Bug Bites!

Like it or not, bugs of all kinds are part of summer.

Some just buzz around annoyingly, but others have stinging or biting on their minds. For some, we’re food. The vast majority of these bites are harmless and get better on their own in a few hours or days. Some insect stings (bees and wasps come to mind) can cause an allergic reaction, which can be serious. Others may carry serious diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to protect yourself to avoid complications.

You can prevent a lot of bug bites by applying insect repellant, wearing long and pale-colored sleeves and pants and using things like screens and netting. The itching and rash can generally be relieved with a gentle wash of the area, cool compresses, or treatments available at your pharmacy. Overcome the temptation to scratch, and watch for signs of infection such as redness, heat at the site, pus and fever. Do not hesitate to seek advice from your healthcare professional and have a great summer!