Signs And Symptoms
Bites from insects like mosquitoes and bees can trigger mild symptoms. The initial contact can be painful, and this is usually followed by an allergic reaction to the substance deposited by the insect on your skin. While most of these encounters hardly cause anything more than minor discomfort, a few cases can be quite lethal if you are extremely allergic to the deposits of the insect on your skin. The common symptoms of an insect bite include:
Swelling A rash or redness Pain in the affected area Heat on and/or around the site of the bite or sting Itchiness Tingling sensation in the bitten area Numbness
Other symptoms that may call for a medical emergency are:
Fever Nausea Vomiting Unconsciousness Confusion Muscle spasms Rapidly beating heart Swollen lips and/or throat
If you end up developing flu-like symptoms in the days following an insect bite, see your doctor immediately to rule out the possibility of any infection that you may have contracted from the insect. The following section will give you an idea of the different types of insect bites and their allergic reactions on the skin.
Pictures of Different Type of Insect Bites
1. Mosquito Bite
A mosquito bite has the following characteristics:
The bite may be small, puffy, and round. The bump can look red, swollen, and itchy.
There could be multiple bites in the same area.
2. Fire Ant Bite
Fire ant bites may require immediate medical attention. They
Are swollen and red May develop a blister Can sting, burn, itch, and may last up to a week Can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, which may result in swelling, itching, and breathing difficulties
3. Flea Bite
Flea bites are:
Found in clusters in the lower legs and feet Itchy and red, often surrounded by a red halo
The symptoms surface almost immediately post being bitten.
4. Bedbug Bite
Bedbug bites can cause an itchy rash that may:
Be red and swollen with a dark-red center Appear in a line or in groups Result in itchy hives or blisters
5. Tick Bite
The symptoms of a tick bite are as follows:
It may cause swelling and pain. It can lead to the formation of a rash. Other reactions may include a burning sensation, formation of blisters, and/or difficulty in breathing. The tick often remains attached to the bite site for a long time. The bites rarely occur in groups..
6. Bee Sting
A bee sting can cause:
Redness, swelling, and pain Itchiness A white spot at the site of the sting
Interestingly, a bee can only sting once.
7. Wasp Sting
The symptoms associated with a wasp bite are:
Redness, swelling, burning, itching, and sharp pain at the affected site A raised welt around the affected site
Wasps can sting an individual multiple times. What causes these allergic reactions from insect bites? Let’s find out.
What Causes Reactions To Bites And Stings?
When an insect bites or stings you, its venom gets injected into your body. This foreign substance causes your immune system to respond. The immediate reaction of your body to this invasion is mild redness and swelling at the affected site. In people who are extremely sensitive to an insect’s venom, the injected venom can also result in a potentially fatal condition called anaphylactic shock. This can cause your throat to tighten and may make it difficult for you to breathe. If the venom happens to contain any infectious agents, it can also cause infections. Let us now understand which people are at high risk of getting bug bites.
Risk Factors
Almost anybody can get an insect bite as such occurrences are very common. Your risk may increase if you spend most of your time outdoors. Your risk also increases if you are visiting the woods or a rural village that has a lot of bugs and insects in the surroundings. Your age is another risk factor for bug bites as older adults and children exhibit more severe reactions. If you develop flu-like or allergic symptoms following an insect bite, it is best to see a doctor to get a medical diagnosis for your condition.
Diagnosis For Bites And Stings
It is recommended that you preserve the insect if it happens to die after biting or stinging you. However, do not provoke an insect if it is in the attacking mode – like in the case of honey bees. Preserving the insect becomes important if it is poisonous, like some species of spiders. Some spider bites may release a dangerously potent venom that can cause severe symptoms. In such situations, preserving the bug can help your doctor diagnose your symptoms faster. Once the cause of your symptoms is established, your doctor may then move on to prescribing suitable treatment options.
Treatment
Most bug or insect bites can be easily treated at home if the symptoms are mild and manageable. If a stinger is lodged in your skin, remove it and apply an ice pack to the stung area. In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe a topical anti-itch cream, pain relievers, or antihistamine to manage the symptoms. If the symptoms are severe, or if they are triggered by bites of poisonous insects like a scorpion or spiders like the black widow or brown recluse, contact emergency services immediately. Bites or stings with milder symptoms can be treated right at home. The following are some home remedies that can help with the swelling, itching, and pain associated with most bug bites.
How To Get Rid Of Bug Bites Naturally
Home Remedies To Treat Bug Bites
1. Essential Oils
a. Tea Tree Oil
2 drops of tea tree oil 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or any other carrier oil
You can do this 1-2 times daily. The anti-inflammatory nature of tea tree oil can help soothe the swelling and pain in the bug-bitten area (1). Its insect repellent properties can also prevent further bites or stings (2).
b. Neem Oil
1-2 drops of neem oil 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or any other carrier oil
You may do this 1-2 times daily. Neem oil and other neem formulations are quite popular insect repellents, especially in the case of mosquitoes (3). Its anti-inflammatory properties can also soothe the swelling and inflammation caused by insect bites (4).
2. Baking Soda
1 teaspoon of baking soda 3 teaspoons of water Cotton balls
You can do this 2-3 times daily. Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is an age-old home remedy to relieve insect bites (5). Its alkaline nature can help relieve the itchiness and inflammation in the affected area.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon of water Cotton balls
You may do this 2-3 times daily. The anti-inflammatory nature of apple cider vinegar can help reduce swelling in the affected area, and its antimicrobial activities can prevent further infection (6), (7).
4. Aloe Vera
Freshly extracted aloe vera gel (as required) Cotton swabs
You may do this 2-3 times daily. The soothing and anti-inflammatory nature of aloe vera gel can help in alleviating inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with bug or insect bites (8).
5. Honey
1 teaspoon of organic honey Cotton swabs
You can do this multiple times daily. Honey possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties and is a popular home remedy that can help in soothing insect bites (9), (5).
6. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol (as required) Cotton balls
You can do this 1-2 times daily. Rubbing alcohol is used topically to relieve the itching caused by insect bites and prevent any further microbial infections at the affected site (5).
7. Turmeric
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder A little water
You can do this 1 to 2 times daily. The active component of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can relieve the symptoms of an insect bite (10). Additionally, it also has insect-repellent properties (11). These remedies can definitely help alleviate the symptoms of bug bites. However, if you want to steer clear of bug bites altogether, listed below are some prevention tips that may help.
Tips To Avoid Bug Bites And Stings
When you are outdoors, consider the following:
Be cautious when you are near nests or hives and hire professionals to get rid of them. Wear clothing that covers your body fully. Avoid floral patterns. Wear neutral colors. Avoid using perfumes and scented lotions. Keep all the eatables and drinks covered. Use an insect repellent.
As you can see, a little caution can go a long way when it comes to preventing insect bites, especially if your occupation requires you to be out in the open constantly. Did this post address all your queries about insect bites? Share your thoughts and feedback with us in the comments section below. How long does it take for bedbug bites to show? Follow simple steps to avoid getting bug bites, like practicing good hygiene. Check out the infographic below to learn a few tips on preventing bug bites. While some people may develop a reaction within a few days of being bitten by bedbugs, for some, the symptoms may not develop for as long as 14 days. What insect bites cause swelling? The reaction of insect bites usually depends on the type of insects and an individual’s sensitivity to the bite. Bites from insects like mosquitoes, fire ants, bedbugs, ticks, horseflies, wasps, and bees are known to cause swelling. What is the best ointment for insect bites? Over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and the popular Calamine lotion are often used to soothe the reaction from an insect bite. Does toothpaste help bug bites? Anecdotal evidence suggests using toothpaste can help soothe bug bites. The antiseptic properties of toothpaste may provide quick relief from bug bites. Does Listerine help bug bites? No. Listerine does not help treat bug bites. Does hydrogen peroxide help bug bites? Hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic and disinfectant properties (12). Therefore, it may help treat bug bites and soothe itching. Does deodorant help bug bites? No, deodorants cannot help treat bug bites. However, applying them may repel some insects. How long does an infected bug bite take to heal? Usually, bug bites take only a few days to heal. But the infected ones may take around 1-2 weeks.
