2023-05-22 04:00:38
local
Written by: Xu YunPhotography: Hong Zhifu
Summer is hot and rainy, which is the season for mosquito breeding. Have you heard of paederus? It looks like an ant. Although it does not bite people, the venom in the body is corrosive. Human skin will be burned following contact. Improper handling can cause inflammation and allergic reactions. Dr. Zhou Zhian taught everyone to identify paederus and explained that children are prone to mosquitoes The reasons, and how to stop the scars immediately following being bitten by mosquitoes.
Guest host: Zhou Yunbing
How are paederus bites different from regular mosquito bites?
After mosquito bites, the skin will have immediate reactions, including redness, swelling, itching, etc. Paederus do not bite the skin, but it has toxins in its body, which will cause irritation when it comes into contact with the skin, so the skin reaction is not caused by the bite, and there is a better chance When being slapped, accidentally squeezed to release the venom in the body, causing skin reactions.
If the paederus is removed by hand, the venom may follow the direction of removal and form a striped rash.
What are the symptoms of skin irritation caused by paederus?
If you are accidentally splashed with the venom of the paederus, there will be no immediate reaction. It usually takes 12 to 36 hours to cause skin discomfort. , it is strip-shaped along the direction of the dial, so the rash at the beginning will be strip-shaped, it will be itchy and hot, and it will also tingle and discomfort. After four to five days, blisters will form. If it is serious, it may cause Ulcers, if the wound is too deep and affects the dermis, scars will form following healing. Do not let the venom enter the eyes. If you accidentally touch the eyes, the toxin may cause keratitis and affect vision.
Paederus do not actively sting
What should I do if I encounter it accidentally?
In case you see paederus appear, do not beat it with your hands, it is better to push it away with objects. Hong Kong has paederus, but it is not as common as mosquitoes or bees. It is more common in Southeast Asia or the mainland. Paederus like grass or fields , have phototaxis and are easily attracted by lights. Unlike termites, they lay eggs and reproduce at home, so don’t worry too much if you see them at home.
How to distinguish paederus?
The paederus is not difficult to identify. There is a flower called green ant. Because it looks like an ant, it is sometimes mistaken for a termite. It belongs to the beetle insects. It has orange and black stripes on its body. The wings are not obvious but can fly. The length is regarding 7 mm. Left and right, its habit will not actively attack people.
Dermatitis caused by paederus can be large or small
There are many mosquitoes in summer, why are children especially prone to mosquitoes?
The sensing part of the mosquito’s body tends to bite people with higher carbon dioxide levels, and people who sweat a lot. Children have a fast metabolism, and the frequency of breathing carbon dioxide is higher. In addition, they are active and prone to sweating. The smell of sweat on their bodies is likely to attract mosquitoes. Adults who like to exercise , When breathing more carbon dioxide, the body emits heat and sweats, and is also prone to mosquito bites.
Why do children experience severe redness and swelling following being bitten?
After a child is bitten by a mosquito, the itching, redness and swelling are difficult to disappear. If you have a fever or pain, or even chills, it may be complicated by subcutaneous cellulitis, which is a type of bacterial infection. The skin is damaged, and bacteria can take advantage of it; another reason is that it may be bitten by mosquitoes in several places, and there may be several red and swollen spots connected together, which looks particularly red and swollen. A small number of people are prone to angioedema. The most common places are the lips and eyes. After being bitten, the skin edema appears, and the redness and swelling look particularly serious.
How to relieve itching and swelling under healed scars?
After being bitten by mosquitoes, the immediate treatment method is to rinse with clean water. It is best to use soapy water or hand sanitizer to neutralize the acidity secreted by mosquitoes. Applying ice pads and frozen towels can also help stop it. Ingredients, such as antihistamines, can relieve symptoms. If the symptoms are difficult to relieve, you should see a doctor to find out whether you need to prescribe topical steroid ointments or oral anti-allergic drugs. The most important thing is to avoid rubbing too hard with your hands, because there are many bacteria in the nails , If it is damaged and has a wound, it is easy to cause bacterial infection.
Doctor profile
Zhou Zhian-Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology, University of London, Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Dermatology, Cardiff University, Diploma in Pediatrics, University of Sydney, Master of Family Medicine, Monash University, Australia, Honorary Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Hong Kong Clinical Assistant Professor.
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