Global warming means the UK’s climate is changing, bringing with it new species of stinging insects. Two new species of wasps have already arrived in the UK from Southern Europe. Spiders of a species related to the Black Widow are prospering due to a succession of mild winters, and the number of reported bites from the rare European Steatoda nobilis spider are increasing [1]. This insect invasion is an unwelcome hazard for anyone enjoying angling.
A recent survey showed that 64% of respondents have been bitten or stung at some time [2]. One answer to these summer stingers is Care Stingose Spray, an over-the-counter antidote to stings and bites, which was launched in the UK last year.
Care Stingose Spray, from Thornton & Ross works directly on the cause as it is clinically shown to neutralise the venom converting it into harmless entities. Most other products currently available in the UK only help relieve the symptoms. In a clinical trial in Australia (where Stingose became the leading bite and sting treatment), Stingose was found to be 99.4% effective. Bites and stings treated in the trial included:
Ø Jellyfish
Ø Bee
Ø Wasp
Ø Hornet
Ø Mosquito
Ø Sand fly
Ø Ant bites
Ø Plant stings such as nettles [3].
GP and health broadcaster, Dr Rob Hicks says:
“Insect bites and stings are a common summer health hazard. Whether someone is away on holiday or at home in the garden, being bitten or stung can be very unpleasant and makes for an unwelcome summertime memory. An effective and easy to use bite and sting antidote, is a vital part of any first aid kit.â€
Advice which is echoed by Simon Crayfourd, a Life Guard from Sydney, who spends the summer working in the UK:
“I’ve used Stingose for ten years in Australia and it’s always part of a Life Guard’s first aid kit. In Australia the main sting we deal with is from the Portuguese Man-of-War jellyfish, which has a vicious sting. The faster Care Stingose is sprayed onto the affected area, the quicker the pain subsides. Since coming to the UK, I’ve always had Care Stingose in my kit bag.â€
Care Stingose Spray costs £4-11 for 25ml and is available from local pharmacies, all Wilkinson’s, Co-op Pharmacies and selected Tesco stores.
Always read the label. Always use normal first aid measures. Patients with a known or suspected allergy to insect bites and stings should seek medical advice.
The Care brand also has a number of other products within the range for common summertime ailments, visit www.care-medicines.co.uk
References
1. www.nhm.ac.uk
2. GFK NOP March 2007
3. Stingose a new and effective treatment for bites and stings, Henderson D and Easton R, The Medical Journal of Australia.
