Insect bites: symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition

What is an insect bite?

Generally, insect bites are harmless, although they can sometimes cause discomfort. Bee, wasp, hornet and fire ant bites are usually painful. Mosquito and flea bites usually feel itchy. Insects can also spread disease.

Insect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. Bites from fire ants and stings from bees, wasps and hornets are the most painful. Bites from mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks cause more itching than pain.

How common is this condition?

This condition can occur in patients of any age. This condition can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of insect bites?

Symptoms depend on the type of bite or sting. Quoted from the U.S National Library of Medicine website, common symptoms of insect bites are:

• Pain
• Redness
• Swollen
• Itchy
• Burning sensation
• Numb
• Tingling sensation

Symptoms usually improve within a few hours or a few days, although sometimes they can last longer. Some people have severe and dangerous reactions to bee stings or insect bites. This condition is called anaphylactic shock and can occur very quickly and lead to death if not treated quickly.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis can occur quickly and affect the entire body, including:

• Chest pain
• Swelling of the face or mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting or dizziness
• Stomach pain or vomiting
• Rash or blushing

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• You are worried about bites or stings
• Your symptoms don't get better within a few days or they get worse
• You were stung or bitten in the mouth or throat, or near the eye
• The large area (about 10 cm or so) around the bite becomes red and swollen
• You have symptoms of a wound infection, such as increased pus or pain, swelling or redness
• You have more widespread symptoms of infection, such as fever, swollen glands and other flu-like symptoms

Seek immediate help if you experience:

• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Swollen face, mouth or throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Dizziness or feel like passing out
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of consciousness

Cause

What causes insect bites?

A bite or sting from the Hymenoptera insect family or species, can cause a serious reaction in an allergic person. In fact, deaths from bee stings are 3-4 times more common than deaths from snakebites.

Stinging insects include:

• Beetle
• Honey bee
• Enchant
• Fire ant
• Wasp (yellow jacket)

Insects that bite and suck blood include:

• Bedbug
• Fleas
• Flies (black flies, sand flies, deer flies, horse flies)
• Lice
• Mosquito
• Spider

Risk factors

What increases my risk for insect bites?

There are many risk factors for this condition, namely:

• Dark clothing color
• Eating out
• Exposure to beehives
• Floral perfume
• Loose clothes
• Participate in outdoor activities
• Work outdoors

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this condition diagnosed?

Often times, the diagnosis is clear because you can identify the insect when it bites. However, sometimes a sting or bite can occur later without diagnostic identification. These bites are much more difficult to diagnose because the type of insect is unknown. However, the size and location of the bite will give an indication of the source of the bite.

Diagnosis of an insect bite begins with a medical history and physical examination. Tests are usually not needed to diagnose bee stings and insect bites. Diagnostic tests are only performed when insects are found on the skin to determine whether the insect is carrying disease or not.

The doctor may also recommend treatment for insect bites or stings by ruling out other possible diagnoses (shingles or chickenpox, for example). Some examples of tests include:

• Insect allergy test: This diagnostic test involves scratching the skin with a small dose of insect venom and looking at the size of the rash to measure an allergic reaction to insect venom.
• Test for Lyme disease: If the tick is removed from the skin, it is necessary to get tested for Borrelia burgdorferi, the cause of Lyme disease, if the person is in the infested area.

What are the treatments for insect bites?

Insect bites and stings are common, and most of them are minor. Most conditions cause minor, local reactions for which symptoms are easy to manage.

In fact, home care is all it takes to relieve symptoms from mild reactions to insect bites and stings.

Immunotherapy (de-sensitization) is a possible treatment option if you are allergic to insect bites or stings. Poison immunotherapy can help prevent systemic reactions in people who are sensitive to insect stings or bites.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat insect bites?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with this condition:

Blisters

Do not break blisters caused by insect bites, as this can lead to infection. Blisters cause pain if they break and are exposed to the sensitive area underneath. If possible, use tape to protect the area.

Generalized urticaria

If you notice an itchy lump or sore around the bite, your doctor may give you an oral antihistamine and corticosteroid, such as prednisolone, to treat the local area. If symptoms worsen, seek medical help.

Local reaction (large)

Large, localized reactions can be treated with short-term use of oral antihistamines and / or oral analgesics. If the local swelling is severe, the doctor can give oral steroids for a short time.

Local reaction (small)

Small local reactions that are limited to the bite area can be treated with cold compresses and / or oral NSAIDs, such as aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen. Anesthetics, steroid creams or antihistamine tablets can also relieve pain from bites.

Do not apply creams or ointments to exposed skin and always follow the directions on the package. Although the bite can be itchy, avoid scratching it as this can damage the skin and allow bacteria to enter the skin so that infection can occur.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.