Watch out for creepy crawlies
Bugs can be a nuisance any time of year, but they become more active during the summer. According to experts at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization in Australia, insects are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature depends on the temperature of the environment, so warmer weather means more activity. Some common insects you’re likely to see in the summer include:
- Bees and Wasps
- Spiders
- Ticks
- Bed Bugs
Treating Bites and Stings
Here’s what to do if you get a bite or a sting.
Bee/Wasp Stings
These typically feel similar to receiving a shot, and you’ll likely see a small red bump where the sting occurred. If the stinger is still there, remove it with tweezers. Wash the affected area with soap and water and use ice to reduce swelling and redness. If you experience an allergic reaction, which could include swelling or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Spider Bites
At first, you may not even realize you’ve been bitten. But you’ll notice pain, redness and swelling, and depending on the spider, you may also see small fang marks. Treatment usually follows the same methods as a sting. However, if you experience pain at the site, stomach cramping, or if a blister appears at the site, you may have been bitten by a brown recluse or black widow spider. Seek immediate medical attention.
Tick Bites
Ticks must be removed as soon as possible, as they can spread serious diseases such as Lyme disease or babesiosis. It takes about 24 hours for an attached tick to infect a host. Follow these steps when removing a tick:
- Use tweezers to grasp the head of the tick.
- Pull straight up until the tick releases.
- Wash the site of the bite with soap and water and apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol.
If a red bull’s-eye ring appears around the site or anywhere else on your body, you develop flu-like symptoms or notice red dots on your wrists or ankles, seek immediate medical attention.
Bedbug Bites
An increase in travel can increase the chances of getting bedbug bites, which often appear as a cluster of small, red bumps. These typically get better in a few weeks. Over-the-counter antihistamine creams or steroid prescription creams can help relieve redness and itching. An oral antihistamine can also help with itching and burning.
Treating Common Summer Rashes
More time spent outside also means that your chance of developing rashes caused by poison ivy, sumac, or heat exposure increases. Here’s what to do to treat these common irritants.
Poison Ivy
These rashes cause itchy, red, swollen bumps. Over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, hydrocortisone creams, or calamine lotion, can help ease symptoms. If the rash becomes severe, develops into an infection, or appears on the face or groin, seek medical attention.
Heat Rash
Often occurring in hot, humid weather, heat rash occurs when sweat gets trapped in pores, causing itchy skin and small bumps. To treat, dry the irritated area and apply a cold compress to lower the skin’s temperature. To prevent heat rash, wear loose-fitting clothing to minimize irritation. If the rash becomes severe or doesn’t improve after a few days, contact your physician.
Scroll Through This Infographic
Your Guide to Common Bites and Rashes
More to Read
- Here’s How to Stay Safe in the Summer Heat
- Keep Yourself and Your Family Safe This Summer
- Traveling Internationally This Summer? Here’s How to Stay Healthy.
- Diagnosing and Treating Lyme Disease
Medically reviewed by Scott Burger, DO, Chief Medical Officer of University of Maryland Urgent Care.