The importance of medical preparation and preventive medicine were brought home this week in albeit a minor way.
A few days ago I was stung or bitten by an insect on the inside of my upper arm, at the time I thought it was nothing and carried on. The next day I had a red itchy patch, so took some anti-histamine which calmed the itch. However the next day two thirds of my arm was swollen, red, itchy and painful. My elbow was stiff and I had pins & needles in my fingers.
The infection was probably introduced with the bite, however if I had cleaned and covered it at the time it might have stopped a secondary infection if one was present. As it was now obvious that something more sinister was going on I started taking Anti-inflammatory tablets and antibiotics both of which I had at home. 24 hours later it had calmed down considerable although was still red and slightly itchy.
If I hadn’t had those drugs the whole experience would have been a lot longer and more unpleasant as it was it was a minor inconvenience. It is possible that the infection could have spread to the lymphatic system in which case stronger drugs and possibly a stay in hospital would be required, not always possible in a disaster, survival or remote situation.
Possible complications from intreated insect/bite stings depending on where in the world you are include.
impetigo - a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes sores or blisters
cellulites - an infection that makes your skin red, swollen and painful
folliculitis - inflammation of one or more hair follicles
lymphangitis - an infection that causes red streaks in your armpit or groin and swollen lymph nodes
Lyme Disease leading to meningitis, facial palsy or encephalitis
West Nile Fever
Malaria
Anaphylaxis
A few days ago I was stung or bitten by an insect on the inside of my upper arm, at the time I thought it was nothing and carried on. The next day I had a red itchy patch, so took some anti-histamine which calmed the itch. However the next day two thirds of my arm was swollen, red, itchy and painful. My elbow was stiff and I had pins & needles in my fingers.
The infection was probably introduced with the bite, however if I had cleaned and covered it at the time it might have stopped a secondary infection if one was present. As it was now obvious that something more sinister was going on I started taking Anti-inflammatory tablets and antibiotics both of which I had at home. 24 hours later it had calmed down considerable although was still red and slightly itchy.
If I hadn’t had those drugs the whole experience would have been a lot longer and more unpleasant as it was it was a minor inconvenience. It is possible that the infection could have spread to the lymphatic system in which case stronger drugs and possibly a stay in hospital would be required, not always possible in a disaster, survival or remote situation.
Possible complications from intreated insect/bite stings depending on where in the world you are include.
impetigo - a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes sores or blisters
cellulites - an infection that makes your skin red, swollen and painful
folliculitis - inflammation of one or more hair follicles
lymphangitis - an infection that causes red streaks in your armpit or groin and swollen lymph nodes
Lyme Disease leading to meningitis, facial palsy or encephalitis
West Nile Fever
Malaria
Anaphylaxis
.......and they lay good eggs too 
