Insect bites and |stings| are a common occurrence in the summer months and while usually harmless, they can be dangerous for some people. The prominent symptoms of insect bites and |stings| are pain, itching, swelling and redness at the injured site, and if the victim is allergic, difficulty with breathing and swallowing (see |ANAPHYLAXIS|). If stung by a bee, the only insect that leaves the stinger behind, the stinger will have to be removed. If you pull at the stinger directly with a tweezers or fingers, the sack can pump more venom into you if squeezed. Scrape off the sack with a fingernail or a sharp blade, then remove the stinger. Use a tweezers, though, for removal of ticks. Grip the tick with the tweezers as close to your skin as possible and gently pull it straight away from you until it releases its hold. Do not twist it as you pull and do not squeeze its body as it may inject bacteria into your skin. Try to avoid touching a tick with your bare fingers; bacteria from a crushed tick may be able to penetrate unbroken skin. The basic treatment for insect bites and |stings| is to wash the injured site with |soap| and warm water, and applying cold compresses, calamine lotion or a baking soda/water paste to bring relief. If you suffer any adverse reactions, especially allergic reactions, seek immediate medical attention.
