[Un article de The Conversation écrit par Marta Diarte Oliva – Professeure à l”université San Jorge (Saragosse), Université San Jorge – & Alejandro J. Almenar Arasanz – Professeur dans le domaine de la physiothérapie, Université San Jorge]
In fine weather, nobody resists the desire to go for a walk in the park or to organize an excursion to the countryside to immerse themselves in nature.
It sounds fantastic (and it is). But we are often forced to share these moments with small companions undesirable. Mosquitoes, bees, ticks, spiders, fleas, etc. can transform a perfect day into an irritating, even disturbing experience.
Who has never felt a sudden itch or discovered a mysterious bump when I got home? The type of itching, their intensity and their appearance speaks volumes about the insect that has bitten us. And, ultimatelythis gives us clues to know how to act in order to relieve the symptoms and determine if it is necessary to go to a health center.
In the end, taking the right measures with discernment can avoid many scares, unnecessary visits to the doctor and even medical complications.
How to identify the most common bites?
Despite an undeniable resemblance between most bites, there are differences between them. Indeed, each bite has its own characteristics, specific symptoms and must be subject to special treatment.
This is why we are going to give you the keys to distinguish at least six of the most common bites: those caused by mosquitoes, wasps and bees, ticks, fleas, bedbugs and spiders.
1. Mosquitoes
- Symptoms: redness, light swelling and intense itching. Mosquito bites generally disappear without complications and spontaneously after three days.
- Recommendations: Wash the area with water and soap, apply a cold compress and use antihistamine creams in the event of intense itching.
2. Bees and wasps
- Symptoms: immediate pain, light swelling, intense itching. The bees leave their dart, but not the wasps.
- Recommendations: Remove the dart If there is one, apply ice, take antihistamines in the event of a local reaction and monitor signs of allergy.
3. Ticks
- Symptoms: The particularity of this parasite comes from the fact that its bite can go unnoticed. What must put us on the track, the sign that must alert, is the fact that its bite leaves a small brand, a target -shaped redness.
- Recommendations: Remove with pliers without turning or pressing the body from the tick. (The “tire” hooks are particularly appropriate and are even recommended. Otherwise, fine pliers or tweezers can be an alternative, editor's note.) Disinfect and monitor the appearance of a fever or rashes in the following days.
4. Flea
- Symptoms: appearance of small red spots, generally in plates or grouped, accompanied by intense itching. These are generally located on the ankles, the legs or at the areas where the clothes are tight. The peak can last several days and there is a risk of infection in the event of excessive scratch.
- Recommendations: Wash the area concerned with water and soap, apply topical antihistamines (that act locally, editor's note) and oral if the itching is severe. It is advisable to carry out a control over domestic animals and the textiles of the house, as they are often the cause of the presence of these insects.
5. Bedbugs
- Symptoms: multiple grouped bites causing an intense itching, especially at night.
- Recommendations: Wash the area and apply topical antihistamines. Inspect the surroundings and take measures to combat these pests.
6. Spiders
- Symptoms: Local and redness pain. There are sometimes two visible points (fangs).
- Recommendations: Wash with water and soap and apply cold. Consult in case of necrosis, fever or discomfort.
When should you worry? What are the alert signs?
In general, the bites mentioned above only represent a simple discomfort which disappears after a few days. However, we cannot ignore the fact that they can sometimes also turn into a serious health problem.
Here are three consequences among the most serious associated with a bite:
1. Severe allergic reaction (“anaphylaxis”): There is difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or eyelids, dizziness or a loss of knowledge.
What to do? Call emergencies. If the person has an adrenaline auto-injector, they should use it.
In France, for medical emergencies, it is necessary to compose on 15 which corresponds to the SAMU or the 112 which is the European emergency number. The 114, accessible by application, the Internet and SMS is the number for deaf, deaf, hearing impaired and aphasic people.
2. Infection: Gradual appearance of redness, a feeling of local heat, pus and fever.
What to do? Consult a health professional. The person may need antibiotic treatment.
3. Transmission of a disease via ticksfor example Lyme disease. A few days after the bite, rashes in the shape of a target, fever and muscle or joint pain appear in this case.
What to do? Always consult a health professional.
Are the repellents all identical?
To reduce the risk of suffering from consequences, light or serious, insect bites (or other animal), one of the most effective measures, and therefore one of the most recommended, consists in using authorized repellents, containing deet (diethyltolumide) or icaridine.
The supermarkets are found in pharmacies and shelves many products containing these compounds. The problem lies in the fact that the offer can be confusing. However, choosing judiciously is not as difficult as it seems. The answer is on the label.
You will find information on the composition of repellents, and that's where you have to look. Among the ingredients, check if there are deet or icaridine, these active substances commonly used to repel insects such as mosquitoes, ticks and other insects vectors of diseases.
But which of the two is the most effective? Do their effects last so long? Are they as effective in our environment as in an exotic country? To make an informed choice, let's examine in detail each of them:
- THE Deet : It is the most used and most scientifically studied repellent. It is considered one of the most effective against mosquitoes, ticks and flies.
It has been used since the 1950s. Its duration of action depends on its concentration. For example, if the label of the bottle sold in pharmacies indicates 30 % of Deet, its effects can last approximately six hours.
In terms of security, it can be said that the use of repellents containing deet has no health risk if used correctly. However, it should be noted that they can irritate the skin or damage clothing in synthetic fabric.
- L'icaridine : This is a more modern and more current alternative to the Deet, just as effective at similar concentrations. For example: a repellent containing 20 % of icaridine is equivalent to another containing 30 % of deet.
It differs from the deet by its stronger smell, its less oily texture and its best tolerance for the skin and the tissues. In addition, it is effective against mosquitoes and ticks, and its duration of action varies from six to eight hours.
For an application on children or people with sensitive skin, it is best to use icaridine because it is softer.
In areas at high risk of diseases such as dengue, malaria or zika, the two compounds are effective. However, it must be ensured that they have sufficient concentration: at least 30 % deet and at least 20 % icaridine.
Other means of protection
In addition to repellents, we can use physical measurements such as wearing protective clothing, especially in rural or dense vegetation areas. It is also very useful to install mosquito nets and, of course, to avoid stagnant waters.
Another good habit to adopt is to carefully inspect your body when they returned from a walk in the countryside (or in the forest, editor's note), because ticks are hidden in areas such as armpits, groin or even behind the ears.
If a person knows that they are allergic to the bite of one of the insects and other animals mentioned in this article, they must always have an adrenaline auto-injector on them.
Being the target of these insects is not exceptional. Indeed, their bites are frequent, especially in spring and summer. Knowing that it is quite difficult to escape it, the main thing is to know how to identify the bites, apply appropriate care and know when it is necessary to request help or medical assistance.
An enlightened intervention can make the difference between a simple inconvenience and a medical emergency.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
