tings, bites, and reactions to poison ivy are among the most common conditions that emergency room physicians treat during the summer. In many cases, these types of injuries are minor, and you can treat them at home.
For bites, deep burns, punctures, and most wounds requiring stitches, you need protection against tetanus, a rare but severe illness of the central nervous system. That means you should have been immunized and received a tetanus booster shot within the past five years. If you haven't been adequately immunized, you may need to receive a dose of tetanus immune globulin. Minor bumps, bruises, scratches, and burns require a booster within the past 10 years, assuming adequate immunization in the past.
Insect stings and, bites
To treat stings and bites, clean the area, carefully remove the stinger, and apply cool compresses to reduce the pain and swelling. Stings may cause a great deal of local swelling, but you will usually see improvement when you elevate the affected areas and apply ice packs. Over-the-counter pain remedies and antihistamines are also helpful.
If you experience significant swelling or have difficulty swallowing, talking, or breathing seek an emergency evaluation immediately. If an infection develops or the swelling and discomfort continue beyond a couple of days, seek medical attention from your family physician.
Allergic reactions caused by stings are fairly common and can be life threatening. They usually occur within a few minutes of the injury and may include diffuse itching and swelling, hives or whelps all over the body, tightness in the throat or chest, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting. Sometimes, the cardiovascular system totally collapses, causing death. Allergic reactions to stings and bites are true emergencies, and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Bites of brown recluse and black widow spiders may require special attention, particularly if the victim is very young or very old. The bite of a brown recluse spider may cause a painful sore that requires medical attention if a dark purple or bloody central area develops and spreads. The bite of the black widow spider may cause acute illness, cramps, nausea, and vomiting. This condition also requires emergency medical care.
Snake bites
First aid should be adequate for bites from nonpoisonous snakes, but bites from poisonous snakes may require medical attention. In East Tennessee, the two types of poisonous snakes are rattlesnakes and copperheads.
Poisonous snakes don't always inject venom, but when they do they use two fangs which cause one or two small, discrete puncture wounds. The victim experiences a rapid onset of local swelling, pain, and perhaps blister formation. Nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and shock may also develop, but these symptoms are not as common.
When a bite from a poisonous snake occurs protect the injured part, but don't elevate it. Reassure the victim and transport him or her to the hospital as quickly as possible.
Poison ivy
Poison ivy is another summer problem for many people. If it's a problem for you, wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and gloves when you are hiking, camping, or working outdoors.
Wash any exposed areas that come in contact with poison ivy with soap and water as soon as possible. If a localized rash develops, use cool compresses, topical and oral antihistamines, and topical hydrocortisone preparations. The rash will usually dry up in a few days, but if it continues to spread, seek medical attention.
