Knowledge Base

INSECT BITE

by Dr Vaid Ji on Feb 02, 2024

INSECT BITE

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF INSECT BITE

Insect bite is also known as "Kita Damsha".

They are born from the putrefied urine, feces, semen, egg, and cadavers of snakes.

. Vata :- in this type of insect bite the sensation of pricking pain is increased.

. Pitta :- in this type of insect bite there is less exudation but more burning sensation , redness .

. Kapha :- in this type there is mild pain and the swelling appears like a ripen udumbara fruit.

. Sannipattika :- in this type presence of all the previous symptoms and this type is very difficult to treat.

MOST COMMON INSECT BITES

  • Mosquito
  • Spider
  • Hornets
  • wasps
  • Bee
  • Fleas
  • Mites

 

SYMPTOMS OF AN INSECT BITE .

1. Midges , mosquitoes and gnats :- often cause small papules(lump) to form on your skin .
2. Fleas :- Fleas bites can lead to a condition called urticaria, where a number of itchy red lumps form.
Horseflies :- it can be very painful , weakness , wheezing , dizziness, urticaria
3. Bedbugs :- it often occur on your face , neck , hands , arms

ARACHNID BITES

   SPIDERS :- Bites can be from a venomous or non-venomous spider.
     A bite from a non-venomous spider will often cause minor swelling , redness , pain and itching.
INSECT STINGS

 Wasps and hornets :- Causes a sharp pain in the area that is been stung which usually lasts just a few second. A swollen red mark will often then form on your skin which can be itchy and painful.
 Bees :- A bee sting similar to a wasp sting , but the sting and a venomous sac will be left in the wound.

ALLERGY REACTION

The reaction can be classed as :
- A minor localized reaction - This is normal and doesn't require allergy testing the affected area will often be painful for a few days
- A large localized reaction - This can cause other symptoms such as swelling , itching and a rash .

INFECTED INSECT BITES SYMPTOMS

Pus in or around the bite

Swollen glands

Increased pain , swelling and redness in and around the bite.

DISEASES SPREAD BY INSECT BITES

  • Malaria
  • yellow fever
  • Leishmaniasis
  • Chagas disease
  • Zika virus infection

HOME REMEDIES FOR INSECT BITES
. Ice pack
:- Clean the are using soap and water. Gently apply an ice pack on the site for 10 minutes. It will help in lowering the inflammation.
. Honey :-  Use a small drop of honey on an itchy insect bite to reduce the inflammation.
. Holy Basil :- firstly remove the sting and clean the area. Apply a paste prepared from a handful of fresh tulsi leaves on thesting.Leave it for half an hour and rinse off with warm water.
. Aloe Vera :- aloe Vera helps in healing wounds its anti-inflammatory properties .it will help in eliminating the itching and swelling .
. Essential oils :- Lavender , neem oil , cedar , peppermint oil and tea tree oil which provide relief from symptoms of mosquito bites. Apply a few drops directly on the site.

 AYURVEDIC REMEDIES TO PREVENT INSECT BITES

. Basil leaves and turmeric :- take a handful of basil leaves add turmeric to it and apply it on the insect bite, it acts as an antiseptic and prevents your wound from worsening.

. Onion application :- onions are specifically used to treat bee stings. Apply  onions on the affected area and hold them in position using a bandage or a tape for at least an hour to get relief.

. Banana peel :- The inner skin of a banana peel is used as an anti-irritant and it helps to cut down the discomfort , pain and irritation.

. Neem :-  it is often applied to the wound in the form of powder mixed with water.

. coriander :- The juice from coriander leaves is also used to cure wounds. Depending on the thickness , it can be used along with water to provide relief to insect wounds.

. Turmeric and sandalwood :- Use turmeric and sandalwood to soothe your wound as sandalwood has certain cooling properties and turmeric will help in the healing process.