Stings and bites

Insects

Haematophages (blood-suckers)

Flies, mosquitoes and horseflies: they usually attack uncovered parts of the body. As their name implies, they suck the blood from their "victim" while injecting a salivary secretion which is responsible for the itching.
Prevention

• Use insect repellents or insecticides where these insects abound.

Treatment

• Apply calamine lotion or a hydrocortisone ointment.
• Try and get a grown-up to help you. If not, be very careful.

Hymenoptera

Bees, wasps, bumble-bees and ants: There are seldom complications, although occasionally some individuals may be hypersensitive or have an anaphylactic reaction anaphylaxis.

A bee sting usually causes a local reaction, pain and inflammation.

Action and treatment

• Remove the stinger without using tweezers, to avoid the venom spreading.
• Wash the site with water.
• Disinfect with antiseptic.
• Apply ice or cold compresses.
• If the pain persists, take a painkiller and an anti-histaminic to relieve the itching.
• Ants do not sting, they bite. Their venom is formic acid, which can be neutralised with ammonia solution.
• Get a grown-up to help you, or otherwise, do it yourself very carefully.

Hymenoptera are more apt to sting people who are moving about, those wearing perfume and those wearing bright colours.