BITES FROM DOG, CAT OR OTHER MAMMAL

(Image source: Wikipedia)

Bites from dogs (the most worrisome), cats, rodents, hamsters and guinea pigs are classified as mammal bites. Dogs and cats can get exposed to rabies when they are allowed to mingle with wild dogs or stray felines. On the other hand, there’s very little chance for a rabid rat to bite a human being or another animal. An infected rat dies immediately and so doesn’t develop the full-blown rabies syndrome.

Prevention:  Tell your kids not to go near a dog or a cat, especially if it has newborns. Animals are very protective of their offspring. Immunize your dogs yearly.

Treatment:  Wash the bite area immediately and try to make it bleed by pinching. Don’t put anything on it, like toothpaste or garlic, which can only cause burns or trigger an allergic reaction. Bring the victim to the nearest clinic or hospital so the bit can be categorized and treated.

MOSQUITO BITES

(Image source: Wikipedia)

Mosquito bites are so common that most people don’t make a big deal out of them. However, what’s scary is that mosquito bites can transfer organisms that cause deadly diseases like malaria or dengue.

Prevention:  Apply mosquito repellent every 12 hours. Avoid the hands, neck and face because the repellent can be toxic when ingested or swallowed.

Treatment:  Apply calamine lotion on the affected area to reduce itching and swelling. Bring the child to the doctor immediately if symptoms such as rashes, fever and chills appear.

BEE AND WASP BITES

(Source: Wikipedia)

Don’t swat these critters or they will retaliate painfully!

Prevention:  Avoid grassy or woody areas where you are likely to find wasps and bees.

Treatment: If the stinger (the part that releases venom) is left on the skin, get a pair of tweezers and pull it out gently. Clean reaction — sudden appearance of hives, difficulty in breathing and swelling of the tongue — take him to the nearest emergency room. He needs  a subcutaneous shot of epinephrine to open up the airways and ease itchiness.

FLEA AND TICK BITES

(Image source: Wikipedia)

Fleas and ticks can carry worms and diseases such as anemia and Lyme disease (an acute inflammatory illness). Some people and pets are allergic to their bites.

Prevention:  Wash your pet’s bedding regularly and clean the house frequently.

Treatment:  Don’t scratch the bite area to avoid irritation and possible infection. Apply calamine lotion instead. Regularly treat your house, carpets, furniture and pets against infestation. Ask the veterinarian for guidelines and follow instructions carefully.

BEDBUG BITES

(Image source: Wikipedia)

These tiny bugs hide in small cracks where people rest or sleep. Their bites look like little red bumps on the body and sometimes the bites occur in a line.

Prevention:  Expose the mattress to sunlight and wrap it in protective casing. For bites, apply milk steroid on the skin. Immediately change infested mattresses. Ask the veterinarian about pest control and follow instructions carefully

Filed under: Fitness

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