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.