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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

Dealing with bites and stings

Animals, insects, snakes, and sea creatures may all present a hazard either at home or when travelling. Any bite or sting is potentially dangerous, and however careful you are to avoid them, accidents happen. Dogs can inflict very nasty wounds, and in certain countries they may be carrying rabies; jellyfish and other sea creatures may inject poison; parrots and cats can produce unpleasant wounds; and some people are allergic to bee and wasp stings. Knowing the correct first aid to administer in the event of an accident gives peace of mind.

Many countries, such as Austrafia and the US, are home to a variety of poisonous snakes and insects, and knowledge of how to treat any problems arising from contact with them is useful. Although some bites and stings may not be venomous, they can cause infection or an allergic reaction.

Human and animal bites

Human bites often become infected. The most common way of sustaining a bite is "in reverse", when someone punches someone else in the mouth and teeth break the skin of their knuckle. The joint underlying this knuckle area usually becomes infected, and may need surgery to open it up and clean out the infection. Cat bites and scratches often lead to infection, especially on the hand and face.

Wasp and bee stings

In a susceptible person, wasp and bee stings can cause an allergic reaction. develops, take the sufferer to a doctor.

A bee may leave behind a sting attached to a venomous sac. If you squeeze it, more venom will be released. Instead, scrape it off carefully with a fingernail or blunt knife, and wash the area with soap and water. Place ice over the sting to reduce swelling and pain. Taking an oral antihistamine may be advised, in case an allergic reaction develops.

Snake bites

Poisonous snakes release venom when they b abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. ite, which can cause pain and swelling, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Dizziness due to blood pressure dropping may also occur, and the skin may become pale, cool and increasingly sweaty, indicating that shock has occurred.