Skin Savvy Sping/Summer 2011

Bzzzz – get out the fly swatter! As we shift our lifestyles from inside gatherings to outdoor events, we also face the not-so-wonderful presence of irritating mosquitoes, chiggers, spiders, ticks, bees and the like. Luckily, most of the bites and stings we may receive are more annoying than dangerous.

"Avoiding heavy perfumes or scented soaps and staying inside at dawn and dusk (when insects like mosquitoes are most active) can help keep insects at bay," suggests Dr. Boucher. "In really bad outdoor situations, treating clothing and camping gear with Permethrin also helps, but this product shouldn't be applied to the skin."

After the Bite
Wash the bite site with soap and water. Cold compresses and a topical corticosteroid cream can help relieve the itching. Try to avoid scratching or breaking bite blisters which can lead to infection (Parents: keep your children's fingernails short to decrease risk from scratching, which can lead to infection).

When to Call Your Doctor
Itching and mild swelling from most local bites will normally disappear in a few days. But other symptoms – like shortness of breath, wheezing or swelling of the tongue – can indicate professional help is needed immediately.

Other Symptoms to Monitor Closely Include:

• Soreness, swelling, warmth or pus at site
• Headache, fatigue or fever, joint pain, stiffness or nausea
• Red "angry"-looking skin that's hot to the touch and painful
• Skin that appears to be turning dark in color
• Expanding skin rash