Watch Out for Bee, Insect and Mosquito Stings

Those wanting to enjoy the summer months with their families should be careful about this matter, which is of great importance. Assoc. Prof. İsmail Yıldız from the Department of Pediatrics at Memorial Şişli Hospital has made important warnings regarding insect and mosquito bites that have been frequently seen recently.

• The area stung by a bee should be kept clean and not scratched.
• Insect bites disappear within approximately 7 days.
• Allergy risk is assessed through skin tests.
• Symptoms appear 3 days after a tick bite.
• The tick should be removed from the body without being crushed and without its mouthpart breaking off.
• Be careful against mosquito bites.

10 measures to be taken against bee, insect and mosquito stings:

1. In the treatment of insect allergies, if the insect's stinger remains in the skin, it should be removed without squeezing the venom sac.
2. Immediately after the sting, a health facility should be consulted and expert help should be sought.
3. Protective measures are necessary. If time will be spent in a garden or green area, long socks and shoes must be worn.
4. Bee hives found around the house should be removed or eliminated.
5. Sugary and open foods should be stored closed as wild bees may come to them.
6. Children with bee allergy should not be dressed in bright and floral clothing.
7. Families of children with bee allergy should carry an automatic epinephrine injector (epi-pen) with them.
8. In dangerous reactions, the injection should be administered immediately. Vaccine therapy can be applied in insect allergies, particularly in bee allergies. This treatment should be administered in a hospital.
9. To protect against mosquito bites; mosquito nets should be used, and ultrasonic or solar, herbal and optical mosquito repellents can be used.
10. To protect against mosquitoes, many plants such as lavender, thyme, mint, cinnamon and garlic have been used. For example, the use of lavender oil prevents mosquitoes from approaching the body.