Mosquito Bite: An Itchy Pink or Red Bump of Varying Size
- Wash with soap and cold water. This seems pretty basic but it's been known to work.
- Make an "X" by pressing your fingernail into the bite. Whether or not this drains the poison is dubious, but it can alleviate itching temporarily.
- Apply Aloe Vera. The green gel is not just for sunburns. Try it on your bug bites and ease the itch.
- Mix a thick paste from baking soda and water. Allow to dry and then wipe off.
- Dab ;calamine ;lotion or an "after-bite" remedy on the sting. Beware, though, that if you scratch the bite before applying an after-bite solution, it may sting a little.
- Take an over-the-counter anti-histamine like benadryl for ;persistent ;itching.
- Avoid Scratching. Itching will only make it worse!
Fly Bite: Small, Painful and Itchy Red Bumps around the Bite
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Ice it Often. Apply ice to the bite in 15-minute intervals, several times a day or until pain and itching subsides.
- Apply an over-the-counter bug bite remedy that contains ammonia, such as after-bite.
- Avoid Scratching. If you break the skin, you can cause scarring or infection.
Bee or Wasp Sting: A Painful or Burning Raised Red Welt
- Carefully Remove the Stinger. Use a credit card to gently lift it from the sting.
- Wash the affected area with soap and water.
- Ice It. Apply an ice bag or cubes of ice to the sting in 10-minute intervals.
- Take an over-the-counter anti-inflamatory or pain reliever such as ibuprofen.
- Call the doctor immediately if you develop hives, severe swelling or pain.
Fire Ant Bite: Bites start as Itchy Red Bumps and Transform into Fluid-Filled White Blisters
- Clean the affected area with soap and water.
- Apply calamine lotion or other ;hydro-cortisone ;cream to relieve the itch. Apply as often as needed.
- If you experience pain or severe swelling, contact a doctor immediately.
Spider Bite: A Small Red Sore, Sometimes Accompanied by Nausea or Muscle Cramps
- Clean the bite with soap and water.
- Ice It (almost) Nonstop. For the first few days, apply ice every 20 minutes. Apply enough ice as to where it's uncomfortable. Extreme cold will slow the venom from spreading.
- Take an-over-the-counter pain reliever containing acetaminophen.
- Kill the Spider. If you see it still around, make sure it's dead!
- Contact a doctor or go to the Emergency Room immediately if pain worsens or other symptoms appear.
Tick Bite: Tick On Your Skin; Itchy or Burning Sensation
- Use tweezers to gently extract the tick from your skin.
- Avoid applying too much pressure - don't squash the insect's body as it may contaminate the bite and increase your risk of contracting disease.
- Place the tick in a small jar of ribbing ;alcohol ;to kill it. You should keep the tick in the jar for at least 3 months, in case you develop any symptoms of disease.
- Thoroughly clean the bite area with soap and water.
- Tick bites can be especially dangerous since ticks can carry Lyme Disease and other illnesses, so keep watch on your bite.
- If you develop any flu-like symptoms, contact a doctor immediately. Bring the preserved tick with you for testing.