Bite with bruise around it. Bug Bites with Bruising: Identification, Causes, and Treatment Guide
What types of bug bites can cause bruising. How to identify different insect bites that may lead to bruises. When should you be concerned about a bruised bug bite. What are the proper steps for treating bug bites with bruising at home.
Common Insects That Can Cause Bruised Bites
While most bug bites result in mild symptoms like swelling and itching, certain insects can leave behind bruises. Understanding which bugs are more likely to cause bruising can help you identify the culprit and determine if medical attention is necessary.
Hornets and Wasps
Hornet and wasp stings often cause pain and swelling at the site. The affected area may appear red initially, then develop a blue or purple hue resembling a bruise. These symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few days without medical intervention.
Mosquitoes
Mosquito bites are notorious for leaving itchy, red bumps on the skin. In some cases, these bumps may darken over time, creating a bruise-like appearance. As with hornet and wasp stings, mosquito bite bruises usually don’t require medical attention.
Spiders
Certain spider bites, particularly those from venomous species like the brown recluse or black widow, can result in bruising. These bites often present with rings of varying colors around the site, including red, blue, purple, and white. This discoloration is caused by skin necrosis from the venom, which destroys tissue. Venomous spider bites require immediate medical attention.
Ticks
Ticks burrow deep into the skin and must be carefully removed by grasping the head with tweezers. When caught early, you may not notice any symptoms. However, ticks can sometimes leave behind a red mark or bruise, which may also be swollen and itchy.
Identifying Bug Bites: Beyond the Bruise
While bruising can be a telltale sign of certain insect bites, it’s essential to consider other symptoms to accurately identify the culprit. Here’s a brief overview of common symptoms associated with various bug bites in the United States:
- Mosquitoes: Small, red, itchy bumps
- Bed bugs: Red, itchy welts often in a line or cluster
- Fleas: Small, red, itchy bumps, often around ankles or legs
- Fire ants: Painful, itchy red bumps that may develop into blisters
- Ticks: Small red bump or bull’s-eye rash
- Bees: Red, swollen area with a visible stinger
- Spiders: Two puncture marks, possible redness, swelling, or bruising
When Should You Be Concerned About a Bruised Bug Bite?
While most bug bites with bruising aren’t cause for alarm, certain situations warrant medical attention. Seek immediate help if you experience signs of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Facial swelling
- Hives
- Dizziness
- Faintness
- Confusion
Additionally, contact your doctor if you notice signs of an infected bug bite, such as:
- Fever
- Chills
- Pus coming from the bite
- Swelling that continues to grow
- A red streak growing from the bite
Treating Bug Bites with Bruising at Home
For mild bug bites that result in bruising, follow these steps for at-home treatment:
- Wash the bite area with plain soap and warm water, then pat dry.
- Apply cold compresses or ice for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day, for up to 48 hours.
- Rest and elevate the affected area if possible to reduce swelling.
- After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses to alleviate pain.
- If approved by your doctor, take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- For itching, consider using topical hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine like diphenhydramine.
Always follow product directions carefully and consult with a healthcare professional before treating more serious bites.
Potential Complications from Serious Bug Bites
While most bug bites are harmless, some can lead to more serious complications. Being aware of these potential issues can help you recognize when to seek medical attention:
Infections
Signs of infection include fever, rash, and pus at the bite site. Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, is a common concern that requires prompt medical treatment.
Lyme Disease
Transmitted by tick bites, early symptoms of Lyme disease may include fever and a characteristic bull’s-eye rash. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing this condition.
Necrosis
Certain spider bites, particularly from the brown recluse, can cause necrosis or tissue death. This can lead to lasting complications such as scarring if not addressed promptly.
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Mosquitoes can transmit various viruses, including West Nile virus, yellow fever, Zika virus, and malaria. While these are less common in many regions, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks, especially when traveling.
Preventing Bug Bites and Bruising
Taking proactive measures to prevent bug bites can help you avoid the discomfort and potential complications associated with them. Consider implementing these strategies:
- Use insect repellent when outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when in bug-prone environments
- Avoid wearing strong perfumes or scented products that may attract insects
- Keep your yard well-maintained by removing standing water and trimming vegetation
- Use screens on windows and doors to keep bugs out of your home
- Be cautious when hiking or camping in areas known for ticks or venomous spiders
- Check yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors
Understanding the Science Behind Bug Bite Bruising
To better comprehend why some bug bites result in bruising, it’s helpful to understand the biological processes at play. When an insect bites or stings, it typically injects a small amount of venom or anticoagulant into the skin. This substance can cause various reactions, including:
Inflammation
The body’s immune response to the foreign substance leads to inflammation, causing redness, swelling, and sometimes pain at the bite site.
Vasodilation
Some insect venoms cause blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to the affected area. This can contribute to the appearance of bruising.
Capillary Damage
In some cases, the force of the bite or the effects of the venom can damage small blood vessels beneath the skin. This leads to blood leaking into surrounding tissues, creating the characteristic discoloration of a bruise.
Histamine Release
The body’s release of histamine in response to the bite can cause itching and further inflammation, potentially exacerbating the bruise-like appearance.
Understanding these processes can help explain why some individuals may be more prone to bruising from bug bites than others, as factors like skin sensitivity, immune response, and blood vessel strength can vary from person to person.
Differentiating Between Bug Bite Bruises and Other Skin Conditions
Sometimes, what appears to be a bruised bug bite may actually be a different skin condition. Being able to distinguish between these can help ensure proper treatment and peace of mind. Here are some conditions that might be mistaken for bruised bug bites:
Petechiae
These are tiny, round, reddish-purple spots that appear on the skin due to bleeding under the skin’s surface. They can be caused by various factors, including certain medications, infections, or blood disorders.
Purpura
Similar to petechiae but larger, purpura are purple-colored spots or patches on the skin. They can be a sign of blood vessel inflammation or a bleeding disorder.
Skin Infections
Certain bacterial or fungal skin infections can cause discoloration that might resemble a bruised bug bite. Examples include cellulitis or certain types of ringworm.
Allergic Reactions
Some allergic reactions to foods, medications, or environmental factors can cause skin discoloration or hives that might be mistaken for bug bites.
If you’re unsure about the cause of skin discoloration or if symptoms persist, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
The Role of Individual Factors in Bug Bite Reactions
The severity of a bug bite reaction, including the likelihood of bruising, can vary significantly from person to person. Several individual factors can influence how your body responds to insect bites:
Immune System Strength
A person with a stronger immune system may experience more pronounced reactions to bug bites as their body mounts a more aggressive defense against the foreign substance.
Allergies
Individuals with allergies to certain insect venoms may experience more severe reactions, including increased swelling and bruising.
Blood Clotting Factors
People with blood clotting disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications may be more prone to bruising from bug bites.
Skin Sensitivity
Those with sensitive skin may react more strongly to insect bites, potentially leading to more noticeable bruising or discoloration.
Age
Older adults and young children may be more susceptible to bruising from bug bites due to thinner skin or less developed immune responses.
Previous Exposure
Repeated exposure to certain insect bites can sometimes lead to more severe reactions over time, a process known as sensitization.
Understanding these individual factors can help explain why some people seem to react more strongly to bug bites than others. If you consistently experience severe reactions to insect bites, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider to develop appropriate prevention and treatment strategies.
Emerging Research on Bug Bite Treatments
As our understanding of insect bites and their effects on the human body continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new and innovative treatments. Here are some areas of ongoing research that may shape future approaches to managing bug bites and their associated symptoms:
Targeted Antihistamines
Scientists are working on developing more specific antihistamines that can target the exact receptors involved in insect bite reactions, potentially offering more effective relief with fewer side effects.
Venom-Specific Therapies
Research into the composition of various insect venoms is paving the way for more targeted treatments that can neutralize specific venom components, potentially reducing severity of reactions including bruising.
Immune Modulation
Studies are exploring ways to modulate the immune response to insect bites, which could help prevent excessive inflammation and reduce the likelihood of bruising and other symptoms.
Natural Remedies
There’s growing interest in natural compounds that may help alleviate bug bite symptoms. For example, certain plant extracts have shown promise in reducing inflammation and itching associated with insect bites.
Nanotechnology
Researchers are investigating the use of nanoparticles to deliver anti-inflammatory and antihistamine medications more effectively to the site of insect bites, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
While these areas of research are promising, it’s important to note that many are still in early stages and may take years before resulting in new treatments. Always rely on current, evidence-based approaches recommended by healthcare professionals when treating bug bites.
What Kind of Bug Bite Leaves a Bruise? How to Identify
Bug bites are a fact of life, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. While allergies and other factors can lead to serious reactions, most bugs tend to cause mild symptoms like swelling and itchiness.
But depending on the bug and your individual reaction, bruising is possible. Bruising may occur from flying insects and from bugs that can burrow deep into your skin.
Find out more about the types of bugs that may cause bruising, what you should do, and how to identify the most common symptoms associated with certain bugs so you know when to seek medical treatment.
Should I be concerned?
A bruise from a bug bite isn’t usually a cause for concern. Most bug bite symptoms go away on their own within a few days.
However, if you know that a certain type of bug bit you, or if your symptoms worsen, you may need to see a doctor.
Was this helpful?
The following types of bug bites sometimes cause bruising. Here’s what you need to know.
Hornets and wasps
Hornet and wasp stings are often painful.
After the sting occurs, the affected area of skin may be red and swollen. It may also look blue and purple due to the injury.
Such symptoms tend to resolve on their own within a few days without the need to see a doctor.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are perhaps best known for leaving behind small, red bumps that are extremely itchy. Sometimes, these bumps may also darken, creating a bruise-like appearance.
As with hornets and wasps, mosquito bite bruises don’t usually require medical attention.
Spiders
Certain types of spider bites may also lead to bruising, including venomous ones like the brown recluse spider or black widow spider.
With this type of bite, you’ll notice rings around the site in varying colors, including red, blue, purple, and white. This is a result of skin necrosis from the venom, which destroys skin tissue.
Venomous spider bites require immediate medical attention.
Ticks
Ticks burrow deep in the skin, so you must carefully remove them by the head with a pair of tweezers.
When caught early, you may not notice any symptoms. Ticks can sometimes leave behind a red mark or bruise, which can also be swollen and itchy.
Aside from bruising, a bug bite may also cause redness and swelling (inflammation).
Even without a bruise, these symptoms may be present. Some insects, such as mosquitoes, may cause itchy bites.
Most symptoms are minor and will go away within a few days.
Signs of a more serious reaction
It’s possible for a bug bite to cause more serious reactions. Get medical attention right away if you experience signs of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that can cause:
- breathing difficulties
- facial swelling
- hives
- dizziness
- faintness
- confusion
You should also call your doctor if you experience symptoms of an infected bug bite, including:
- fever
- chills
- pus coming out of the bite
- swelling that continues to grow without improvement
- a red streak growing from the bite
A doctor will recommend home treatments to help alleviate mild bug bites. Follow these steps for bug bites with bruising:
- First, wash the bug bite with plain soap and warm water. Pat (don’t rub) dry.
- Apply cold compresses or ice to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time, multiple times a day. This helps alleviate pain and swelling. Repeat up to 48 hours after the bug bite.
- Rest and elevate the affected area, if possible. This can help reduce swelling.
- Switch to warm compresses after 48 hours to help reduce pain. Repeat as often as needed.
- If your doctor says it’s OK, take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen.
- For itchiness, consider a topical hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Follow all product directions carefully.
If you have a more serious bug bite, it’s important to get the area checked by your doctor before attempting to self-treat.
If you don’t know what bug you’ve come into contact with, you may be able to make this determination based on the symptoms of your bite.
Here’s a roundup of the most frequent symptoms associated with common bugs in the United States:
Serious bug bites may sometimes lead to the following complications:
- Infections. Fever, rash, and pus at the site of the bite are all signs of infection. It’s important to quickly address a possible infection such as cellulitis.
- Lyme disease. Caused by tick bites, early symptoms of Lyme disease can include a fever and a rash that looks like a red bull’s-eye.
- Necrosis. This can occur in the case of brown recluse spiders, whose venom can kill healthy skin tissue and lead to lasting complications such as scars.
- Viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. These include the West Nile virus, yellow fever, the Zika virus, and malaria.
A bruise alone may not be a sign of the above complications. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor if:
- you have a bite that won’t improve
- you develop symptoms related to a venomous spider or tick
Bruises are caused by broken blood vessels brought on by trauma to the body. The black, blue, or purple areas of skin are a result of blood pooling underneath your skin.
Any type of injury or trauma can lead to a bruise. You might also be at risk for bruising based on:
- your age
- use of blood thinners
- bleeding disorders
Minor bruises don’t typically need medical attention. Severe bruising causes by more serious trauma such as car accidents may need to be evaluated for underlying damage.
Other types of bruises that may need further attention include those caused by bone fractures or a bleeding disorder.
Most bruises heal within 2 weeks, though more severe cases can take longer. See a doctor if your bruise doesn’t improve after 4 weeks, as it may be a sign of an underlying condition.
Bruising is just one of the many symptoms of a bug bite and is more common with some insects. Most cases are mild and can be treated at home.
See your doctor or another healthcare provider if you develop a severe reaction to your bug bite, or if the bruising doesn’t improve after several days.
You should also seek medical attention if you suspect a venomous or disease-carrying bug might have caused your bites.
What Kind of Bug Bite Leaves a Bruise? How to Identify
Bug bites are a fact of life, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. While allergies and other factors can lead to serious reactions, most bugs tend to cause mild symptoms like swelling and itchiness.
But depending on the bug and your individual reaction, bruising is possible. Bruising may occur from flying insects and from bugs that can burrow deep into your skin.
Find out more about the types of bugs that may cause bruising, what you should do, and how to identify the most common symptoms associated with certain bugs so you know when to seek medical treatment.
Should I be concerned?
A bruise from a bug bite isn’t usually a cause for concern. Most bug bite symptoms go away on their own within a few days.
However, if you know that a certain type of bug bit you, or if your symptoms worsen, you may need to see a doctor.
Was this helpful?
The following types of bug bites sometimes cause bruising. Here’s what you need to know.
Hornets and wasps
Hornet and wasp stings are often painful.
After the sting occurs, the affected area of skin may be red and swollen. It may also look blue and purple due to the injury.
Such symptoms tend to resolve on their own within a few days without the need to see a doctor.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are perhaps best known for leaving behind small, red bumps that are extremely itchy. Sometimes, these bumps may also darken, creating a bruise-like appearance.
As with hornets and wasps, mosquito bite bruises don’t usually require medical attention.
Spiders
Certain types of spider bites may also lead to bruising, including venomous ones like the brown recluse spider or black widow spider.
With this type of bite, you’ll notice rings around the site in varying colors, including red, blue, purple, and white. This is a result of skin necrosis from the venom, which destroys skin tissue.
Venomous spider bites require immediate medical attention.
Ticks
Ticks burrow deep in the skin, so you must carefully remove them by the head with a pair of tweezers.
When caught early, you may not notice any symptoms. Ticks can sometimes leave behind a red mark or bruise, which can also be swollen and itchy.
Aside from bruising, a bug bite may also cause redness and swelling (inflammation).
Even without a bruise, these symptoms may be present. Some insects, such as mosquitoes, may cause itchy bites.
Most symptoms are minor and will go away within a few days.
Signs of a more serious reaction
It’s possible for a bug bite to cause more serious reactions. Get medical attention right away if you experience signs of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that can cause:
- breathing difficulties
- facial swelling
- hives
- dizziness
- faintness
- confusion
You should also call your doctor if you experience symptoms of an infected bug bite, including:
- fever
- chills
- pus coming out of the bite
- swelling that continues to grow without improvement
- a red streak growing from the bite
A doctor will recommend home treatments to help alleviate mild bug bites. Follow these steps for bug bites with bruising:
- First, wash the bug bite with plain soap and warm water. Pat (don’t rub) dry.
- Apply cold compresses or ice to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time, multiple times a day. This helps alleviate pain and swelling. Repeat up to 48 hours after the bug bite.
- Rest and elevate the affected area, if possible. This can help reduce swelling.
- Switch to warm compresses after 48 hours to help reduce pain. Repeat as often as needed.
- If your doctor says it’s OK, take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen.
- For itchiness, consider a topical hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Follow all product directions carefully.
If you have a more serious bug bite, it’s important to get the area checked by your doctor before attempting to self-treat.
If you don’t know what bug you’ve come into contact with, you may be able to make this determination based on the symptoms of your bite.
Here’s a roundup of the most frequent symptoms associated with common bugs in the United States:
Serious bug bites may sometimes lead to the following complications:
- Infections. Fever, rash, and pus at the site of the bite are all signs of infection. It’s important to quickly address a possible infection such as cellulitis.
- Lyme disease. Caused by tick bites, early symptoms of Lyme disease can include a fever and a rash that looks like a red bull’s-eye.
- Necrosis. This can occur in the case of brown recluse spiders, whose venom can kill healthy skin tissue and lead to lasting complications such as scars.
- Viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. These include the West Nile virus, yellow fever, the Zika virus, and malaria.
A bruise alone may not be a sign of the above complications. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor if:
- you have a bite that won’t improve
- you develop symptoms related to a venomous spider or tick
Bruises are caused by broken blood vessels brought on by trauma to the body. The black, blue, or purple areas of skin are a result of blood pooling underneath your skin.
Any type of injury or trauma can lead to a bruise. You might also be at risk for bruising based on:
- your age
- use of blood thinners
- bleeding disorders
Minor bruises don’t typically need medical attention. Severe bruising causes by more serious trauma such as car accidents may need to be evaluated for underlying damage.
Other types of bruises that may need further attention include those caused by bone fractures or a bleeding disorder.
Most bruises heal within 2 weeks, though more severe cases can take longer. See a doctor if your bruise doesn’t improve after 4 weeks, as it may be a sign of an underlying condition.
Bruising is just one of the many symptoms of a bug bite and is more common with some insects. Most cases are mild and can be treated at home.
See your doctor or another healthcare provider if you develop a severe reaction to your bug bite, or if the bruising doesn’t improve after several days.
You should also seek medical attention if you suspect a venomous or disease-carrying bug might have caused your bites.
Is there a bruise from an insect bite, and what to do about it?
Is there a bruise from …
10 answers
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#1
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#2
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Kys
Hmm. It really does look like a tick. I remember that a wasp bit me – so in addition to swelling there was also a bruise. #6
Raspberries #6
Raspberries
#7
Guest
This is neither a tick nor an allergy, and how dangerous it is is also not known. But it’s the same for me and my dad. An insect similar to a female ant bit in the first 2 hours at the dacha in a hot room. It bites painlessly, but the poison in the form of acid immediately turns blue the nearest vein (I have 3 cm below the bite), itches after 3-5 minutes with an area of 10 cm, the next day a 3 cm bruise diverges from the vein, after 1-2 it turned yellow, like an ordinary bruise. While alive, health is normal.
#8
Guest
I also, literally yesterday, got bitten in three places, melting between bites by a centimeter, literally after 15 minutes, huge bruise
#10
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What kind of insect bite leaves a bruise? – Drink-Drink
Insect bites are a fact of life, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. While allergies and other factors can lead to severe reactions, most insects tend to cause mild symptoms such as swelling and itching.
But bruising is possible depending on the bug and your individual reaction. Bruises can be caused by flying insects and beetles that can penetrate deep into your skin.
Learn more about the types of beetles that can cause bruising, what you should do, and how to identify the most common symptoms associated with certain beetles so you know when to seek medical attention.
Should I be concerned?
Bruising from a bug bite is not usually a cause for concern. Most bed bug bite symptoms go away on their own within a few days.
However, if you know you have been bitten by a certain type of insect, or if your symptoms get worse, you may need to see a doctor.
Insect bites that can cause bruising
The following types of bug bites sometimes cause bruising. Here’s what you need to know.
Hornets and wasps
Hornets and wasps stings are often painful.
After a bite, the affected area of the skin may become red and swollen. It may also appear blue and purple due to injury.
These symptoms usually go away on their own within a few days without the need to see a doctor.
mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are perhaps best known for leaving behind small red bumps that are very itchy. Sometimes these bumps can also darken, giving the appearance of a bruise.
As with hornets and wasps, bruising from mosquito bites usually does not require medical attention.
Spiders
Some types of spider bites can also cause bruising, including poisonous ones such as the brown recluse or black widow spider.
With this type of bite, you will notice rings around the area in different colors, including red, blue, purple, and white. This is the result of skin necrosis from a poison that destroys skin tissue.
Venomous spider bites require immediate medical attention.
Ticks
Ticks burrow deep into the skin and must be carefully removed behind the head with tweezers.
If detected early, you may not notice any symptoms. Ticks can sometimes leave a red mark or bruise behind, which can also be swollen and itchy.
What other symptoms should I look out for?
In addition to bruising, a bug bite can also cause redness and swelling (inflammation).
These symptoms may be present even without bruising. Some insects, such as mosquitoes, can cause itching when they bite.
Most symptoms are minor and will disappear within a few days.
Signs of a more serious reaction
A beetle bite may cause more serious reactions. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that can cause:
- difficulty breathing
- facial swelling
- hives
- dizziness
- paleness
- confusion
You should also call your doctor if you experience symptoms of an infected insect bite, including:
- fever
- chills
- pus comes out of bite
- tumor that continues to grow without improvement
- red line growing from the bite
How is a bedbug bite treated?
Your doctor will recommend home treatments to help relieve mild bed bug bites. Follow these steps for bruised insect bites:
- First, wash the bug bite with plain soap and warm water. Blot (do not rub) dry.
- Apply cold compresses or ice to the affected area for 15 minutes several times a day. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Repeat within 48 hours of the bug bite.
- Rest and elevate the affected area if possible. This may help reduce swelling.
- Switch to warm compresses after 48 hours to relieve pain. Repeat as often as needed.
- If your doctor says everything is fine, take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen.
- For itching, consider a topical hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Follow all product directions carefully.
If you have a more severe bed bug bite, it’s important to have your area checked by your doctor before you try to treat it yourself.
How to identify a bug bite?
If you don’t know which insect you are dealing with, you can make this determination based on the symptoms of your bite.
Here is a summary of the most common symptoms associated with common errors in the United States:
bruising | redness | swelling | Itching | Reliefs | Color rings | Rash/cluster bites | pain |
bed bug 9 0410 | x | x | x | x | |||
bee | x | x | x | x | |||
flea 8 | fly | x | x | x | x | ||
mosquito | x | x | x | x | |||
hornet or wasp | x | x | x | x | x | x | |
mosquito | x | x | x | x | x | ||
spider | x | x | x | x | |||
pincer | x | x | x | x | x |
What complications are possible after a bug bite?
Serious bedbug bites can sometimes lead to the following complications:
- Infections. Fever, rash and pus at the bite site are all signs of infection. It is important to quickly eliminate a possible infection such as cellulitis.
- Lyme disease. Early symptoms of Lyme disease caused by tick bites may include fever and a red bull’s-eye rash.
- Necrosis. This can occur in the case of brown recluse spiders, whose venom can kill healthy skin tissue and lead to long-term complications such as scars.
- Viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. These include West Nile virus, yellow fever, Zika virus and malaria.
Bruising alone cannot be a sign of the above complications. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor if:
- you have a bite that won’t get better
- you have symptoms associated with a venomous spider or mite
What else can cause a bruise?
Bruises are caused by rupture of blood vessels caused by trauma to the body. Black, blue, or purple patches of skin are the result of a pool of blood under the skin.
Any type of injury or trauma can cause bruising. You may also be at risk of bruising based on:
- Your age
- use of blood thinners
- bleeding disorders
Minor bruising usually does not require medical attention. Serious bruising caused by a more serious injury, such as a car accident, may need to be evaluated for underlying damage.
Other types of bruising that may require additional attention include bruising caused by broken bones or bleeding disorders.
Most bruises heal within 2 weeks, although more severe cases may take longer. See your doctor if your bruise doesn’t go away after 4 weeks, as this could be a sign of an underlying condition.
Conclusion
Bruising is just one of the many symptoms of a bug bite and is more common in some insects. In most cases, the disease is mild and treated at home.
Call your doctor or other health care provider if you have a severe reaction to a bed bug bite or if the bruise does not go away after a few days.