First Aid: Bug Bites and Bee Stings

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

Ticks, bees, mosquitoes, chiggers - there are thousands of pesky critters looking for victims to sting or bite. What should we do when one of them chooses us? Suzanne's guest, Bradley Fenton, M.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson Medical College, has some answers.

Dr. Fenton explains that bites and stings involve saliva, toxins or venom being injected into the skin, resulting in a local or generalized reaction. Most of these bites and stings are not dangerous.

Non-venomous bites and stings can be characterized by localized swelling and itching. They can be treated with ice and the application of over-the-counter creams such as Benzocaine or Cortizone. Antihistamines like Benadryl may be used if the bite or sting is particularly itchy.

If a generalized reaction occurs, including light-headedness, fainting or breathing problems, the victim should get to the hospital immediately.

Another bug-induced condition is Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted by tick bites. Only 10-15 percent of ticks are infected by Lyme's, and they must be on or feeding from a victim for 24-36 hours before the disease is transmitted. Lyme's may be identified by the sudden onset of flu-like symptoms 3 days to 4 weeks after a bite. In one third of cases, a red "target-like" rash can be seen at the site of the bite. Persons who suspect that they might have Lyme disease should get prompt medical attention.

The FDA has licensed the first vaccine to help prevent Lyme disease, LYMErix, but emphasizes that it's not 100 percent effective. People must receive three doses of the vaccine over a one-year period.