First aid for bug bites, stings

When we trade out the winter weather for warmth, we also start to see more insects and snakes. Today I would like to share with you some tips and tricks on how to care for stings, tick bites, and snake bites.

Stinging insects
Remove the stinger as quickly as possible with the scraping motion of a fingernail. Put a cold compress on the bite to relieve the pain. If hives, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, or fainting occurs, call your doctor or 911. For spider bites, call the Poison Center 1.800.222.1222 and describe the spider.

Animal or human bites
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Call your doctor.

Ticks
Place tweezers as close as possible to the head of tick and slowly pull the tick away from the point of attachment. Call your doctor if parts of the tick remain under the skin or if the child develops symptoms such as a rash or fever.

Snake bites
Keep the child at rest. Call the Poison Center 1.800.222.1222. Do not apply ice. Loosely splint the injured extremity. Take the child to an emergency department immediately or call 911 . Keep the extremity as rest, position at, or slightly below, the level of the heart.

This first aid information is provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Valerie Amstadt, PA-C, works at the Campbell County Medical Group Pediatrics Clinic located in the Main Clinic at 501 S. Burma Avenue in Gillette, Wyoming, on the south side of Campbell County Memorial Hospital. They are accepting new patients and are passionate about your child’s health and well-being. Call 307.688.3636 for an appointment. Learn more about this practice at www.cchwyo.org/peds.