Some Bitey & Stingy Critters

Oh, there are some scary looking animals around that can give quite a horrible bite or sting, but unless someone suffers an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, they may not even require medical assistance. 
Usually Ticks, wasps, ants, scorpions & centipedes can cause immediate and intense local pain around the bite or sting area, as well as localized redness and swelling. 

Ticks can inject a toxin that may cause local skin irritation or a mild allergic reaction, however most tick bites cause few or no symptoms. Bees have that venom sac that it may leave behind and as long as it remains in the skin will continue to deliver the venom. Wasps and ants may even hit multiple times. All of these critters can cause us to do that funny dance and the ninja warrior moves.

​If bites or stings occur around the face or neck area even if they are not allergic to the animal, this can cause difficulty breathing and require immediate first aid and medical attention.

Quickly remove the person to a safe area, if it is a bee sting scrape or flick out the stinger, and apply a cold compress, like the ones in your first aid kit or an ice pack. Monitor them in case they develop allergic signs and symptoms and require transportation to Emergency or a medical professional, especially in a remote or difficult to access locations.

​The goal in Australasia is killing the tick in situ, to prevent transmission of tick allergens,
which can be followed later by removal of the entire tick
​Management

• For small ticks (larvae and nymphs) use permethrin cream (available at pharmacies)
• For adult tick in Australasia should be treated by an ether containing spray to freezing if possible
• If freezing is not possible or in a remote location seek/consult with a health care professional if that is not possible use the finest tipped forceps available to grasp the tick as close as possible to the skin do not squeeze the body of the tick
• Avoid the use of freezing or permethrin cream for ticks close to the eyes, genitals or in ear canal
• Don’t remove a tick if they are having an allergic reaction