When I moved here from the East Coast, I quickly found out that some of the “critters” in the Valley of the Sun differ significantly from the ones I was familiar with back East. Here is a practical guide to the different stings and bites, the symptoms, and how to treat them.
Mosquitoes are generally found near water (pools, lakes, birdbaths) and are attracted by bright colors and sweat. Bites result in stinging sensation followed by a small, red, itchy mound with a tiny puncture mark at the center.
West Nile virus is most often spread by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected by biting birds that carry the virus. People can get West Nile virus when an infected mosquito bites them. This happens most often in the warm-weather months of spring, summer and early fall. You cannot get West Nile virus from another person or from your pet. July through October are prime months for this virus, be sure and apply your DEET spray for prevention. Symptoms can be rash, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, swollen glands, achiness, stiff neck, tremor or muscle jerks.
Fire Ants cause immediate pain and burning sensation is frequently experienced after a bite followed by swelling (up to ½ inch) and cloudy fluid in area of bite. Fire ants usually attack intruders and are commonly found in pastures, meadows, lawns and parks in southern states.
Bees and wasps are usually found near flowers, shrubs, picnic areas, or beaches. Immediate pain and rapid swelling occur following a sting. A few children have severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing and hives/swelling all over their body.
Snake Bites Signs that indicate a poisonous snakebite include:
The bite consists of one or two distinct puncture wounds. Nonpoisonous snakes usually leave a series of small, shallow puncture wounds because they have teeth instead of fangs. The exception is the coral snake, which leaves a semicircular marking from its teeth. Because some poisonous snakes also have teeth, fang and teeth marks may be apparent. The presence of teeth marks does not rule out a poisonous bite, but the presence of fang marks always confirms a poisonous snakebite.
Characteristics of pit viper snakes:
- Large fangs; nonpoisonous snakes have small teeth.
- The two fangs of a poisonous snake are hollow and work like a hypodermic needle.
- Pupils resemble vertical slits.
- Presence of a pit. Pit vipers have a telltale pit between the eye and the mouth. The pit, a heat-sensing organ, makes it possible for the snake to accurately strike a warm-blooded victim, even if the snake cannot see the victim.
- A triangular or arrowhead shaped head.
- The rattlesnake often shakes its rattles as a warning. BUT NOT ALWAYS!
Action:
1. Airway 2. Breathing 3. Circulation 4. Call 911
- Move the patient away from the snake to prevent repeated bites
- Have the patient lie down and keep him quiet.
- Cut and suck methods are useless.
- Keep the bitten extremity at the level of the heart.
- Remove any rings, bracelets or other jewelry that could impede circulation if swelling occurs.
- Clean the wound gently with alcohol, soap and water, hydrogen peroxide or other mild antiseptic.
- Do not cool or chill or apply ice.
- Do not attempt to tie any type of tourniquet or constricting bands.
- Transport the patient as soon as possible to the hospital.
Scorpion Bites
There are many species of scorpions found in Arizona but only one is potentially lethal. This is the bark scorpion. It is one of the smaller species being one to one and a half inches long. It prefers places dark and cool, wood piles, palm trees, decorative bark. The severity of the sting depends on the amount of venom injected but scorpion stings can be fatal. Ninety percent of all scorpion stings occur on the hands.The lethal scorpion is very slender and streamlined. It is straw-colored or nearly opaque, small, less than two inches long. Signs and symptoms of scorpion stings include:
- Sharp pain at the site of the sting
- Swelling that gradually spreads
- Discoloration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Restlessness
- Drooling
- Poor coordination
- Incontinence
- Seizures
Treatment:
- Apply ice to relieve the pain of the sting
- Be sure the victim’s airway stays clear
- Transport to a hospital. A specific antivenom is available.
Most insect bites are not dangerous and can cause small or large red, blister like lesions. These can be treated with over-the-counter Calamine lotion or Hydrocortisone 1% cream. Other options are to apply ice for 20 minutes or to apply firm, direct, steady pressure to the bite for 10 seconds. Antihistamines like Benadryl can also aid in the discomfort of the bites.
Most insect bites are itchy for several days and can last a few weeks. If you think you are having an allergic reaction such as severe pain, infection, swelling, skin is “hot to the touch” or you or your child is having trouble breathing, please contact 911 immediately.
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