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There are no small enemies and, in the case of insects, another well-known saying can be repeated: small but deadly. We have all at some time been stung or bitten by mosquitos, bees and wasps, not to mention spiders, ticks and marine species such as the jellyfish that frighten off bathers on beaches.
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Desperate�measures
To avoid falling victim to these annoying and occasionally serious attacks, a few preventive measures are necessary. One very simple one is not to visit the country dressed in dark colours: a magnet to insects that are far less attracted to lighter colours. Also, and this may be tricky on hot days, wearing clothes that cover the entire body is recommended: long trousers or long-sleeved shirts or tops; it is best to opt for loose natural fibres and avoid using perfumes. If you are going to eat al fresco, it is best to avoid riverside spots, which are replete with vegetation, above all flowers, or rubbish and food-strewn spots, which tend to attract insects. You should also take care with certain foods, such as those that contain sugar or sweet soft drinks, which are especially appealing.
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The use of repelents
The best preventative measure, however, remains the use of repellents. These are easily found in pharmacies, although care should be taken when applying dietiltoluamide, which can reach the blood flow from the skin if overused. Permetrine-based repellents are effective and there are also non-toxic natural preparations made from plants and oils. One effective formula is to mix 100 ml of almond oil, 20 drops of essence of geranium and 20 of essence of basil. A mixture of cinnamon oil, camphor oil and olive oil is also effective. Additionally vitamin B1 has also been shown to repel insects with some investigations suggesting that once ingested and excreted by the skin, its smell keeps mosquitos at bay.
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If all these precautions fail to prevent insect attacks, it is time to alleviate the bites or stings. One aspect to take into account is that some people are allergic to the bites of certain species, with symptoms that vary from exaggerated inflammations to muscular problems and fever, and even anaphylactic shock, which can be life threatening. Sensitive patients should always carry isoproterenol tablets and aerosol adrenaline to inhale. The problem with insect reactions, wasp-based ones above all, is that most sufferers are unaware that they are allergic.� For this reason, if the skin inflammation following a bite is larger than 10 cm2 and does not die down after 48 hours, it is worth carrying out some tests to confirm the individual's susceptibility to avoid more serious complications in the future. Nowadays, there are also vaccinations that remain effective a week after being applied.
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Apart from these especially dangerous cases, there are preventative methods that range from natural formulas to chemical preparations. An insect bite or sting usually manifests itself as a spot on the skin complete with intense burning pain, itchiness, redness, inflammation, hives, etc. The best option is to remove the insect's sting (in the case of a bee), wash the affected area with soap and water, and apply some ice.� A lidocaine injection can be administered to relieve the pain. Natural remedies include parsley juice for wasp stings, cotton wool dipped in vinegar for bees, and garlic cut in half for mosquitos. Clay with saliva is a good emergency option, along with bicarbonate and lemon juice. All these remedies should be applied exter
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