Insect Bites and Stings

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There are multiple flying and crawling insects in Georgia which can result in painful swelling and redness near the site of a bite. Serious consequences to bites occur only in those who are highly allergic to certain types of bites and who require emergency injection within several minutes of the sting. These individuals require specialized instruction and have a history of this type of reaction usually increasing with each occurrence. (For most people, applying cold packs immediately after a sting before itching ensues will be helpful.) The use of paste made from baking soda and meat tenderizer applied as a compress should reduce inflammation. Swelling usually occurs within twelve hours and may be treated with an antihistamine preparation available from the pharmacist, such as ChlorTrimeton. Secondary infection with a bacteria rarely occurs and then usually at three to five days after the initial bite. Swelling that does not resolve within 72 hours of the bite should be seen by a physician.