Under normal circumstances flea and tick bites are more bothersome than troublesome; the majority of victims (both human and pet) exhibit only minor discomfort with no lasting effects. But for those with allergies or who have come into contact with a tick that is carrying a disease, the consequences of even one bite can be far more complicated. Knowing what to look for will help you know when a bite is treatable at home and when it’s time to consult a physician.

Flea Bites

Flea bites first appear about a half hour after the actual bite and typically on, though not limited to, the feet and ankles. The bite will present as a small raised bump with a single bite mark in the center. Bites on people or animals with sensitivity to fleas might exhibit a red bump surrounded by a reddened halo. Because a single flea is capable of biting up to 400 times, the bites will usually occur as a few bites close together or in clusters.

Signs of Trouble from a Flea Bite

Some dogs develop flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), which will result in excessive itching and scratching that can lead to open sores and hair loss. Secondary infections from severe scratching can also occur. In people who are sensitive to insect bites, flea bites can swell into painful red mounds that can become infected or in the case of hives, a rash of raised red bumps. Consult a physician if the itching and swelling is not relieved by applying ice packs, by taking an antihistamine or if other symptoms including fever follow the bite.

Tick Bites

The bite of a tick is painless and because they are small enough to be hidden by fur, are often not noticed until the tick itself has swelled with blood. Once the tick has been removed, a red mark where the mouth parts pierced the skin may be the only indication of the bite.

Reasons to Call a Doctor after a Tick Bite

A doctor should be consulted if a rash consisting of raised red bumps appears at the site of the bite or if a severe headache or fever occurs two to 14 days following the bite. If the bite is infected, which might occur if the entire tick is not removed, it could show red streak marks originating from the bite area and possibly produce a yellowish drainage. A red ring that resembles a bull’s-eye surrounding the bite may indicate Lyme disease and could appear three to 30 days after the bite.

Prevention

Discovering even one flea bite on your ankle or a tick on your dog, could mean there are hundreds more fleas and ticks in the vicinity, a problem that can only be truly solved by treating your house and yard with a pesticide specifically designed to eliminate the pests. Staying vigilant against a re-infestation can greatly reduce the chance for any future health problems for you and your pets.

Blood sugar refers to the amount of sugar–or glucose–in your blood. The hormone insulin helps the body process and use glucose. Normally, blood sugar increases after eating, and the pancreas releases insulin to regulate glucose levels. In people with diabetes (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), the body is not able to regulate blood sugar on its own, resulting in sometimes very dangerous reactions.

High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar occurs when there is not enough insulin produced, or when the body cannot properly process insulin. Blood sugar that remains high for a long time can cause serious damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves. Some signs of high blood sugar include high blood glucose levels in a blood or urine test, frequent urination and an increase in thirst.

Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar can be caused by stress, hunger and insulin reactions. If you have been diagnosed with hypoglycemia or with diabetes, it is important to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia and to know how to treat this condition. Symptoms include shakiness and dizziness, sweating, severe feelings of hunger, sudden moodiness, lack of concentration and clumsiness.

Normal Levels of Blood Sugar

There are several types of blood glucose tests, which include fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar and random blood sugar testing. Fasting blood sugar tests measure glucose levels after 8 hours without food or drink and should result in a normal range of 70 to 99 milligrams glucose per deciliter of blood; postprandial blood sugar tests measure glucose levels within two hours after eating and should result in a range of 70 to 145 mg/dL; random blood sugar tests are taken at intervals throughout the day and should result in glucose levels of 70 to125 mg/dL. Blood sugar levels higher or lower than these ranges are not considered normal and should be monitored closely. Danger zones include fasting blood sugar above 126 mg/dl or below 50 mg/dl.

Minor burns, although scary and painful, can be treated with natural home remedies. As long as the burn is a surface burn only, there are several alternative solutions that can prevent infection, soothe pains, stop scarring and help in healing. Alternative remedies such as milk, tea, honey, cool water, lavender oil and yogurt have been used for some time, and are easily accessible.

Yogurt

Yogurt can help soothe and cool down minor burns. Apply two tablespoons of yogurt directly the burn, wait 15 minutes, and then remove. Plain yogurt is recommended, but flavored yogurt will work as well.

Honey

Honey is an old remedy for a multitude of things, including minor burns. Honey will also sanitize minor burns by drawing out fluids. Place a few drops of honey directly on the burn, then place a bandage over the infected area. A gauze bandage works well, and should be changed several times daily. With each bandage change, a few drops of honey should be reapplied.

Black Tea

The tannic acid in black tea works to help draw out the burning heat from a minor burn. Tea bags should be placed under cool, running water while collecting the tea liquid into a bowl or glass. Then simply sprinkle the tea water onto the burn. This can be repeated as often as necessary.

Milk

Milk works to soothe minor burns and alleviate pain. Take a clean cloth, soak it with milk, and apply it to the burn. Repeat as often as needed for pain relief, washing the cloth between each application. Alternately, the burn can also be soaked in a bowl of milk for at least 15 minutes.

Water

Cool water can help tremendously with minor burns. Not only does it cool down the burn, but it can also help it from spreading. Run cool water over the burn as soon as possible. Hesitating in using water will increase the risk of infection and pain. Run the cool water over the burn for at least 10 minutes, and repeat as many times as desired.

Vinegar

Vinegar works as a purifying agent as well as an astringent for minor burns. Dilute one-quarter cup of vinegar with two cups of water. Pour the liquid over the burn and do not rinse it off.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil will not only soothe away the pains of a minor burn, it will also help in the prevention of unwanted scarring. Rub the lavender oil generously over the burn and leave it on for at least 15 minutes. Apply again as many times as needed. Be sure to rinse off the oil before each application.