriers to insects. Light colors are a better choice than dark ones because you can more easily see if a bug is on your clothing and remove it. Finally, if you are out in a tick-prone area, after you get home put clothing in the dryer for 10 minutes to kill any ticks or nymphs that may be hiding on the clothing. That way they can't bite you later!
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Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes bites are very common. In some cases you may not even feel the mosquito bite you, but you'll find swollen, itchy, red bumps afterward. The swollen area may range in size from a pencil eraser to a quarter, or even larger depending on the person. In parts of the world where Zika virus is common, pregnant women must be extra cautious, as mosquitoes can transmit the virus. Otherwise, besides being uncomfortable, mosquito bites pose little threat in the U.S. Bites can be treated with over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream. Or visit your dermatologist for a prescription-strength version.
[post_ads]A variety of insect repellents are available, but they only work if you use them! Repellents containing DEET are currently the gold standard. DEET has been studied the most and is the single most effective ingredient for prevent bites from a variety of insects. While the ingredient has received some negatively publicity, it is safe when used properly. Just be sure to avoid applying it over cuts or open wounds.
For those looking for a more natural option, there are several non-DEET repellents. Look for products that contain ingredients like oil of lemon eucalyptus, geranium, soybean, or citronella oil. While not quite as effective as DEET, they certainly offer high-quality protection.
If you're applying sunscreen during the day, make sure not to apply bug repellent at the same time. First put on your sunscreen, then wait 20 minutes before using bug repellent. Putting them on together can make DEET penetrate your skin at too-high levels.
Besides using bug repellent, make smart clothing choices to help protect yourself from bites. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants provide physical barriers to insects. Light colors are a better choice than dark ones because you can more easily see if a bug is on your clothing and remove it. Finally, if you are out in a tick-prone area, after you get home put clothing in the dryer for 10 minutes to kill any ticks or nymphs that may be hiding on the clothing. That way they can't bite you later!
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Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes bites are very common. In some cases you may not even feel the mosquito bite you, but you'll find swollen, itchy, red bumps afterward. The swollen area may range in size from a pencil eraser to a quarter, or even larger depending on the person. In parts of the world where Zika virus is common, pregnant women must be extra cautious, as mosquitoes can transmit the virus. Otherwise, besides being uncomfortable, mosquito bites pose little threat in the U.S. Bites can be treated with over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream. Or visit your dermatologist for a prescription-strength version.
Tick Bites
Ticks bites are common in some parts of the country. These bites may initially look like large mosquito bites, but a circular rash can develop at the site of the bite as early as three days after the exposure. It may look like a bull's-eye and expand upwards of 12 inches in diameter.
If you see a tick on your skin, use tweezers to grasp the tick as closely to your skin as possible. With firm pressure, carefully pull it away from the skin. If you can remove the tick, save it in a plastic bag to bring with you to the doctor's office for it to be tested. If you can't remove the tick from your skin, visit your dermatologist to have it removed in the office. Of course, when trying to remove a tick, make sure you are using clean hands. Clean your skin with alcohol to prevent infection.
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It is not uncommon to find a bite without feeling or seeing a tick on the skin. While not all ticks transmit disease, there are some rare but dreaded complications. If you live in a tick-prone area, get yourself checked out if you are suspicious about a bite. Primarily in the Northeast, ticks may carry and transmit Lyme disease. If you are bitten by a Lyme-carrying tick, a dose of the antibiotic doxycycline within 72 hours of the bite can prevent Lyme disease from developing. Even if you've missed that window, visit your doctor for a Lyme disease test if you feel generally unwell or tired, or if you start to develop any joint aches.
Away from the East Coast, particularly in North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Missouri, ticks may carry the bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In this disease, tiny, bruise-like red dots often develop on the hands and feet, then spread in toward your trunk. This condition is rare but has some serious health risks, so visit your doctor right away in the event of a new rash, headache, or feeling generally unwell after a bug bite. If caught early, antibiotics can treat the condition.
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