Bug Bites & Allergic Reactions: Benadryl To The Rescue!
In our search for the perfect piece of property to build our next home on, we've been spending a good deal of time in the woods -- traipsing through thick brush and weeds.
This means... we've seen a good deal of ticks, received more than our share of chigger bites, and walked through far too many thick spider webs -- with the spiders still in them! (It seems like all the spiders in the forest build their webs between dangling tree limbs -- right about at shoulder level.)
Unfortunately, this has resulted in numerous bug bites on our arms and legs, ticks that have managed to work their way up and under our clothes, and even a fairly serious spider bite where Jim's entire right arm got tight (the muscle was constricted) and he ran a high fever.
One thing we've learned:
Allergic reactions (to things like pollen, insect bites & stings) prompt mast cells (frontline defenders of the body) to release a chemical called histamine that sets in motion a cascade of symptoms to repel the invaders.
Benadryl is an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine.
Antihistamines reduce the allergy symptoms by blocking the action of the histamine.
The only downside: antihistamines can dramatically affect your level of alertness. Most of the time, they produce symptoms of drowsiness. (This was certainly the case with Jim. En route from one wooded location to another, we had to pull over so he could take a quick nap in the car the day he got that spider bite.)
We haven't tried this yet, but I see that there's also a Benadryl spray that will help stop the itch on contact (...see the customer reviews).
Kids & Allergic Reactions
Benadryl could also be a lifesaver in the event that your child is stung by a bee or a wasp.
Did you know?... As a rule, you have no idea whether or not a child is allergic to such insects until he or she is actually stung by one!
Case in point: friends of ours had taken their child out for a hike around the lake when they noticed the child was holding his arm and complaining that it hurt. Then he grabbed his stomach and said his stomach hurt. At which point, he went white as a sheet and passed out.
This was an allergic reaction to a wasp sting. They called an ambulance, and when he came to, he was given Benadryl, and he was fine. Now that they know he is allergic to stings, they always keep Benadryl with them at all times.
Dogs & Allergic Reactions
Benadryl can also benefit pets, such was the case with our dog, Destin. Out of the blue one day, he walked over to us with a swollen lower lip. The swelling appeared to be quickly spreading to his upper lip on the same side, and down his jaw under his chin.
We phoned the vet for advice, and they said to give him Benadryl (they told us the appropriate dosage for his weight). We did this every 6 hours for 2 days and the swelling very gradually went down.
Apparently he was bitten by a spider (quite common in our backyard) or a wasp (also frequently seen flying around our yard).
It's important to note here, that -- aside from some major drooling out of that side of his mouth -- our dog was not showing any other signs of discomfort or behavioral issues. If he were, we would have rushed him directly to the vet. Instead, we were able to monitor his breathing, appetite, activity levels, bowel movements, and overall comfort level from our home.
How To Remove A Tick ...plus pictures & info about the ticks that carry Lyme Disease.
Use Permethrin To Prevent Tick Bites ...it's what the U.S. Military uses!
Our Top 10 Camping Tips ...recommendations from a family of frequent campers.
I was just bitten or stung by something about 1 hour ago. My toe and Middle of my foot has turned bright red and stings like no other. I took A allergy pill about 35 minutes ago. Should I just watch and see or should I see a doctor?
i have tried the benadryl spay and it wks but sting like crazy my daughter is alegic to bug bite and she swealls and blisters from it and so shes been taking a lot of benadryl
Yes, you're right! Benedryl helps tremendously with many insect and spider bites--and can save ones life! They say if one is bitten by a black widow, one must take the spider to the hospital with you (its okay if its dead)--that way they can positively identify it and give you antivenon. Only if you bring the spider to the hospital can they give you antivenon.