There are four main risks associated with an insect bite: wound infection, tetanus, toxic reactions in the event of venom, allergic reactions or angioedema.
Symptoms
Allergic and toxic reactions can manifest themselves as redness, edema, swelling in less severe cases. In other cases, the patient may experience internal pain associated with the sting, low blood pressure, choking, stomach pain, fainting, vomiting, diarrhea. The insects responsible are most often mosquitoes, flies, lice, fleas, wasps, bees, ants and spiders. In the case of hymenoptera such as bees, hornets, wasps, etc., if the stinger is visible, it must be removed quickly with tweezers. In all cases, the wound should be cleaned with soap and water and then an antiseptic solution. Homeopathic remedies can quickly relieve the effects of benign bites and even prevent them.
Ledum Palustre 5 to 7 CH is the most commonly used remedy to prevent insect bites. The dosage is 3 granules morning and evening during the exposure period. You can also take Lung Histamine 15 CH at a rate of 5 granules every evening or Apis 5 CH morning and evening. These remedies are effective for beekeepers or during mosquito season.
Healing remedies
The remedy generally taken in homeopathy in case of insect stings is Apis Melifica, a bee-based solution that has rapid effects. The first intake will be 15 CH and the following to be taken every quarter of an hour will be 5 CH. This remedy can be supplemented with Ledum Palustre for a painful wound and moderate edema. In the event of bruising associated with the bite, Arnica Montana 5 CH or Tarantula Hispanica 5 CH in addition is recommended. Urtica Urens is particularly suitable for bites causing burning and itching, and Cantharis 5 CH in the case of associated blisters.
Local treatment and superinfections
These remedies are also available for topical application, but Calendula gel is the most commonly used in this type of treatment. Simply cleanse the skin well and apply a compress soaked in Calendula 2 to 3 times a day. If the area has secondary infections, a layer of Homeoplasmin should be applied and Belladonna 5 CH taken at a rate of 5 granules 3 to 4 times a day, or Pyrogenium 7 CH 2 times a day and Rana Bufo 5 CH 4 times a day. Secondary infections should decrease during the day.
When to see a doctor?
Consulting a doctor is recommended when you have suffered a wasp or bee sting in the mouth-pharyngeal area, or when the edema does not decrease and when the lymph nodes near the sting are painful. In all cases of previously diagnosed allergies, you should always see a doctor. Consultation is also recommended if the lesion is painful to the touch, if the pricked limb is very hard or in case of a feeling of heat, also if a red patch appears and widens. If the bite is followed by headache or fever or if the patient experiences abnormal fatigue, it will always be best to consult a doctor.
When to call the SAMU?
In the most serious cases, calling the Samu is the emergency solution by dialling 15. The urgency is particularly acute if the oedema is located on the face with conjunctival redness, if the urticaria is generalised with the appearance of itching on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands within 15 minutes of an insect bite. There is also an emergency if the patient has difficulty breathing, dizziness, syncope or hypotension. When there are multiple bites, the patient is at risk of diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures.
