<Things you should know> Correct knowledge about insect bites (2) Explanation of prevention and treatment methods for insect bites How to prevent insect bites How to treat insect bites Be careful of children scratching their skin (Solutions for infants and babies) Ingredients that are effective for insect bites and how to choose an over-the-counter medication Common concerns about insect bites (Q&A) To prevent problems caused by insect bites, prevention through daily life is essential. Furthermore, if you are bitten, it's important to treat it appropriately according to the condition. This article provides a detailed explanation of common insect bite prevention and treatment methods. How to prevent insect bites Basic methods for preventing insect bites include the following: Reduce skin exposure Insects such as mosquitoes and gnats often bite exposed skin. Especially when engaging in outdoor activities, be sure to cover your skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Use insect repellent spray, etc. To prevent insects from gathering, it's effective to use products containing repellents, such as insect repellent sprays and sheets. However, some repellents have restrictions on the age and body parts they can be used on. It's important to carefully check the usage instructions before using them. Exterminate insects Damage can be prevented by eliminating the insects causing the infestation using insecticides. In the case of house dust mites, it is also necessary to eliminate the rodents that serve as their host. Sprays are commonly used, but there are also liquid insecticides that can be sprayed directly on the source of infestations for flies and mosquitoes. Stay away from insects. One preventative measure is to avoid places where the insects causing the infestation live, such as gardens, parks, and fields. For example, the larvae of the brown-tail moth live on camellia plants, while the larvae of the common gypsy moth live on various plants such as roses, beech trees, and azaleas. The larvae of the slug caterpillar live on various trees, including cherry and plum trees.Also, avoid approaching bees or their nests unnecessarily. Since the scents of perfumes and hairsprays can irritate bees, avoid using them when approaching areas where bees are likely to live, such as mountains, fields, or grassy areas along riverbanks. How to treat insect bites Insect bites can range from mild cases to those requiring immediate medical attention. It's important to deal with them appropriately according to the situation. Basic countermeasures If you get bitten by an insect, the most important thing is to avoid touching or scratching it. First, keep the area clean by washing it with water. If the itching is severe, cooling the area can relieve the itching. It's also a good idea to make good use of over-the-counter medications that contain anti-itch or anti-inflammatory ingredients. If you have come into contact with a caterpillar or other insect and venomous hairs remain on your skin, gently press the area with adhesive tape such as cellophane tape or duct tape to remove them, then rinse thoroughly with strong running water. If a bee stinger remains, remove it using tweezers or by flicking it off with your fingers. Cool the affected area with ice water and avoid touching it with your hands. In these cases, go to the hospital. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock are appearing. If you experience symptoms suggestive of anaphylactic shock, such as hives, difficulty breathing, palpitations, nausea, or loss of consciousness after being stung by a bee or other insect, you should immediately call an ambulance and go to the hospital. The symptoms are lingering. If symptoms persist, such as persistent skin swelling, consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. A tick is biting the skin. If you try to forcibly remove a tick (which is larger than a typical tick, measuring about 3mm), its mouthparts may remain embedded in the skin. Therefore, please seek appropriate treatment at a hospital, such as tick removal and disinfection. If you develop a fever after being bitten, you should also go to the hospital as soon as possible. Incorrect approach You may have heard that applying ammonia to a bee sting is effective, but this is completely ineffective, so please do not do it. Also, regardless of whether it's a bee sting or any other insect sting, you should never let your guard down. If you have any concerning symptoms, please see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Children scratching and damaging Be careful of this.(Solutions for infants and babies) Young children and babies often sweat and get dirt on their skin, so if they get bitten by an insect, the first thing to do is keep the affected area clean. If you scratch an itchy area too hard, you can not only damage the skin, but the wound can also become infected and develop into impetigo (contagious pyoderma). When your child feels itchy and wants to scratch, try to soothe the itching by cooling the affected area or using over-the-counter medications containing anti-itch or anti-inflammatory ingredients. It's also important to trim your child's nails regularly, as long nails can easily damage the skin. If the symptoms are severe or persist, consult a pediatrician or dermatologist as soon as possible. Also, for prevention, please note that insect repellent sprays and other repellents containing the ingredient "DEET" cannot be used on babies under 6 months old. For children between 6 months and 2 years old, use once a day, and for children between 2 and 12 years old, use 1 to 3 times a day, applying to areas other than the face. Be sure to carefully check the usage and dosage written on the product. Also, do not use on areas that have been scratched raw, and wait until the symptoms have healed before using. Ingredients that are effective for insect bites and how to choose an over-the-counter medication There are several types of ingredients that are said to be effective against insect bites. Let's learn about the effects and benefits of each and how to choose an over-the-counter medication. Ingredients that are effective against insect bites ■ Antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine) It blocks the action of histamine, the substance that causes itching, and stops the itching. ■ Local anesthetic (lidocaine, etc.) It weakens the activity of the nerves that cause itching. ■ Steroids (such as prednisolone) It soothes skin inflammation caused by insect bites. How to choose over-the-counter medications If the symptoms are mild, you can use over-the-counter medications that relieve itching. However, if the redness and itching are severe, topical steroids will be necessary, and in some cases, oral antihistamines or steroids may be more appropriate. If you are concerned, consult a dermatologist. Common concerns about insect bites (Q&A) Let's look at some of the most common problems people experience with insect bites. What can I do to prevent insect bites from leaving marks? To prevent scarring, it's important to avoid worsening the condition by scratching the skin vigorously. If you have any concerning symptoms, see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Furthermore, regulating the skin's turnover cycle can also help prevent hyperpigmentation caused by insect bites. Paying attention to habits that disrupt turnover, such as lack of sleep, an unbalanced diet, and fatigue, while also utilizing over-the-counter medications that promote skin metabolism is a good approach. What should I do if I get impetigo? What is commonly known as impetigo is caused by infection with Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria through scratches. Since it is contagious and spreads through contact, it can be transmitted to family members and others around you. In addition to treatment, it is important to take precautions to prevent infection to others, such as avoiding sharing towels and showering instead of soaking in a bathtub. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. 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