Uppermill pharmacist Ian Strachan examines: MALARIA BITES AND STINGS
MALARIA IS a tropical disease caused by the infection of red blood cells. The parasites responsible transmit the disease through bites from the mosquito.
Treatment will depend upon the area visited, the age of the person and any known problems to existing medication.
PREVENTION
This includes covering up wherever possible and application of DEET based insect repellents to exposed areas, particularly feet, ankles and legs.
Spraying sleeping quarters before you retire while introducing a net over the bed, preferably impregnated with insecticide, can also discourage them.
The use of air conditioning or ceiling fans serves to cool night space and reduces mosquito activity.
Medication designed to minimise the risk of malaria can be purchased from pharmacies – although it is crucial to recognise that none of the measures discussed will eliminate the risk but will significantly reduce it.
For this reason I would advise you discuss with your pharmacist the symptoms of malaria as a precautionary measure. Your pharmacist can also advise on the most appropriate treatment for the area you’re visiting and ascertain if referral to your doctor is necessary.
One further point: malaria medication is quite expensive and I would always suggest you shop around for the best deal.
As pharmacists we are often asked for alternatives to medication. Owing to the associated health risks from malaria I strongly discourage any reliance on herbal remedies, homeopathic or electric buzzers.
Similarly, although frequently requested, Vitamin B1, garlic, yeast tablets, tea tree and bath oils should never be considered substitutes.
Finally non DEET based insecticides should not be considered unless there is known allergy to DEET based preparations.
INSECT BITES AND STINGS
Stinging insects common in UK include wasps, bees and hornets. The sting is due to venom which the insect injects into the skin. Biting insects in the UK include midges, mosquitos, flies, fleas, mites, ticks even bedbugs.
Most stings from bees, wasps and hornets cause an intense burning pain with mild swelling around the sting, which normally calms in a few hours. However, people who are allergic to stings can develop reactions that may become life-threatening.
If stung and the stinger remains embedded then remove by flicking or scraping with a finger as quickly as possible. Never squeeze the stinger or apply tweezers as this can lead to more venom penetrating the skin.
Wash the area with soap and water and treat any swelling with ice. Avoid scratching as this can aggravate itching and may even lead to infection.
Any signs of severe allergic reaction such as breathing difficulties should be referred to a Doctor immediately.
Skin reactions to bites can persist for weeks or months particularly following tick bites. Bites can be accompanied by small fluid filled lumps or weals, which normally settle after a few hours.
TREATMENT
Local redness and pain often respond to cold compress while Paracetamol or Ibuprofen may ease associated pain. Eurax lotion, available from your pharmacy, is effective for itching while hydrocortisone is worth discussing with your pharmacist.
Old wife remedies such as calamine lotion, vinegar and bicarbonate of soda can I respectfully ask you dismiss.
We’re keeping to the summer theme next month with prickly heat
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