There are lots of creepy-crawly critters out there that are willing and able to inflict harm. Learn when to seek medical attention and how to stay safe until help arrives.
Rashes are extremely difficult to diagnose, even when the doctor can closely examine them. These rash pictures will help readers identify some rashes as well as discuss other symptoms and when to take your rash to the doctor.
What are your most poisonous fears? Read what others fear most and contribute your own most poisonous North American pest to the list.
Compared to some other continents (Australia springs to mind), North America is pretty tame. Of course, we do have our poisonous pests, but it's a testament to our safe little continent that I could only find a few really dangerous venomous land animals. Here are the critters most likely to ruin your day. Some are deadly, but most are just severely unpleasant.
From a reader: My 20 year old son was bitten by a black widow the other day. He had all the symptons, went to ER and was given Morphine via IV for pain, ALL day long! Doctor's did not find anything in his blood. Why not?
A rattlesnake bites a northern California bee keeper tending his hives. See the pictures of this rattlesnake bite, the treatment of the rattlesnake bite and the rattlesnake that did the biting.
About.com readers share their experiences with spider bites. Bites and treatment -- share your story and read what others have endured.
Kids love dogs. Sometimes they can be a little too enthusiastic around dogs they don't know, however, which can lead to someone getting bit.
Bark scorpions live in Arizona, California and New Mexico. Bark scorpion stings are dangerous and treatment should be quick.
Infected wounds are often blamed on spider bites. Unfortunately, it's really hard to tell if a spider is really the culprit. Many bug bites look just like spider bites, and almost any small, infected cut can be mistaken for a spider bite. These pictures show some of the damage spider bites can do and how the classic versions may look.
Will urinating on a jellyfish sting help to relieve the pain?
Only a few species of bee have barbed stingers. The bees with sharply barbed stingers that leave behind a venom sac and stinger are female worker honey bees. A few yellowjackets also have small barbs on their stingers, but they're not big enough to catch in the skin.
Rats and other rodents have a nasty bite that can lead to a serious infection. Care should always be taken to contain any rodent after a bite to determine if the animal has rabies or another infection.
As much as humans interact with canines, cat bites are common injuries, especially in children. Responding to a cat bite should always start with the safety of all involved, including the victim, the rescuer, and if possible, the cat.
As much as humans interact with canines, dog bites are common, especially in children. Responding to a dog bite should always start with the safety of all involved, including the victim, the rescuer, and if possible, the dog.
Shark bites look ugly, and it may seem overwhelming to address all that damaged skin, muscle, and bone. Here is a list of the types of injuries sharks inflict, and what to do about them.
Since critters that crawl, buzz, and fly are bound to be with us forever, here are some tips to deal with the inevitable battle scars.
Spiders get a pretty bad rap in the world of first aid. Plenty of red, raised welts have been identified, either correctly or incorrecty, as spider bites. Despite the belief by many victims that spiders are responsible for their pain, spider bites are often harmless. Indeed, most spider bites go unnoticed and untreated.
Jellyfish stings come from the long tenticles that trail the bell-shaped jellyfish. These tenticles have an alkali-based venom. The most dangerous reaction to a jellyfish sting is the possibility of severe allergic reaction.
Bee stings are either annoyingly painful or deadly, depending on whether you are allergic to the venom. The best way to reduce any reaction to the venom is to remove the bee stinger as quickly as possible.
Stingrays are found on the sandy floor of the ocean and are usually docile. Stingrays are, however, capable of a painful and sometimes dangerous sting. Know how to treat stingray stings.
How to remove a tick and look for Lyme disease.
North America is home to several different species of venomous snakes. The most common is the rattlesnake. Snake bites can be deadly. It's important to react quickly to bites.
Insect, spider, and scorpion bites and stings are painful but rarely fatal. Learn how to respond to bug bites and stings
With talk of West Nile virus in the air, and health concerns over the use of chemicals, more and more people are interested in natural mosquito repellants. An example of natural mosquito repellants is citronella candles.
Lyme disease guide with in-depth information on the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lyme disease.
Although children are thought to be at low risk from the West Nile Virus, it is important to know the symptoms if your child gets sick and has recently had a mosquito bite.
Human bites are the worst of all. See what you can do to stop your toddler from biting others - as well as what to do if you or yours are bitten. From Pediatrics Guide, Vince Ianelli, MD.
Pay attention to what's swimming near. There are dangerous creatures in oceans, lakes and rivers.
Creepy crawlies that pack a punch leave you needing tender love and care.
Watch out for that snake in the grass! Some are absolutely deadly.
Willing and able to bite the hand that feeds them.
Unlike Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is not well known by patients or pediatricians. This is unfortunate, since complications can be serious, like gangrene, and it can be fatal, especially if treatment is not started early.
