Health Tips
Tips to Prevent and Treat Bug Bites
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Apr 11, 2017 - 2:33:57 PM
(HealthNewsDigest.com) - SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (April 11, 2017) — Although warm, spring weather means more time outdoors, it also means more bugs – like bees, ticks and mosquitoes. The best way to deal with pesky bites and stings, say dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, is to prevent them in the first place. This can also help you avoid an insect-related disease, which can put a damper on anyone’s spring.
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“Although most bug bites are harmless, some can spread dangerous diseases like Zika virus, dengue, Lyme disease and malaria,” said board-certified dermatologist Lindsay Strowd, MD, FAAD, an assistant professor of dermatology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. “Particularly if you’re visiting areas with known insect-borne diseases, it’s important to take steps to reduce your risk.” |
To help prevent bug bites, Dr. Strowd recommends the following tips:
“Sometimes, despite one’s greatest efforts, bug bites still happen,” said Dr. Strowd. “Fortunately, most bug bites and stings can be safely treated at home.”
To treat bug bites and stings, Dr. Strowd recommends the following tips:
“If you experience any serious symptoms after a bug bite, such as a rash, fever or body aches, see your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist immediately,” said Dr. Strowd. “Make sure you tell the doctor about your recent bite so that they can examine you for a transmitted disease.”
These tips are demonstrated in “How to Prevent and Treat Bug Bites,” a video posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD’s “Video of the Month” series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the AAD website and YouTube channel each month.
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Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 19,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow the AAD on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin), or YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).
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