Insect Bite Allergy

[PeteC]

Before I start, I know, the best way is to consult our doctor. However, even with a Thai wife, this is not the easiest subject to convey. Therefore, I come here for comments and advice first.

Our little 3 years old has a real problem with bites. A mosquito bite will look like a pimple for 3 days. Yesterday she was bitten by some red fire ants out by her swing. No immediate reaction but 24 hours later the welts are the size of the old 1 pound coin (or silver dollar for us Yanks), with a red spot in the middle. She has been in agony with the itch and it seems cortisone(sp) cream is helpful but not 100%.

Now, I am scared to death of what would happen if she gets stung by one of these big wasps or hornets around here.

I know there are allergy patch tests they do on one's arm for food items. I've never heard of a patch test for venom from an insect to determine how serious it would be if a wasp or hornet stung her. Has anyone? Seems to me the test itself could severly harm a person?

I'm hoping that she'll outgrow this and build up a resistence, but after consulting with my other 33 year old daughter, she mentioned mosquito bites swell her up as well for a few days. So I guess something from my side as two different Mothers. I have no problems. Any advice from experience most welcome. Thanks. Pete

[Guess]

I also have an allergy to bites but nothing like as bad as you describe. I am only allergic to certain kinds of mosquito.

I got a wasp sting recently and no problem above what you would expect.

I saw a doctor at Petcherat and she said that is was not uncommon and I should see a specialist. I didn't bother.

What I have done is to make more use of repellents. We have been teaming with mozzies the last three weeks and so far only one bad bite.

I have also done a lot of research over the internet but without identifying the species that I am allergic too there is no chance of any treatment.

If you manage to catch one in the process of biting her then keep it for later visits to an allergy specialist.

It is possible of course that she develops her own immunity.

[migrant]

My first wife was Korean. She, and our daughter, both have very fine skin so mosquito bites affect them the same way.

Like Guess, bee/wasp stings were painful, but no greater problem.

Maybe a check with a doctor is in order though, since allergies to the bee stings can be drastic.

[MrPlum]

Some bites, such as Sand Fly bites can itch like crazy for weeks.

Best solution I have found is to take a couple of Basil leaves... soften them slightly in your mouth until it is damp and pliable enough to apply it to any bite/wound. The leaves will start to dry out and fall off your arm/body, so put a plaster over the top and leave it overnight. By the next day you should be sorted. All my g/f's Sand Fly bites, that had been there for weeks. disappeared within 48 hours.

Mossie bites are forgotten quickly if you can resist the urge to scratch. If you do get a strong reaction, try the Basil.

Cynics should... ahem.... suck it and see.

[PeteC]

Some bites, such as Sand Fly bites can itch like crazy for weeks.

Best solution I have found is to take a couple of Basil leaves... soften them slightly in your mouth until it is damp and pliable enough to apply it to any bite/wound. The leaves will start to dry out and fall off your arm/body, so put a plaster over the top and leave it overnight. By the next day you should be sorted. All my g/f's Sand Fly bites, that had been there for weeks. disappeared within 48 hours.

Mossie bites are forgotten quickly if you can resist the urge to scratch. If you do get a strong reaction, try the Basil.

Cynics should... ahem.... suck it and see.

That's interesting, thanks. We have a few pots of basil growing here. I'll try it. I'll let her Mom do the sucking, too much nicotine and beer with me and may give her an adverse reaction? Pete

[HHTel]

My mother suffers an allergic reaction to mozzie bites to the point where she finished up in hospital on her first visit to Thailand.

We've solved it simply by taking 'one per day' anti-histamine pills. She still gets bitten just like anyone else but they never flare up and are usually gone in a few hours.

Zyrtec is a very good one. Comes in packs of 10.

[PeteC]

My mother suffers an allergic reaction to mozzie bites to the point where she finished up in hospital on her first visit to Thailand.

We've solved it simply by taking 'one per day' anti-histamine pills. She still gets bitten just like anyone else but they never flare up and are usually gone in a few hours.

Zyrtec is a very good one. Comes in packs of 10.

Thanks for that HH. I'll need to check if youngsters can take that stuff and if in liquid or small chewable form. Pete

[MrPlum]

Zyrtec is a very good one. Comes in packs of 10.

When the body has inflammatory reactions, it can be due to low levels of Cortisol. Adrenal Fatigue is a common, though rarely diagnosed cause. I would try natural remedies which support the adrenals before risking any drugs.
http://www.adrenalfatigue.org/allergies.php

Side Effects of Zyrtec...
http://www.medications.com/se/zyrtec

Do your own research.

[HHTel]

I accept that most drugs can have side effects but are 'usually' in the minority.

My mother comes here for three months every year. Her first visit some years ago was only for one month and the mozzies made the holiday a nightmare. However, the years since then have been great because of Zyrtec. She's had no side/after effects whatsoever. Quite the contrary. It's stopped any worries about insect bites.

My wife also takes these for a different reason and they work fine for her too.

Yes, everyone's different!

[sezanu]

Zyrec works fine on most occations, but you should start the treatment 3 days before you arrive in Thailand, and one side effect is that you might feel a bit dissy. There is a lot of people using Zyrtec before the fly from/ to europe.

[Winkie]

We use coconut oil, just dab a snmall amount on the bite.

Interested to try the Basil leaves, doe sit need to be a specific type? Or will any of the Basil available in Thailadn do the trick?

[MrPlum]

We use coconut oil, just dab a snmall amount on the bite.

Interested to try the Basil leaves, doe sit need to be a specific type? Or will any of the Basil available in Thailadn do the trick?

Coconut Oil is good for many things. Underrated

In Ayurvedic medicine, 'Holy Basil' is regarded as the top herb. As you say, there are different families of Basil in LOS. I use the Basil (Ka Pow) that they put in 'Pad Ka Pow' but any is ok.

Another simple solution is to use Lavender Oil (the concentrated stuff they use in massage). Just one drop on each bite should do the trick within 2-3 days. I'm talking about the sand fly bites which are maddeningly itchy. Normal mozzie bites will stop itching in 10 minutes.

As always DON'T SCRATCH.

[sid2827]

prcscct, seems like your daughters immune system if fine. In fact, if maybe too strong. If her immune system was weak, should would not have a strong reaction like she is having. She is experiencing something called hypersensitivity reaction type 4 (delayed), can be genetic

I would consult an allergist so see the possible causes and cures.
I strongly suggest you carry around benadryl or an antihistamine in case she has a severe reaction because she can die within minutes if she has a severe reaction ( getting hives, bronchoconstriction & not being able to breath)
Also, an epi pen (epinephrine) is good to have around.