First Aid - Animal & Insect Bites

Stings of Wasp & Bees

These sting bites are venomous and non-serious except to those who are allergic to venom. These generally causes local skin reactions: 

• localized pain
• itching

Treatment involves initial cleansing of the site with soapy water. Bee or wasp stings may leave behind a stinger in the skin. The stinger can be removed by gently scraping the skin with a knife blade or fingernail. This can be followed by ice packs to the site to aid in reducing swelling and itching.

In case of allergic patients Laryngeal oedema (swelling of the larynx) may occur and patient should be immediately shifted to hospital where in emergency opening into the windpipe (tracheostomy) may be required.

Homeopathic Treatment

Apply locally Urtica Uren Q and internally Apis Mel 30 or 200 after every ten minutes of interval. If Apis Mel fails to provide relief use Ledum Pal 1M or Hypericum 1M. Fresh Onion slices is very helpful when you don't have any medicine in hand. In fatal cases use Carbolic acid in higher potency in frequent intervals. Biochemic Nat Mur 3x or 6x rubbed after putting a drop of water at the sting site gives instant relief & Take the patient to a doctor right away.

Spider Bites

Most common household spiders cause a non-serious bite. However, following homeopathic remedies can be given for spider bites.

Homeopathic Treatment

Wash the site with soap and water. Apply locally Apis Q and internally Lachesis 30C & Tarentula Cub 30C alternatively in frequent intervals. Additionally Selaginella Apu Q will antidote the spider venoms & Lycopus V Q, 30C is able to antidote tarantula poison. Ledum Pal 1M and Hypericum 1M can also be used if indications are there.

Snakebite

Facts

1. In the majority of cases, the absence of fang marks means envenomation has not occurred.
2. If there is envenomation, the puncture wounds usually ooze blood (non-clotting).
3. Very soon after a venomous bite, bruising generally appears around the punctures.
4. Immediate severe burning pain is experienced after pit viper bites.

First Aid

• If the bite is on an arm or leg, place a constricting band (narrow cravat [swathe], or narrow gauze bandage) one to two finger breadths above and below the bite. However, if only one constricting band is available, place that band on the extremity between the bite site and casualty's heart. Immobilize it at a level below the heart.
  
  DO NOT elevate an arm or leg even with or above the level of the heart.
  
• If the bite is on the hand or foot, place a single band above the wrist or ankle. The band should be tight enough to stop the flow of blood near the skin, but not tight enough to interfere with circulation.
• If no swelling is seen, place the bands about 1 inch from either side of the bite. 
• If swelling is present, put the bands on the un-swollen part at the edge of the swelling. If the swelling extends beyond the band, move the band to the new edge of the swelling. (If possible, leave the old band on, place a new one at the new edge of the swelling, and then remove and save the old one in case the process has to be repeated.)
• If possible, place an ice bag over the area of the bite. 
• When possible, clean the area of the bite with soap and water. DO NOT use ointments of any kind.
• NEVER give the casualty food, alcohol, stimulants (coffee or tea), drugs, or tobacco.
• Remove rings, watches, or other jewelry from the affected limb.
• Seek medical aid immediately.

CAUTION

• DO NOT wrap the limb in ice or put ice directly on the skin. Cool the bite area--do not freeze it. 
• DO NOT stop to look for ice if it will delay evacuation and medical treatment.
• DO NOT attempt to cut open the bite nor suck out the venom. If the venom should seep through any damaged or lacerated tissues in your mouth, you could immediately lose consciousness or even die.
• DO NOT use ointments of any kind on the area of bite.
• When a splint is used to immobilize the arm or leg, take EXTREME care to ensure the splinting is done properly and does not bind. Watch it closely and adjust it if any changes in swelling occur. (See Fractures)

Homeopathic Treatment

Ammonia Carb 1M in frequent doses is said to be very useful in these cases. Apply Cedron Q or Sisyricnhium Q locally on the wound.

For fainting due to snakebite use Acid Hydrocyanic 30C or higher in frequent doses.

For removal of post effect of snake bites Thuja Oc 1M or higher is very useful. 

If the species of the snake is known the following medicines can be used:

• Cobra: Ammonia Carb 1M, Acid Hydrocyanic 30C or higher
• Rattle Snake: Crotalus Hor 30C, 1M, Plantago Q, 1M
• Viper: Camphor Q

Scorpion Bite

The reaction to the bite of a scorpion can be quite varied, depending on the species involved. MOST scorpion bites produce a mild localized skin reaction, with burning pain and swelling. A few species may cause greater swelling (up the limb) that resolves over several days. Allergic reactions, some quite severe, may also occur. These reactions may manifest themselves as generalized itching, with lip and facial swelling. More severe reactions can cause tongue or laryngeal (voice box) swelling, which can compromise the function of the airway (breathing). Asthma-like symptoms are also possible.

Allergic reactions represent a true EMERGENCY and must be treated by a physician promptly.

Homoeopathic Treatment

Put few drops of Saline water in the ear on the opposite side of the bite side. Internally Aconite IM in frequent doses.

Failing this use Lachesis 30 in frequent doses. Biochemic Nat.Mur 3x or 6x rubbed after putting a drop of water at the site gives instant relief of pain. Ledum Pal 1M and Hypericum 1M can also be used if indications are there.

Centipede Bite

Homeopathic Treatment

Apply Nat. Mur 6X locally as stated in scorpion bite.

Ant Bites

Homeopathic Treatment

Ledum Pal 1M in frequent doses.

Other Useful Links

• http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fireants/
• http://fireant.tamu.edu/

Leeches Bites

Homeopathic Treatment

Lachessis 30C, Secale Cor 30C

Mosquitoes Bites

Homeopathic Treatment

Caladium 30C, Ledum pal 1M, and Merc Sol 30C, 1M

SEE A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

• ANY suspected brown recluse spider bite
• ANY suspected black widow spider bite
• Bee or wasp sting in an individual with a known severe allergic response to stings
• More than 10 total bee or wasp stings (risk of toxic reaction to venom) in a child
• More than 20 fire ant bites in a small child
• A sting inside the mouth (risk of tongue swelling)
• Unconsciousness after a bite or sting

Notify Your Physician for any of the following

• Seems to be "spreading" and developing into a red crusted rash
• The site is a red base that has a cloudy fluid or crusted material coating it
• Severe pain persists for more than 2 hours after the bite or sting

Homoeopathic Treatment for Animal Bites

Cat Bites: Ledum Pal 1M, Hypericum 1M and Lachesis 30C. Lacerated Wound: Acetic Acid 30C

Cat Scratch: Ledum Pal 1M, Hypericum 1M.

Dog Bites: Belladonna 30C, 1M; Lyssin 1M, Echinacea Q, 1M, Hypericum 1M

Rat Bites: Ledum Pal 1M, Hypericum 1M

Updated on: 01 Feb 2010