Insect bites

[Guest guest]

Nature's Gift (http://www.naturesgift.com/aromatherapyhousehold.htm) makes a

fantastic repellent made from pure aromatherapy oils--a tiny bit goes a

LOOOOONG way. I know you asked for a non-topical solution, but this stuff

is non-toxic and could be put into a diffuser instead of on the skin.

[Guest guest]

Natural Insect Bite Treatments by Chet Day There are almost as many natural insect bite treatments as there are seeds in a pomegranate.Here are a few of the more interesting home remedies for insect stings that I've run into over the years. Soak the affected area with vinegar. Put a cotton ball dipped in ammonia on the bite to draw out the stinger and reduce the pain and itch. Smash up a clove of garlic and place the poultice on the affected area. Spread some honey onto a clean cloth. Place an ice cube on top of the honey. Wrap up the cloth and place on affected area, honey side next to the bite. Kill a rattlesnake and then eat some of the meat every day for the next week. (I don't recommend this one since monkeying with rattlesnakes is dangerous, but I included it anyway because it's

the oddest insect bite treatment I've ever heard of.)My personal favorite is No. 4.Amazingly enough, the honey insect bite treatment worked wonders for me last summer when a wasp decided to kick my ass for disturbing its territory while I was mowing the lawn.I've never tried treatment No. 5 and have no intentions of doing so in the future.Chet Day Suzi List Owner health/ http://360./suziesgoats What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Shirly and Group

OMG, I would went to emergency room with the yellow jacket bites.

The mosquitoes was bad enough. Hon, I feel for ya, I have had so

much allergic reactions in my life it frightens me when I hear

someone had an allergic reaction.

Many years ago. I took my dad precription for pain. That is a no no,

never take someone elses medicine. I blew up like a red devil my

nephew said. This was in minutes. My face swollen so big my eyes was

slits. According to everyone, cause I was completely blind. My

throat almost closed it swollen so bad.

I knew something was wrong when a red whelp went up my leg right

before my eyes. Yes I saw it like in the monster movies when someone

changes medimorificly. I ran to the cabinet and got some benedrly

and called the ambulance. I figured the bendry will give the

allergic reaction a head start to stop. I think your swollen knew

and itching was due to the bites and stings. But whom am I but a

victimm of allergic reactions. lol

It worked. I got a shot inside the ambulance. I thought this was it,

I thought I was dieing. I said my prayers. From that day on. I knew

not to mess around with pills or drugs. I was ok after I got to the

hospital they put a drip on me and gave me some more shots. On the

way to the hospital my feet felt like fire. Omg never again lol. So

everyone be very careful when it comes to allergic reactions. I like

to do meds in the doctors office when ever possible because of this

freak experience. I am glad your going to your doctors today.

gentle gentle hugs

Clora

In , " nana2livi " <s.p5315@...> wrote:

>

> Group,

> Recently I was bitten 3 times by mosquitos at my knee. It was

slightly

> swollen and red with fever for over 24 hrs. Yesterday I

unknowingly

> walked up on a yellow jacket nest in the ground and got 5 stings.

The

> one on my thumb at the joint that is deformed from RA is still

> swollen, painful and warm to touch. Cold water on it feels like a

nail

> being shoved into the joint. I took benadryl last night but there

was

> no change. The one on the back of my knee only itches terribly.

> Is this associated with the RA and fluid in the joints?

> Has anyone experienced this? I go to the rheummy today for monthly

> blood work and will ask but I was wondering if it is something

that

> she should know or just wait and see what happens. Thanks.

> I hope everyone has a GREAT day,

> Shirley

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Clora,

I've never had any allergies, so I think it must be that my system

in compromised by the RA and MTX. I just found it so strange and

different to have this reaction. I guess life with RA is a constant

learning experience. Yeah! Not.

Shirley

>

> Shirly and Group

>

> OMG, I would went to emergency room with the yellow jacket bites.

> The mosquitoes was bad enough. Hon, I feel for ya, I have had so

> much allergic reactions in my life it frightens me when I hear

> someone had an allergic reaction.

>

> Many years ago. I took my dad precription for pain. That is a no

no,

> never take someone elses medicine. I blew up like a red devil my

> nephew said. This was in minutes. My face swollen so big my eyes

was

> slits. According to everyone, cause I was completely blind. My

> throat almost closed it swollen so bad.

>

> I knew something was wrong when a red whelp went up my leg right

> before my eyes. Yes I saw it like in the monster movies when

someone

> changes medimorificly. I ran to the cabinet and got some benedrly

> and called the ambulance. I figured the bendry will give the

> allergic reaction a head start to stop. I think your swollen knew

> and itching was due to the bites and stings. But whom am I but a

> victimm of allergic reactions. lol

>

> It worked. I got a shot inside the ambulance. I thought this was

it,

> I thought I was dieing. I said my prayers. From that day on. I

knew

> not to mess around with pills or drugs. I was ok after I got to

the

> hospital they put a drip on me and gave me some more shots. On the

> way to the hospital my feet felt like fire. Omg never again lol.

So

> everyone be very careful when it comes to allergic reactions. I

like

> to do meds in the doctors office when ever possible because of

this

> freak experience. I am glad your going to your doctors today.

>

> gentle gentle hugs

> Clora

[Guest guest]

Just a thought, but you might want to look into having some herbal

treatments on hand if you have these reactions to bug bites and stings.

I always have jewelweed infused oil on hand, I can use it neat on

mosquito bites and I also make a soap with it for the same thing. It

take a lot of sting out and helps stop the spread of poison ivy. There

are other things, too....that's just what works for me. A good health

food store might have someone who could help pick something that

wouldn't interact with your meds. Because of the meds, I only use herbs

topically for these things, never internally.

HTH,

>

> Group,

> Recently I was bitten 3 times by mosquitos at my knee. It was

slightly

> swollen and red with fever for over 24 hrs. Yesterday I unknowingly

> walked up on a yellow jacket nest in the ground and got 5 stings. The

> one on my thumb at the joint that is deformed from RA is still

> swollen, painful and warm to touch. Cold water on it feels like a

nail

> being shoved into the joint. I took benadryl last night but there was

> no change. The one on the back of my knee only itches terribly.

> Is this associated with the RA and fluid in the joints?

> Has anyone experienced this? I go to the rheummy today for monthly

> blood work and will ask but I was wondering if it is something that

> she should know or just wait and see what happens. Thanks.

> I hope everyone has a GREAT day,

> Shirley

>

[Guest guest]

I keep Sting-Kill Swabs on hand. These are the things that they keep

available on road crews. My husband brought a pack home years ago and they

work great. When you get stung, IMMEDIATELY crush a little vial in the

middle and use the little swab on the end to squeeze the liquid onto the

sting. If you get this stuff on quickly, sometimes it doesn't even swell up.

It is great stuff.

I don't know where you would buy it, but here is the information from the

box:

Company: NORTH Health Care, Rockford, IL 62213

Sting-Kill Swabs

Registered Trademark Kiwi Brands, Inc.

Contains: Benzocain-20%, Menthol-1% and the following inactive ingredients:

Polyethylene glycol 400, Isopropyl Alcohol-15%, water; FD & C blue #1 and FD & C

yellow #5 (tartrazine) as color additives

Ten-0.5 Swabs (Each swabs comes in a bubble pack)

[Guest guest]

I have trouble with allergies, too, and since they are also disorders

of the immune system, I have often wondered about them in relation to

RA. I asked my rheumy how the immunosuppressant medications we take for

RA affect allergies, do they help them or make us more susceptible to

them. He said, " I don't think they've done any studies about that. "

But just as the meds make us more susceptible to infections, I wonder

if they make us more susceptible to allergies, too.

Sue

On Friday, August 1, 2008, at 09:23 AM, nana2livi wrote:

>

> I've never had any allergies, so I think it must be that my system

> in compromised by the RA and MTX. I just found it so strange and

> different to have this reaction. I guess life with RA is a constant

> learning experience. Yeah! Not.

> Shirley

[Guest guest]

Sue,

I talked with the nurse and she said that the RA nor MTX had

anything to do with my reaction. I truly question this because until

this summer I have never had bites effect me this way. Sure mosquito

bites itch but that has always worn off in an hour or so. Nothing

has ever stayed with me for this period of time. I am fortunate not

to be allergic to stings. They have just been unconfortable for a

few hours and then just stopped hurting. Makes me wonder.

Shirley

>

> I have trouble with allergies, too, and since they are also

disorders

> of the immune system, I have often wondered about them in relation

to

> RA. I asked my rheumy how the immunosuppressant medications we

take for

> RA affect allergies, do they help them or make us more susceptible

to

> them. He said, " I don't think they've done any studies about

that. "

>

> But just as the meds make us more susceptible to infections, I

wonder

> if they make us more susceptible to allergies, too.

>

> Sue

[Guest guest]

Like my rheumy said, there haven't been any studies on allergies and

RA. Of course I know that you can suddenly develop an allergy to

something that you've been ok with before.

I think that I have a very bad reaction to some bites. If I get to a

mosquito bite fast enough and wash it with lots of liquid soap, it goes

away. But when I work outside, I get bitten by something that crawls up

inside my clothes and bites me. I have a very bad reaction to these

bites. I think it might be ants.

I also get strange bumps that look like insect bites when I'm lying

sleeping in my bed or scrapbooking in my dining room. I'm beginning to

wonder if these are bites or just allergic reactions to something.

The strangest bumps I've had were two close together on my arm,

opposite my elbow. They itched like crazy for a long time, but finally

went away. But then they periodically came back up for at least a year.

Sometimes it was both bumps, and sometimes it was just one of them.

Really weird.

Sue

On Friday, August 1, 2008, at 05:11 PM, nana2livi wrote:

> Sue,

> I talked with the nurse and she said that the RA nor MTX had

> anything to do with my reaction. I truly question this because until

> this summer I have never had bites effect me this way. Sure mosquito

> bites itch but that has always worn off in an hour or so. Nothing

> has ever stayed with me for this period of time. I am fortunate not

> to be allergic to stings. They have just been unconfortable for a

> few hours and then just stopped hurting. Makes me wonder.

> Shirley

>

[Guest guest]

Sue,

My rheummy also called an hour ago and said that my immune system

could be compromised from the MTX. I am to take Hydroxyz, which I

already had some of, and watch for infection. wrote about

the Sting-Kill Swabs. I am going to do some searching for them. I

think the first aide kit in my company van also has something like

that. Duh....totally forgot about that.

Those bites that you think are ants, could they be fire ants? We

have them here and man what a punch they pack. I know their bites by

the white heads that come up. In case anyone dosen't know this,

don't scratch and pop those heads. It is much worse if you do and it

does not dry up and heal as quickly.

Thanks for everyones input regarding my puzzle.

Shirley

>

> Like my rheumy said, there haven't been any studies on allergies

and

> RA. Of course I know that you can suddenly develop an allergy to

> something that you've been ok with before.

>

> I think that I have a very bad reaction to some bites. If I get to

a

> mosquito bite fast enough and wash it with lots of liquid soap, it

goes

> away. But when I work outside, I get bitten by something that

crawls up

> inside my clothes and bites me. I have a very bad reaction to

these

> bites. I think it might be ants.

>

> I also get strange bumps that look like insect bites when I'm

lying

> sleeping in my bed or scrapbooking in my dining room. I'm

beginning to

> wonder if these are bites or just allergic reactions to something.

>

> The strangest bumps I've had were two close together on my arm,

> opposite my elbow. They itched like crazy for a long time, but

finally

> went away. But then they periodically came back up for at least a

year.

> Sometimes it was both bumps, and sometimes it was just one of

them.

> Really weird.

>

> Sue

[Guest guest]

Sue,

You must be irresistible to those ants. If I ever need an ant bait

I'll give you a call.

All teasing aside, that is terrible. You are probably like me and

enjoy your yard.

Shirley

>

> I have been bitten by fire ants, and I could tell why they're called

> fire ants: because it stings just like fire. Most of my bites are

> regular ants, I think. When I work outside, I wear long pants tucked

> into my socks, long sleeves, and gloves, and put DEET on exposed

areas,

> but still something sneaks in and bites me. I must really taste

sweet.

>

> Sue

[Guest guest]

I have been bitten by fire ants, and I could tell why they're called

fire ants: because it stings just like fire. Most of my bites are

regular ants, I think. When I work outside, I wear long pants tucked

into my socks, long sleeves, and gloves, and put DEET on exposed areas,

but still something sneaks in and bites me. I must really taste sweet.

Sue

On Friday, August 1, 2008, at 07:50 PM, nana2livi wrote:

>

> Those bites that you think are ants, could they be fire ants? We

> have them here and man what a punch they pack. I know their bites by

> the white heads that come up. In case anyone dosen't know this,

> don't scratch and pop those heads. It is much worse if you do and it

> does not dry up and heal as quickly.

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks! I now know that I need to be more prepared for things that I

never considered before. I have always been able to pull out poison

ivy and go wash with soap and water, never being bothered by it.

Guess I better not try that anymore. I must have had a really strong

immune system and just took it for granted.

Shirley

--- In , " goodbead40 " <goodbead40@...>

wrote:

>

> Just a thought, but you might want to look into having some herbal

> treatments on hand if you have these reactions to bug bites and

stings.

> I always have jewelweed infused oil on hand, I can use it neat on

> mosquito bites and I also make a soap with it for the same thing.

It

> take a lot of sting out and helps stop the spread of poison ivy.

There

> are other things, too....that's just what works for me. A good

health

> food store might have someone who could help pick something that

> wouldn't interact with your meds. Because of the meds, I only use

herbs

> topically for these things, never internally.

> HTH,

>

[Guest guest]

Sue, that's because you are so sweet! :-)

>

> I have been bitten by fire ants, and I could tell why they're called

> fire ants: because it stings just like fire. Most of my bites are

> regular ants, I think. When I work outside, I wear long pants tucked

> into my socks, long sleeves, and gloves, and put DEET on exposed

areas,

> but still something sneaks in and bites me. I must really taste sweet.

>

> Sue

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Shirley and group

Yes I would agree with you , your reaction to these bites and stings is much

more now because you have the RA.(My friend with active RA has terrible

reactions since she developed the condition.)

It is not surprising really , the body is in a hyped up immune state and throws

out the histamines,killer cells etc big time at the site of any presence of

foreign proteins (irritants from the insects).Quite similar process to what

happens in a newly inflamed wrist joint say. All the more reason to use prompt

local remedies, antihistamines,etc,cold compress, rest etc,or whatever and get

medical advice if any sign of a secondary infection with a germ.

Many of the RA treatments are aiming to achieve a damping down of this too

enthusiastic response (immunosuppressants ) because that is what is doing the

damage and causing the pain of RA

Best wishes

Chris

retired doc UK

From: nana2livi <s.p5315@...>

Subject: [ ] Re: insect bites

Date: Friday, 1 August, 2008, 10:11 PM

Sue,

I talked with the nurse and she said that the RA nor MTX had

anything to do with my reaction. I truly question this because until

this summer I have never had bites effect me this way. Sure mosquito

bites itch but that has always worn off in an hour or so. Nothing

has ever stayed with me for this period of time. I am fortunate not

to be allergic to stings. They have just been unconfortable for a

few hours and then just stopped hurting. Makes me wonder.

Shirley

>

> I have trouble with allergies, too, and since they are also

disorders

> of the immune system, I have often wondered about them in relation

to

> RA. I asked my rheumy how the immunosuppressant medications we

take for

> RA affect allergies, do they help them or make us more susceptible

to

> them. He said, " I don't think they've done any studies about

that. "

>

> But just as the meds make us more susceptible to infections, I

wonder

> if they make us more susceptible to allergies, too.

>

> Sue

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[Guest guest]

You are too good! Thanks a million for all that you add to this

group.

Shirley

>

> Hi Shirley and group

> Yes I would agree with you , your reaction to these bites and

stings is much more now because you have the RA.(My friend with

active RA has terrible reactions since she developed the condition.)

> It is not surprising really , the body is in a hyped up immune

state and throws out the histamines,killer cells etc big time at the

site of any presence of foreign proteins (irritants from the

insects).Quite similar process to what happens in a newly inflamed

wrist joint say. All the more reason to use prompt local remedies,

antihistamines,etc,cold compress, rest etc,or whatever and get

medical advice if any sign of a secondary infection with a germ.

> Many of the RA treatments are aiming to achieve a damping down

of this too enthusiastic response (immunosuppressants ) because

that is what is doing the damage and causing the pain of RA

> Best wishes

> Chris

> retired doc UK

[Guest guest]

Hello,

Just reposting this that I posted concerning insect bites, you could pick up

that thread with other responses that ran end July/ August after similar

queries. See below:

Also would add,sometimes skin itching without rash seema a feature of RA,

especially on meds such as methotrexate. Sun/UV sensitivity, also increased with

MTX, can be present also.

It is important to check liver function tests, and also raised blood urea, as

both can cause generalised itch, but regular blood works should check these

out.Hope this helps.

retired doc, UK

friend with RA and no computer

> Hi Shirley and group

> Yes I would agree with you , your reaction to these bites

> and stings is much more now because you have the RA.(My

> friend with active RA has terrible reactions since she

> developed the condition.)

> It is not surprising really , the body is in a hyped up

> immune state and throws out the histamines,killer cells etc

> big time at the site of any presence of foreign proteins

> (irritants from the insects).Quite similar process to what

> happens in a newly inflamed wrist joint say. All the more

> reason to use prompt local remedies, antihistamines,etc,cold

> compress, rest etc,or whatever and get medical advice if

> any sign of a secondary infection with a germ.

> Many of the RA treatments are aiming to achieve a damping

> down of this too enthusiastic response (immunosuppressants

> ) because that is what is doing the damage and causing the

> pain of RA

> Best wishes

> Chris

> retired doc UK