Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
The deer tick, which is responsible for the spread of Lyme disease, is so small that it is al-
most never seen or noticed. The bite is often followed by a flu-like fever and typically develops
a “bull's eye” rash up to several inches in diameter centered on the bite, which usually disap-
pears on its own within a month's time. About 20 percent of Lyme disease victims develop fur-
ther long-term symptoms, such as severe arthritis, heart problems, and neurological difficulties
sometimes resembling multiple sclerosis. Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics and has
been treated successfully with colloidal silver (see the
Micro Silver Bullet,
by Dr. Paul Farber).
Stings
Bees, wasps, hornets, and scorpions can cause severe reactions in some people. In the case of a
scorpion, try to kill the scorpion (and bring it along) for identification, because some varieties
can be extremely poisonous. The sting from the small straw-colored bark scorpion (1 to 2
inches in length, with slender pinchers) is potentially lethal. Look for neurological symptoms,
such as twitching, drooling, numbness, blurred vision, and seizures. Seek immediate medical
attention.
Benadryl can be helpful for reducing the symptoms of swelling and itching associated with
many insect bites and stings. Try to remove bee stingers with a scraping action, as pinching a
stinger with tweezers may drive more venom into the sting. Multiple stings or an allergy to
stings can cause a severe reaction, known as anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening conditioning
in which the throat swells shut, blood pressure falls, and unconsciousness may ensue. In this
case, call EMS and seek immediate medical attention. Check for a medic alert bracelet. A per-
son with severe allergies usually carries a kit with emergency medicine for dealing with this
kind of emergency.
Eyes
The eye is very delicate, complicated, and easily damaged. When in doubt, always seek medic-
al attention. If foreign material is irritating the eyes, try to wash it out with an eyecup, by hold-
ing the eye open in a bowl of water, or lying the victim on his or her side and dribbling water
from a glass across the eye. While washing the eye, use your thumb and forefinger to hold the
eyelid open, since the natural reaction is for the eye to clamp shut. Room-temperature sterile
saline solution is the best flushing solution for the eyes, but clean freshwater will do if saline
solution is not available. Use lukewarm or cold water—
never use hot water!
The standard pro-
cedure for chemical irritants in the eyes is to flush the eyes for fifteen minutes with water, and
then seek medical attention. You may be able to dislodge foreign debris by pulling the upper
