Bites can range from itchy to painful to life-threatening. And you needn't live in the wilderness to risk getting one. In fact, one of the most dangerous bites can be inflicted in your very own home: by a fellow human being! (Humans have more bacteria in their mouths than most wild animals, no matter how often we brush our teeth.)

Many bites can be treated at home, although others, including a human bite that breaks the skin, require an immediate visit to the doctor or emergency room. The trick is distinguishing the dangerous from the benign.

In this article, we'll look at ways to treat various types of bites and how to prevent getting bitten in the first place. Keep reading to learn how to tell the difference between a harmless mosquito bite and a potentially serious reaction to spider venom.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.