American Academy of Dermatology: Tips to Prevent and Treat Bug Bites
(firmenpresse) - SCHAUMBURG, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 04/11/17 -- Although warm, spring weather means more time outdoors, it also means more bugs -- like bees, ticks and mosquitoes. The best way to deal with pesky bites and stings, say dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, is to prevent them in the first place. This can also help you avoid an insect-related disease, which can put a damper on anyone's spring.
"Although most bug bites are harmless, some can spread dangerous diseases like Zika virus, dengue, Lyme disease and malaria," said board-certified dermatologist Lindsay Strowd, MD, FAAD, an assistant professor of dermatology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "Particularly if you're visiting areas with known insect-borne diseases, it's important to take steps to reduce your risk."
To help prevent bug bites, Dr. Strowd recommends the following tips:
To protect against mosquitoes, ticks and other bugs, use insect repellent that contains 20 to 30 percent DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Always follow the instructions on the repellent and reapply as directed. If you are also wearing sunscreen, apply your sunscreen first, let it dry, and then apply the insect repellent. Do not use sunscreen that contains insect repellent, as sunscreen must be applied liberally and often while insect repellant should be applied sparingly.
. If you know you're going to be out at night or hiking in a densely wooded area, dress appropriately to prevent bug bites. Cover exposed skin as much as possible by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks and closed shoes instead of sandals. For additional protection, pull your socks up over your pants and tuck your shirt into your pants. You can also pretreat outer layers of clothing with insect repellent containing the active ingredient permethrin. Follow the directions carefully and allow the clothes to dry for at least two hours before wearing them.
If sleeping in the great outdoors, use bed nets to protect against mosquitoes. Look for one that has been pretreated with pyrethroid insecticide. If it doesn't reach the floor, tuck it under the mattress for maximum protection.
Check the CDC website and heed travel warnings and recommendations.
"Sometimes, despite one's greatest efforts, bug bites still happen," said Dr. Strowd. "Fortunately, most bug bites and stings can be safely treated at home."
To treat bug bites and stings, Dr. Strowd recommends the following tips:
such as a bee sting, take an over-the-counter painkiller, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always follow the directions on the label and use the correct dose.
apply an ice pack or an over-the-counter anti-itch cream, such as hydrocortisone. Another option is to take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine.
apply an ice pack to the bite.
"If you experience any serious symptoms after a bug bite, such as a rash, fever or body aches, see your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist immediately," said Dr. Strowd. "Make sure you tell the doctor about your recent bite so that they can examine you for a transmitted disease."
These tips are demonstrated in "," a video posted to the AAD website and . This video is part of the AAD's "Video of the Month" series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the AAD website and YouTube channel each month.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 19,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or . Follow the AAD on (American Academy of Dermatology), ((at)AADskin), or (AcademyofDermatology).
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Jennifer Allyn
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Nicole DiVito
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Amanda Jacobs
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Datum: 11.04.2017 - 18:00 Uhr
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