Of Bites and the (Little) Hands That Feed
Standard first aid for insect bitesand stings involves cleansing the skinwith soap and water followed byapplication of an antiseptic and topicaldiphenhydramine.
Standard first aid for insect bitesand stings involves cleansing the skinwith soap and water followed byapplication of an antiseptic and topicaldiphenhydramine. However, youngchildren are likely to touch thetreated bite or sting and then put theirfingers-covered with the topicalmedications-in their mouth. An alternative,nontoxic remedy for insectbites is to apply a paste of baking sodaand lemon juice. The paste alleviatesthe itching and pain, yet is harmlessif inadvertently swallowed.
-Gopi Rana-Mukkavilli, MD
 New York
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