Insect bite reactions

Topical corticosteroids exert localized anti-inflamma-toiy activity. When applied to inflamed skin, they reduce itching, redness, and swelling. These drugs are useful in treating skin disorders, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, rashes, eczema, insect bite reactions, and first-and second-degree burns, including sunburns. 

Medicines may also be exempted from POM classification if there are limitations on the use of the product. An example would be hydrocortisone cream 1% normally categorised as a POM but as a P medicine in packaging that limits the use of the cream to the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, insect bite reactions and mild to moderate eczema it should be applied sparingly once or twice a day for a maximum of one week. The P form or over-the-counter (OTC) form is only licensed for those indications and dosages listed above and further restriction to sales include unsuitability for OTC sale to treat ... 

Calcium chloride and gluconate - A6 unct /e therapy in the treatment of insect bites or stings, such as Black Widow spider bites to relieve muscle cramping sensitivity reactions, particularly when characterized by urticaria depression due to overdosage of magnesium sulfate acute symptoms of lead colic rickets osteomalacia. 

Pruritus Relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses Contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, nummular eczema, stasis eczema, asteatotic eczema, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, insect and arthropod bite reactions, first- and second-degree localized burns, and sunburns. 

In cases where there is sudden onset, with swelling and pruritus, an allergic reaction should be considered and is often the result of an insect bite (Figure 23-15). These patients respond well to oral antihistamines, and the condition usually resolves within 24 to 48 horns without further intervention. 

Diphenhydramine, like other antihistamines, is most often used to provide symptomatic relief of allergic symptoms caused by histamine release. The drug is also used as an antitussive, a nighttime sleep aid for the short-term treatment of insomnia, and as a preventive and treatment for motion sickness. Diphenhydramine may be useful in the treatment of parkinsonian syndrome in geriatric patients including drug-induced ex-trapyramidal reactions. Diphenhydramine has been used topically for the temporary relief of pruritus and pain associated with various skin conditions including minor burns, insect bites, and minor skin irritation. 

Another consideration is that an insect bite or a plant exposure may trigger an allergic reaction, even deadly anaphylactic shock, which may require the immediate administration of a histamine-countering drug such as epinephrine (adrenalin) or Benadryl . 

This drug is used to decrease sleep latency, and in the therapy of minor allergic reactions. It is also used topically for treatment of insect bites, urticaria, minor burns, and abrasions. 

It is frequently used in mild, local allergic reactions due to insect bites. It possesses sedative, antiemetic and anti-tussive properties and can be used in seasonal allergic rhinitis, allergic manifestations due to urticaria and allergic conjunctivitis of inhalant allergens. 

It is probably effective for mild, local allergic reactions to insect bites, physical allergy, and for... 

The client has a severe anaphylactic reaction to insect bites. Which priority discharge intervention should the nurse discuss with the client ... 

Use On account of its adrenergic action in the form of salts (e.g. hydrogen tartrate) (/f)-A. is contained in some parenterally administered sympathicomimetics, broncholytics, or antiasthmatics. (/f)-A. hydrogen tartrate is also used for hyperallergic reactions, especially after insect bites, in cardiac arrest, and unconsciousness. 

Uses Antihistamine drug for relief of symptoms of head colds, common flu, sinus congestion, hay fever to elevate blood pressure treatment of allergic reactions of skin and mucous membranes, e.g., acute urticaria, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis for temporary relief of itching skin, e.g., atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, pruritus, and insect bites jaundice Manuf./Distrib. ICN Biomed. Research Prods. http //www.icnbiomed.com Ruger http //www.rugerchemical.com Spectrum Quality Prods. 

A. Most insect bites or stings that happen at work won t result in recordable cases. However, if an insect bite or sting happens at work and results in medical treatment, it becomes recordable. In these cases, medical treatment usually means a shot to prevent an allergic reaction. Even if the shot is given only once, the case is recordable. 

Insect bites and stings, as well as being painful and annoying, can be lethal. Mosquito bites, in particular, transmit malaria to humans, and it is estimated to cause approximately 3 million deaths every year worldwide. Mosquito bites can also infect people with other nasty illnesses, such as West Nile virus, various types of encephalitis, and dengue fever. Insect bites and stings can also cause allergic reactions in people which can sometimes be fatal. So a chemical spray which can ward off insects is a potentially life-saving invention. 

Workers with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings should carry an epi-pen (auto-injector) and advise coworkers of this condition. 

Muller U, Haeberli G, Helbling A Allergic reactions to stinging and biting insects in Rich RR. Flesher T, et al (eds) Clinical Immunology Principles and Practice, ed 3. St Louis. Mosby Elsevier. 2008, pp 657-666. 

Choose an all-natural anti-mosquito product, such as the Herbal Insect Repellent from Real Purity (http //realpu rity.com) or a different product that can be easily tolerated, but avoid all chemical creams and spray cans. It is very risky to keep using such products with regard to the possible deterioration of your situation. If you re able to tolerate essential oils, tea tree oil is also a good substance to ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects. It also helps treat the itch and the swelling when you ve already been bitten. Use organic tea tree oil (see entry 297) Avoid cheaper (often synthetic) essential oils, which can cause reactions in those with sensitivities. Do not use a mosquito net that has been treated with an insecticide. 

These potentially severe reactions are extremely rare and the vast majority of Brown Recluse spider bites have a relatively benign progression of local symptoms and resolve with supportive care. It should be pointed out that symptoms of localized infection following a bite of any insect or spider may produce localized lesions that might be mistaken for an expanding necrotic spider bite. Cellulitis should be included on the differential diagnosis and ruled out before considering a patient with a necrotic spider bite. 

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