Insect bites usually take the form of slits and punctures in the skin. Insects release a form of saliva when they bite that cause reactions such as redness, swelling, itchiness, blisters and other types of mild irritation around the bite. Reactions to insect bites normally last just a few days, but in some people, bites can cause an allergic reaction that can be very serious.
Symptoms of insect bites
A standard reaction to an insect bite is to experience a small, itchy, red and often fluid filled lump around the area of the bite. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your GP immediately:
Natural remedies
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Remove the sting, if still present, with tweezers.
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Apply Nelsons Pyrethrum Spray immediately to reduce stinging and soreness.
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Apply a cold compress to help quickly relieve pain and minimise swelling.
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Homeopathic remedies such as Apis mel or Hypericum have traditionally been used to reduce symptoms of insect bites.† ∏
Stinging nettles are very common in the UK and thrive in secluded, woody areas and in regularly turned over gardens or parks. They are around one metre tall and grow in groups and will sting the skin if you walk past them, hence the name “stinging nettles”.
Stinging nettle stings are characterised by a red, itchy rash. †
Natural remedies
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Rub the area with Dock leaves (broad, green leaves that usually grow nearby stinging nettles). This will neutralise the effects of the sting.
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Apply Nelsons Pyrethrum Spray to help stop the itching.
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If you need extra help, ice can cool down the area and help relieve itching.
The common dust mite is a small creature that is a distant relative of the spider. They are too small to be seen by the naked eye, but they like to live in soft furnishings such as couches, beds and carpets. Dust mites live off dead human skin cells, of which we shed over 50 million a day! They also live off the remains of other animals such as household pets, fleas, bedbugs etc.
Almost every home in the UK has dust mites to some extent. In fact, dust mites have been living alongside humans for thousands of years and do not usually become a problem in houses that are cleaned on a regular basis. However, some people can develop extra sensitivity towards dust mites.
While dust mites do not bite, they can cause skin irritation and sneezing fits. They can also worsen the symptoms of skin problems like eczema and respiratory diseases such as asthma.
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Homeopathic remedies such as Arsen alb and Sabadilla have been traditionally used to help with the symptoms of dust mite allergy.
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Replace feather duvets and pillows with synthetic ones
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Use cotton duvet covers, pillow cases and sheets and wash regularly under a high heat.
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Vacuum carpet, bed and couch regularly.
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Reduce the humidity by letting lots of fresh air in and closing doors while cooking or having a bath.
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If your child is allergic to dust mites, make sure you freeze your child’s favourite soft toys and put them in the wash once a week.
† Medical referral is advisable if symptoms worsen or persist.
∏ On no account should prescribed medication be discontinued, except under a doctor’s supervision.
UK & Ireland 