What are the common causes of bites on the face. How can you identify different types of insect bites. What are the most effective treatments for facial bites and stings. When should you seek medical attention for a bite on your face.

Understanding the Diversity of Facial Bites and Stings

Facial bites and stings can be caused by a wide variety of insects and arachnids. These encounters often result in more than just momentary pain – they can trigger allergic reactions and potentially serious health complications. The appearance and severity of these bites can vary significantly depending on the culprit.

Common insect perpetrators include:

• Bees
• Wasps
• Mosquitoes
• Ants
• Flies
• Fleas

Arachnids that may bite or sting include:

• Spiders
• Ticks
• Scorpions

While most of these creatures won’t attack unless provoked, knowing how to identify and avoid them is crucial for preventing painful encounters.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Facial Bites

The initial symptoms of a bite or sting on the face typically include pain at the site of contact. This is often followed by an allergic reaction to the venom or saliva introduced into the skin. The appearance and severity of symptoms can vary greatly depending on the type of insect or arachnid involved.

Common Symptoms of Facial Bites and Stings

• Localized pain and swelling
• Redness and inflammation
• Itching or burning sensation
• Small bumps or welts
• Blisters or hives
• Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)

Can facial bites lead to severe allergic reactions? In some cases, individuals may experience a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include widespread itching, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock.

Identifying Different Types of Insect Bites on the Face

Each type of insect or arachnid leaves a distinctive mark when it bites or stings. Being able to identify these can help in determining the appropriate treatment and whether medical attention is necessary.

Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites on the face appear as small, round, puffy bumps that become red, hard, swollen, and itchy. These bites often occur in clusters and can be particularly irritating on sensitive facial skin.

Bee and Wasp Stings

Bee and wasp stings on the face typically result in a sharp, burning pain followed by a red, swollen bump. In the case of bee stings, the stinger may remain embedded in the skin and needs to be removed carefully.

Spider Bites

Spider bites on the face can vary in appearance depending on the species. Some may cause only minor redness and swelling, while others, like the black widow or brown recluse, can lead to more severe symptoms including intense pain, fever, and in rare cases, necrosis of the surrounding tissue.

Treatment Options for Facial Bites and Stings

The treatment for facial bites and stings depends on the severity of the reaction and the type of insect or arachnid involved. However, there are some general steps that can be taken for most minor bites and stings.

First Aid for Minor Bites and Stings

1. Clean the affected area with soap and water
2. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
3. Use over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve itching
4. Apply a topical hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation
5. Take oral pain relievers if necessary

How can you alleviate the discomfort of facial bites at home? For mosquito bites, applying calamine lotion or a baking soda paste can help soothe the itch. For bee stings, a mixture of baking soda and water can neutralize the venom and provide relief.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most facial bites and stings can be treated at home, there are situations where professional medical care is necessary:

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Dizziness or fainting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Swelling that spreads beyond the bite site
• Signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, or pus)

Preventing Facial Bites and Stings

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to facial bites and stings. There are several strategies you can employ to minimize your risk of encounters with biting and stinging insects.

Protective Measures

• Use insect repellent when outdoors
• Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, hats)
• Avoid wearing strong perfumes or scented products
• Be cautious around flowering plants and fruit trees
• Keep food covered when eating outdoors
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping in endemic areas

What are some natural ways to repel insects? Some people find success with natural repellents such as citronella, eucalyptus, or lemon eucalyptus oil. However, these may not be as effective as DEET-based repellents for long-term protection.

Special Considerations for Facial Bites

Bites and stings on the face require special attention due to the sensitivity and visibility of facial skin. The facial area is rich in blood vessels and nerve endings, which can make bites and stings in this region particularly painful and prone to swelling.

Potential Complications

• Severe swelling that may affect breathing or vision
• Increased risk of infection due to touching or scratching
• Potential for scarring or long-term skin discoloration
• Psychological impact due to visible symptoms

How should you care for a bite on sensitive facial areas like the eyelids or lips? For bites near the eyes or on the lips, it’s crucial to avoid scratching and to seek medical attention if there’s significant swelling. Cool compresses and oral antihistamines can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Understanding Severe Reactions to Facial Bites

While most facial bites and stings result in minor, localized reactions, some individuals may experience severe allergic responses. These can range from large local reactions to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Types of Severe Reactions

1. Large local reactions: Extensive swelling that may last several days
2. Systemic reactions: Symptoms affecting areas beyond the bite site
3. Anaphylaxis: A potentially life-threatening allergic reaction

Can you develop an allergy to insect bites over time? Yes, it’s possible to develop an allergy to insect venom at any point in life, even if you’ve never had a reaction before. This is why it’s important to monitor your response to bites and stings, especially if you’ve had multiple exposures.

Emergency Preparedness

For individuals with known severe allergies to insect bites or stings, it’s crucial to:

• Carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) at all times
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace
• Inform friends and family about your allergy and how to use the auto-injector
• Have an emergency action plan in place

Long-Term Management and Follow-Up Care

While most facial bites and stings resolve without complications, some may require ongoing care or have long-term implications.

Follow-Up Considerations

• Monitoring for signs of infection
• Addressing any residual scarring or skin discoloration
• Allergy testing if severe reactions occurred
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots) for those with severe venom allergies

How long does it typically take for facial bite symptoms to resolve? Most minor bites and stings will improve within a few days to a week. However, larger local reactions may take up to 10 days to fully resolve. If symptoms persist or worsen beyond this timeframe, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

Psychological Impact

The visible nature of facial bites and stings can sometimes lead to psychological distress, especially if there’s significant swelling or potential for scarring. It’s important to address these concerns with a healthcare provider, who can offer reassurance and, if necessary, referral to a dermatologist or mental health professional.

Facial bites and stings, while often minor, can be particularly distressing due to their visibility and the sensitivity of facial skin. By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing how to respond appropriately, you can minimize the impact of these encounters. Remember, prevention is key, but being prepared to handle bites and stings when they do occur is equally important. If you experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction or are unsure about the severity of a bite or sting, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention promptly.

Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The initial contact of a bite may be painful. It’s often followed by an allergic reaction to venom deposited into your skin through the animal’s mouth or stinger. The appearance can vary.

Whether you’re in the water, on a mountain trail, or in your backyard, wildlife you encounter have ways of protecting themselves and their territory.

Insects, such as bees, ants, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and wasps, and arachnids, such as spiders, ticks, and scorpions, may bite or sting if you get close. Most of these animals won’t bother you if you don’t bother them, but knowing what to look for is key.

Most bites and stings trigger nothing more than minor discomfort, but some encounters can be deadly, especially if you have severe allergies to the animal’s venom.

A severe allergic reaction can happen with any bug bite or sting, depending on the person. Venom allergies may cause a dangerous, severe allergic reaction in some people, resulting in swelling, generalized itching, and difficulty breathing.

Signs of an emergency

Anaphylaxis can be a life threatening emergency. If someone experiences signs of a severe allergic reaction, call 911 or your local emergency services. Anaphylaxis can cause symptoms, including rash, low pulse, and anaphylactic shock. This can be fatal if it isn’t treated immediately.

Was this helpful?

Prevention is the best medicine, so knowing how to recognize and avoid biting and stinging insects or arachnids is the best way to stay safe.

The animals you should recognize and understand depend very much on where you live or where you’re visiting. Different regions of the United States are home to many of these creatures.

The season also matters. For example, mosquitoes, stinging bees, and wasps tend to come out in full force during the summer.

The form a bite takes depends on what type of animal bit you. Take a look at the photos below to help identify which animal may have caused your bug bite.

Warning: Graphic images ahead.

Mosquito bites

• A mosquito bite is a small, round, puffy bump that appears soon after you’ve been bitten.
• The bump will become red, hard, swollen, and itchy.
• You may have multiple bites in the same area.

Read full article on mosquito bites.

Fire ant stings

• Fire ants are small, aggressive, red or black venomous ants that bite and then deliver painful stings.
• Stings appear as swollen red spots that develop a blister on top.
• Stings burn, itch, and last up to a week.

Read full article on fire ant stings.

Flea bites

• Flea bites are usually located in clusters on the lower legs and feet.
• The itchy, red bumps are surrounded by a red halo.
• Symptoms begin immediately after you’re bitten.

Read full article on flea bites.

Bedbug bites

• The itchy rash is caused by an allergic reaction to the bedbug bite.
• The small rashes have red, swollen areas and dark red centers.
• Bites may appear in a line or grouped together, usually on areas of the body not covered by clothing, such as the hands, neck, or feet.
• There may be very itchy blisters or hives at the bite site.

Read full article on bedbug bites.

Fly bites

• Painful, itchy rashes are caused by an inflammatory reaction at the site of the fly bite.
• Though usually harmless, they may lead to severe allergic reactions or spread insect-borne diseases.
• Take precautions when traveling to endemic countries by wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants and by using bug spray.

Read full article on fly bites.

Lice bites

• Head lice, pubic lice (“crabs”), and body lice are different species of parasitic lice that affect humans.
• They feed on blood and cause an itchy immune reaction at the site of their bites.
• Adult lice are gray/tan six-legged insects about the size of a tiny sesame seed.
• Nits (eggs) and nymphs (baby lice) can only be seen as very tiny specks that may look like dandruff.

Read full article on lice.

Chigger bites

• Painful, itchy rashes may be caused by an immune response to the bites of tiny mite larvae.
• Bites appear as welts, blisters, pimples, or hives.
• Bites will generally appear in groups and are extremely itchy.
• Chigger bites may be grouped in skin folds or near areas where clothing fits tightly.
• Chiggers tend to jump from grass, so bites are usually on legs near the tops of socks.

Read full article on chigger bites.

Tick bites

• Bites can cause pain or swelling at the bite area.
• They may also lead to a rash, a burning sensation, blisters, or difficulty breathing.
• The tick often remains attached to the skin for a long time.
• Bites rarely appear in groups.
• Ticks can transfer diseases, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis.

Read full article on tick bites.

Scabies

• Symptoms caused by scabies mites may take 4 to 6 weeks to appear.
• The extremely itchy rash may be pimply, made up of tiny blisters, or scaly.
• They may cause raised, white, or flesh-toned lines.

Read full article on scabies.

Spider bites

Share on PinterestEzytyper and added inset by B Kimmel/GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0 from Wikimedia Commons

This condition is considered a medical emergency, and 911 or local emergency services should be contacted. Urgent care may be required.

• Most spiders don’t pose a threat to humans, and in such cases, their bites are harmless or mildly irritating like a bee sting.
• Dangerous spiders include the brown recluse, black widow, funnel web spider (Australia), and wandering spider (South America).
• A single raised papule, pustule, or wheal may appear at the site of the bite followed by redness and tenderness.
• The bite will appear as two small puncture marks.
• Severe allergic reactions to a spider bite may require medical attention.

Read full article on spider bites.

Brown recluse spider bite

• This is a shy, brown- or tan-colored spider with a violin-shaped patch and six paired eyes, two in the front and two sets of two on either side of the head.
• It likes to hide in quiet, dark places like closets and bookshelves and is native to the South and South Central regions of the United States.
• Nonaggressive, it will only bite humans if it’s being crushed between skin and a hard surface.
• Redness appears with a central, white blister at the site of the bite.
• Moderate to severe pain and itching at the site of the bite occurs 2 to 8 hours after the spider has injected its venom.
• Rare complications include fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting, hemolytic anemia, rhabdomyolysis, and kidney failure.

Read full article on brown recluse spider bites.

Black widow spider bite

Share on Pinterest© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology/NCBI

This condition is considered a medical emergency, and 911 or local emergency services should be contacted. Urgent care may be required.

• This spider is plump, black, and shiny, with an hourglass-shaped red mark on its abdomen.
• It’s nonaggressive and will only bite if it’s being crushed.
• Bites cause muscle pain and spasms in the arms, legs, abdomen, and back.
• Tremor, sweating, weakness, chills, nausea, vomiting, and headache are other symptoms.
• The bite area is red with a white center.

Read full article on black widow spider bites.

Hobo spider bite

• The venom of this common household spider isn’t considered toxic to humans.
• Bites are generally harmless and cause only minor pain, swelling, and sometimes muscle twitches.
• A single red area appears with a tender central nodule.
• Itching, burning, or stinging may occur at the site of the bite.

Read full article on hobo spider bites.

Wolf spider bite

• This large (up to 2 inches long), fuzzy, gray/brown spider is native to many parts of the United States.
• Nonaggressive, it will bite if it feels threatened.
• A tender, itchy red bump appears that heals in 7 to 10 days.

Read full article on wolf spider bites.

Horsefly bites

• These large (1-inch long) blood-sucking flies are most active in the daylight hours.
• An instant, sharp burning sensation occurs when a horsefly bites.
• Itchiness, redness, swelling, and bruising may also occur at the bite location.

Read full article on horsefly bites.

Bee stings

• Pain, redness, swelling, or itching occurs at the site of the sting.
• A white spot appears where the stinger punctured the skin.
• Unlike bumblebees and carpenter bees, honeybees can only sting once due to their barbed stinger that can remain in the skin.

Read full article on bee sting allergy.

Yellow jacket stings

• These thin wasps have black and yellow stripes and long dark wings.
• Aggressive, a yellow jacket may sting multiple times.
• Swelling, tenderness, itchiness, or redness may occur near the area that’s been stung.

Read full article on yellow jacket stings.

Wasp stings

• Sharp pain, redness, swelling, and itching or burning occurs at the sting site.
• A raised welt appears around the sting site.
• Wasps can be aggressive and are capable of stinging multiple times.

Read full article on wasp stings.

Scorpion stings

• Scorpions are eight-legged arachnids with large pincers and long, segmented, stinger-tipped tails carried in a forward curve over their backs.
• Many species with variable levels of toxicity can be found all over the world.
• Intense pain, tingling, numbness, and swelling occur around the sting.
• Rare symptoms include breathing difficulties, muscle twitching, drooling, sweating, nausea, vomiting, an increased heart rate, restlessness, and excitability.
• Severe symptoms are more likely in infants and children than adults.

Read full article on scorpion stings.

Puss caterpillar stings

• Puss caterpillars may also be known as asp caterpillars, fire caterpillars, woolly slugs, or opossum bugs, and are the larvae of the flannel moth.
• They have venomous barbs on their bodies.
• They typically reside in the Southeast United States but have been found as far west as Florida and Texas.
• A string can cause skin irritation and itchiness, severe pain, and headache.

Kissing bug bites

Share on PinterestHorizons WWP / Alamy Stock Photo & Curtis-Robles et al., CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Triatomine bugs, also called kissing bugs, tend to bite people on the face or near the mouth.
• These bugs tend to reside in Mexico, Central America, South America, and parts of the United States.
• They carry a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi and can T. cruzi infection and Chagas disease.
• While there are different varieties of kissing bugs, they typically have a cone-shaped head and a long, oval-shaped body with antennae and six legs. They can be light brown to black in color and may have yellow, red, or tan markings.
• Bite reactions may include mild itching, redness, and swelling. With a T. cruzi infection, a small hard area may form at the bite site.

Read full article on kissing bug bites.

Deer fly bites

Share on PinterestBruce Marlin, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons & juhat/Istock

• Deer flies have small, round heads, brownish-black bands on their wings, and gold or green eyes.
• Their bites can be painful and cause bumps or welts.
• Their bites can sometimes cause a rare bacterial disease known as rabbit fever (tularemia) that may cause skin ulcers, fever, and headache.

Read full article on fly bites.

Here are some bugs that can be more dangerous than others.

Biting insects, arachnids, and other bugs

Many bugs bite, but only a few do so intentionally. Most bites are relatively harmless, leaving just an itchy patch of skin behind. But some bites can carry disease. Deer ticks, for example, typically carry Lyme disease.

Intentional biters include:

• ticks
• chigger mites
• scabies mites
• bedbugs
• fleas
• head lice
• pubic lice
• horseflies
• black flies
• mosquitoes
• pus caterpillars
• kissing bugs
• deer flies

Many larger insects and other bugs won’t seek you out but will bite if handled.

Spiders

Some spiders have venomous fangs. Venomous spiders found in the United States include:

• brown recluse spiders
• black widow spiders
• mouse spiders
• black house spiders

Stinging insects

Insects will sting humans only to defend against a perceived threat. Typically, a sting from a bee or stinging ant will be accompanied by a small amount of venom.

When injected into your skin, the venom causes most of the itching and pain associated with the sting. It can also cause an allergic reaction.

Common stinging insects in the United States include:

• bees
• paper wasps (hornets)
• yellow jackets
• wasps
• fire ants

Scorpions

Scorpions have a reputation for stinging. Many species have barbed tails equipped with venom, some strong enough to kill a human.

The most venomous species of scorpion native to the United States is the Arizona bark scorpion.

The venom injected into your body from the bite or sting of an insect or arachnid will cause your immune system to respond. Often, your body’s immediate response will include redness and swelling at the bite or sting site.

Minor delayed reactions include itching and soreness.

If you’re very sensitive to an animal’s venom, bites and stings can cause a potentially fatal condition called anaphylactic shock. This can cause the throat to tighten and make breathing difficult or cause low blood pressure.

Anaphylactic shock is considered an emergency, and 911 or local emergency services should be contacted.

Some bites and stings may cause illnesses when venom contains infectious agents.

Anyone can be bitten or stung by an insect or arachnid, and bites and stings are very common. You’re at greater risk if you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural or wooded locations.

Children and older adults may have more severe reactions to bites and stings.

If you’re bitten or stung, you may see or feel the animal on your skin during the attack. Some people don’t notice the animal and may not be aware of a bite or sting until one or more of the following symptoms emerge:

• swelling
• redness or rash
• pain in the affected area or in the muscles
• itching
• heat on and around the site of the bite or sting
• numbness or tingling in the affected area

Symptoms of a severe reaction requiring immediate medical treatment include:

• fever
• difficulty breathing
• nausea or vomiting
• muscle spasms
• rapid heart rate
• swelling of the lips and throat
• confusion
• loss of consciousness

If you feel ill or experience flu-like symptoms in the days following an insect or arachnid bite, see a doctor for tests to rule out infections or diseases you may have contracted from the animal.

While not every insect bite or sting can cause an infection or disease, some insects can transmit diseases this way.

These insects and the diseases they may transmit can include:

• Mosquitos: insect-borne diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, dengue fever, yellow fever, and several viruses that cause encephalitis
• Fleas: bacterial infection, rarely
• Flies: insect-borne diseases
• Sand flies: leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease, though cases occur tropical and subtropical environments
• Lice: epidemic typhus, Bartonella quintana infection, and epidemic relapsing fever
• Chiggers: scrub typhus, though most cases occur in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, China, Japan, India, and northern Australia
• Ticks: tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, tularemia, ehrlichiosis
• Kissing bugs: Chagas disease
• Deer flies: tularemia

Many people are aware they’ve been bitten or stung because they see the insect or arachnid shortly after the attack.

Although you shouldn’t further provoke an attacking insect or arachnid, try to preserve the animal if it dies following the bite or sting. Its identity may help a doctor properly diagnose your symptoms.

This is especially important for a spider bite, as some species have dangerously potent venom.

Most bites and stings heal by themselves after several days of mild discomfort.

Monitor the affected site for signs of infection. Contact a doctor if the wound appears to be getting worse or hasn’t healed after several weeks.

Bites and stings that cause severe reactions can be fatal if they aren’t treated immediately.

Once you’ve experienced a severe allergic reaction, a doctor will likely prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector. Epinephrine is a hormone that can prevent anaphylactic shock.

Carry the auto-injector with you at all times to reverse the reaction immediately following a bite or sting.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Use caution when near nests or hives containing aggressive insects. Hire professionals who have the proper safety equipment to remove a nest or hive.

When spending time outside, take preventive measures, such as:

• wearing hats and clothing that provide full coverage
• wearing neutral colors and avoiding floral patterns
• avoiding perfume and scented lotion
• keeping food and drinks covered
• using citronella or insect repellent
• using permethrin on clothing to prevent black-legged tick bites

Article Resources

• Ellwanger JH, et al. (2021). Variability in human attractiveness to mosquitoes. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X21000522
• Bites and stings: Insects. (n.d.). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bites-and-stings-insects
• Body lice: Disease. (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/body/disease.html
• Goldman BS, et al. (2022). Caterpillar and moth bites. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539851/
• McKeown N, et al. (2014). Verified spider bites in Oregon (USA) with the intent to assess hobo spider venom toxicity. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0041010114000920
• Parasites – American trypanosomiasis (also known as Chagas disease). (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/
• Powers J, et al. (2022). Insect bites. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537235/
• Preventing tick bites. (2020). https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html
• Typhus fevers. (2020). https://www.cdc.gov/typhus/index.html

Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The initial contact of a bite may be painful. It’s often followed by an allergic reaction to venom deposited into your skin through the animal’s mouth or stinger. The appearance can vary.

Whether you’re in the water, on a mountain trail, or in your backyard, wildlife you encounter have ways of protecting themselves and their territory.

Insects, such as bees, ants, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and wasps, and arachnids, such as spiders, ticks, and scorpions, may bite or sting if you get close. Most of these animals won’t bother you if you don’t bother them, but knowing what to look for is key.

Most bites and stings trigger nothing more than minor discomfort, but some encounters can be deadly, especially if you have severe allergies to the animal’s venom.

A severe allergic reaction can happen with any bug bite or sting, depending on the person. Venom allergies may cause a dangerous, severe allergic reaction in some people, resulting in swelling, generalized itching, and difficulty breathing.

Signs of an emergency

Anaphylaxis can be a life threatening emergency. If someone experiences signs of a severe allergic reaction, call 911 or your local emergency services. Anaphylaxis can cause symptoms, including rash, low pulse, and anaphylactic shock. This can be fatal if it isn’t treated immediately.

Was this helpful?

Prevention is the best medicine, so knowing how to recognize and avoid biting and stinging insects or arachnids is the best way to stay safe.

The animals you should recognize and understand depend very much on where you live or where you’re visiting. Different regions of the United States are home to many of these creatures.

The season also matters. For example, mosquitoes, stinging bees, and wasps tend to come out in full force during the summer.

The form a bite takes depends on what type of animal bit you. Take a look at the photos below to help identify which animal may have caused your bug bite.

Warning: Graphic images ahead.

Mosquito bites

• A mosquito bite is a small, round, puffy bump that appears soon after you’ve been bitten.
• The bump will become red, hard, swollen, and itchy.
• You may have multiple bites in the same area.

Read full article on mosquito bites.

Fire ant stings

• Fire ants are small, aggressive, red or black venomous ants that bite and then deliver painful stings.
• Stings appear as swollen red spots that develop a blister on top.
• Stings burn, itch, and last up to a week.

Read full article on fire ant stings.

Flea bites

• Flea bites are usually located in clusters on the lower legs and feet.
• The itchy, red bumps are surrounded by a red halo.
• Symptoms begin immediately after you’re bitten.

Read full article on flea bites.

Bedbug bites

• The itchy rash is caused by an allergic reaction to the bedbug bite.
• The small rashes have red, swollen areas and dark red centers.
• Bites may appear in a line or grouped together, usually on areas of the body not covered by clothing, such as the hands, neck, or feet.
• There may be very itchy blisters or hives at the bite site.

Read full article on bedbug bites.

Fly bites

• Painful, itchy rashes are caused by an inflammatory reaction at the site of the fly bite.
• Though usually harmless, they may lead to severe allergic reactions or spread insect-borne diseases.
• Take precautions when traveling to endemic countries by wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants and by using bug spray.

Read full article on fly bites.

Lice bites

• Head lice, pubic lice (“crabs”), and body lice are different species of parasitic lice that affect humans.
• They feed on blood and cause an itchy immune reaction at the site of their bites.
• Adult lice are gray/tan six-legged insects about the size of a tiny sesame seed.
• Nits (eggs) and nymphs (baby lice) can only be seen as very tiny specks that may look like dandruff.

Read full article on lice.

Chigger bites

• Painful, itchy rashes may be caused by an immune response to the bites of tiny mite larvae.
• Bites appear as welts, blisters, pimples, or hives.
• Bites will generally appear in groups and are extremely itchy.
• Chigger bites may be grouped in skin folds or near areas where clothing fits tightly.
• Chiggers tend to jump from grass, so bites are usually on legs near the tops of socks.

Read full article on chigger bites.

Tick bites

• Bites can cause pain or swelling at the bite area.
• They may also lead to a rash, a burning sensation, blisters, or difficulty breathing.
• The tick often remains attached to the skin for a long time.
• Bites rarely appear in groups.
• Ticks can transfer diseases, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis.

Read full article on tick bites.

Scabies

• Symptoms caused by scabies mites may take 4 to 6 weeks to appear.
• The extremely itchy rash may be pimply, made up of tiny blisters, or scaly.
• They may cause raised, white, or flesh-toned lines.

Read full article on scabies.

Spider bites

Share on PinterestEzytyper and added inset by B Kimmel/GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0 from Wikimedia Commons

This condition is considered a medical emergency, and 911 or local emergency services should be contacted. Urgent care may be required.

• Most spiders don’t pose a threat to humans, and in such cases, their bites are harmless or mildly irritating like a bee sting.
• Dangerous spiders include the brown recluse, black widow, funnel web spider (Australia), and wandering spider (South America).
• A single raised papule, pustule, or wheal may appear at the site of the bite followed by redness and tenderness.
• The bite will appear as two small puncture marks.
• Severe allergic reactions to a spider bite may require medical attention.

Read full article on spider bites.

Brown recluse spider bite

• This is a shy, brown- or tan-colored spider with a violin-shaped patch and six paired eyes, two in the front and two sets of two on either side of the head.
• It likes to hide in quiet, dark places like closets and bookshelves and is native to the South and South Central regions of the United States.
• Nonaggressive, it will only bite humans if it’s being crushed between skin and a hard surface.
• Redness appears with a central, white blister at the site of the bite.
• Moderate to severe pain and itching at the site of the bite occurs 2 to 8 hours after the spider has injected its venom.
• Rare complications include fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting, hemolytic anemia, rhabdomyolysis, and kidney failure.

Read full article on brown recluse spider bites.

Black widow spider bite

Share on Pinterest© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology/NCBI

This condition is considered a medical emergency, and 911 or local emergency services should be contacted. Urgent care may be required.

• This spider is plump, black, and shiny, with an hourglass-shaped red mark on its abdomen.
• It’s nonaggressive and will only bite if it’s being crushed.
• Bites cause muscle pain and spasms in the arms, legs, abdomen, and back.
• Tremor, sweating, weakness, chills, nausea, vomiting, and headache are other symptoms.
• The bite area is red with a white center.

Read full article on black widow spider bites.

Hobo spider bite

• The venom of this common household spider isn’t considered toxic to humans.
• Bites are generally harmless and cause only minor pain, swelling, and sometimes muscle twitches.
• A single red area appears with a tender central nodule.
• Itching, burning, or stinging may occur at the site of the bite.

Read full article on hobo spider bites.

Wolf spider bite

• This large (up to 2 inches long), fuzzy, gray/brown spider is native to many parts of the United States.
• Nonaggressive, it will bite if it feels threatened.
• A tender, itchy red bump appears that heals in 7 to 10 days.

Read full article on wolf spider bites.

Horsefly bites

• These large (1-inch long) blood-sucking flies are most active in the daylight hours.
• An instant, sharp burning sensation occurs when a horsefly bites.
• Itchiness, redness, swelling, and bruising may also occur at the bite location.

Read full article on horsefly bites.

Bee stings

• Pain, redness, swelling, or itching occurs at the site of the sting.
• A white spot appears where the stinger punctured the skin.
• Unlike bumblebees and carpenter bees, honeybees can only sting once due to their barbed stinger that can remain in the skin.

Read full article on bee sting allergy.

Yellow jacket stings

• These thin wasps have black and yellow stripes and long dark wings.
• Aggressive, a yellow jacket may sting multiple times.
• Swelling, tenderness, itchiness, or redness may occur near the area that’s been stung.

Read full article on yellow jacket stings.

Wasp stings

• Sharp pain, redness, swelling, and itching or burning occurs at the sting site.
• A raised welt appears around the sting site.
• Wasps can be aggressive and are capable of stinging multiple times.

Read full article on wasp stings.

Scorpion stings

• Scorpions are eight-legged arachnids with large pincers and long, segmented, stinger-tipped tails carried in a forward curve over their backs.
• Many species with variable levels of toxicity can be found all over the world.
• Intense pain, tingling, numbness, and swelling occur around the sting.
• Rare symptoms include breathing difficulties, muscle twitching, drooling, sweating, nausea, vomiting, an increased heart rate, restlessness, and excitability.
• Severe symptoms are more likely in infants and children than adults.

Read full article on scorpion stings.

Puss caterpillar stings

• Puss caterpillars may also be known as asp caterpillars, fire caterpillars, woolly slugs, or opossum bugs, and are the larvae of the flannel moth.
• They have venomous barbs on their bodies.
• They typically reside in the Southeast United States but have been found as far west as Florida and Texas.
• A string can cause skin irritation and itchiness, severe pain, and headache.

Kissing bug bites

Share on PinterestHorizons WWP / Alamy Stock Photo & Curtis-Robles et al., CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Triatomine bugs, also called kissing bugs, tend to bite people on the face or near the mouth.
• These bugs tend to reside in Mexico, Central America, South America, and parts of the United States.
• They carry a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi and can T. cruzi infection and Chagas disease.
• While there are different varieties of kissing bugs, they typically have a cone-shaped head and a long, oval-shaped body with antennae and six legs. They can be light brown to black in color and may have yellow, red, or tan markings.
• Bite reactions may include mild itching, redness, and swelling. With a T. cruzi infection, a small hard area may form at the bite site.

Read full article on kissing bug bites.

Deer fly bites

Share on PinterestBruce Marlin, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons & juhat/Istock

• Deer flies have small, round heads, brownish-black bands on their wings, and gold or green eyes.
• Their bites can be painful and cause bumps or welts.
• Their bites can sometimes cause a rare bacterial disease known as rabbit fever (tularemia) that may cause skin ulcers, fever, and headache.

Read full article on fly bites.

Here are some bugs that can be more dangerous than others.

Biting insects, arachnids, and other bugs

Many bugs bite, but only a few do so intentionally. Most bites are relatively harmless, leaving just an itchy patch of skin behind. But some bites can carry disease. Deer ticks, for example, typically carry Lyme disease.

Intentional biters include:

• ticks
• chigger mites
• scabies mites
• bedbugs
• fleas
• head lice
• pubic lice
• horseflies
• black flies
• mosquitoes
• pus caterpillars
• kissing bugs
• deer flies

Many larger insects and other bugs won’t seek you out but will bite if handled.

Spiders

Some spiders have venomous fangs. Venomous spiders found in the United States include:

• brown recluse spiders
• black widow spiders
• mouse spiders
• black house spiders

Stinging insects

Insects will sting humans only to defend against a perceived threat. Typically, a sting from a bee or stinging ant will be accompanied by a small amount of venom.

When injected into your skin, the venom causes most of the itching and pain associated with the sting. It can also cause an allergic reaction.

Common stinging insects in the United States include:

• bees
• paper wasps (hornets)
• yellow jackets
• wasps
• fire ants

Scorpions

Scorpions have a reputation for stinging. Many species have barbed tails equipped with venom, some strong enough to kill a human.

The most venomous species of scorpion native to the United States is the Arizona bark scorpion.

The venom injected into your body from the bite or sting of an insect or arachnid will cause your immune system to respond. Often, your body’s immediate response will include redness and swelling at the bite or sting site.

Minor delayed reactions include itching and soreness.

If you’re very sensitive to an animal’s venom, bites and stings can cause a potentially fatal condition called anaphylactic shock. This can cause the throat to tighten and make breathing difficult or cause low blood pressure.

Anaphylactic shock is considered an emergency, and 911 or local emergency services should be contacted.

Some bites and stings may cause illnesses when venom contains infectious agents.

Anyone can be bitten or stung by an insect or arachnid, and bites and stings are very common. You’re at greater risk if you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural or wooded locations.

Children and older adults may have more severe reactions to bites and stings.

If you’re bitten or stung, you may see or feel the animal on your skin during the attack. Some people don’t notice the animal and may not be aware of a bite or sting until one or more of the following symptoms emerge:

• swelling
• redness or rash
• pain in the affected area or in the muscles
• itching
• heat on and around the site of the bite or sting
• numbness or tingling in the affected area

Symptoms of a severe reaction requiring immediate medical treatment include:

• fever
• difficulty breathing
• nausea or vomiting
• muscle spasms
• rapid heart rate
• swelling of the lips and throat
• confusion
• loss of consciousness

If you feel ill or experience flu-like symptoms in the days following an insect or arachnid bite, see a doctor for tests to rule out infections or diseases you may have contracted from the animal.

While not every insect bite or sting can cause an infection or disease, some insects can transmit diseases this way.

These insects and the diseases they may transmit can include:

• Mosquitos: insect-borne diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, dengue fever, yellow fever, and several viruses that cause encephalitis
• Fleas: bacterial infection, rarely
• Flies: insect-borne diseases
• Sand flies: leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease, though cases occur tropical and subtropical environments
• Lice: epidemic typhus, Bartonella quintana infection, and epidemic relapsing fever
• Chiggers: scrub typhus, though most cases occur in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, China, Japan, India, and northern Australia
• Ticks: tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, tularemia, ehrlichiosis
• Kissing bugs: Chagas disease
• Deer flies: tularemia

Many people are aware they’ve been bitten or stung because they see the insect or arachnid shortly after the attack.

Although you shouldn’t further provoke an attacking insect or arachnid, try to preserve the animal if it dies following the bite or sting. Its identity may help a doctor properly diagnose your symptoms.

This is especially important for a spider bite, as some species have dangerously potent venom.

Most bites and stings heal by themselves after several days of mild discomfort.

Monitor the affected site for signs of infection. Contact a doctor if the wound appears to be getting worse or hasn’t healed after several weeks.

Bites and stings that cause severe reactions can be fatal if they aren’t treated immediately.

Once you’ve experienced a severe allergic reaction, a doctor will likely prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector. Epinephrine is a hormone that can prevent anaphylactic shock.

Carry the auto-injector with you at all times to reverse the reaction immediately following a bite or sting.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Use caution when near nests or hives containing aggressive insects. Hire professionals who have the proper safety equipment to remove a nest or hive.

When spending time outside, take preventive measures, such as:

• wearing hats and clothing that provide full coverage
• wearing neutral colors and avoiding floral patterns
• avoiding perfume and scented lotion
• keeping food and drinks covered
• using citronella or insect repellent
• using permethrin on clothing to prevent black-legged tick bites

Article Resources

• Ellwanger JH, et al. (2021). Variability in human attractiveness to mosquitoes. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X21000522
• Bites and stings: Insects. (n.d.). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bites-and-stings-insects
• Body lice: Disease. (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/body/disease.html
• Goldman BS, et al. (2022). Caterpillar and moth bites. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539851/
• McKeown N, et al. (2014). Verified spider bites in Oregon (USA) with the intent to assess hobo spider venom toxicity. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0041010114000920
• Parasites – American trypanosomiasis (also known as Chagas disease). (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/
• Powers J, et al. (2022). Insect bites. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537235/
• Preventing tick bites. (2020). https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html
• Typhus fevers. (2020). https://www.cdc.gov/typhus/index.html

How to get rid of mosquito bites: symptoms, treatment

Content:

➦ Why mosquito bites itch

➦ Symptoms of mosquito bites

➦ Treatment of mosquito bites

➦ ➦ Home remedies for mosquito bites

➦ What home remedies should not be used

➦ When to see a doctor?

➦ How to prevent biting?

➦ Popular products

Finally, the long-awaited summer has come with its wonderful warm evenings, rest in the country, near the river, in the forest. And only a disgusting squeak near the ear prevents us from enjoying it all for real. Bite, itching, redness, pain… Mosquitoes become a real problem in summer! Why are they biting us? How to get rid of itching and how to prevent bites? All answers in this Phytoblog article.

Why do mosquito bites itch?

As with wasps and bees, female mosquitoes are responsible for biting humans. The blood of mammals is a source of protein to feed her eggs. After mating, the female goes hunting for such a food resource. The volume of collected blood in this case ranges from 5 to 10 mm3. One bite is more than enough to cover the protein requirement of eggs.

Forty-eight hours after ingestion of this food, fertilized females lay their eggs on the surface of stagnant water (pond, stream, puddle, etc.).
During the bite, the female not only bleeds, but also injects saliva containing an anticoagulant that neutralizes platelets so that the blood remains liquid and does not block the insect’s proboscis. It is the saliva of the insect that is the cause of itching and inflammation at the site of the bite. Being a foreign substance, it causes an immediate reaction of the mast cells of the immune system located in the lower layer of the skin.

These cells – the first line of defense – explode on contact with foreign elements and massively release histamine – a neurotransmitter that causes redness and itching known to us. Other immune agents are then recruited, causing a small red pimple to appear. In no case should this swelling of the skin be pierced, otherwise an infection can be introduced. This all lasts about 30–60 seconds, peaking at 2–3 minutes and disappearing after about 10 minutes.
Thus, itching and pimples from mosquitoes come from an allergy to his saliva. At the same time, in some people, for unknown reasons, the body does not consider it harmful and the allergic reaction goes almost unnoticed, while in others, everything can end in anaphylactic shock.

Why do we feel better when we scratch the bite? To understand this phenomenon, consider what happens to the skin at this moment.
The skin has many sensors that can interpret external stimuli. These sensors are connected to sensitive fibers that transmit information to the brain that the body is in danger (burns, cuts, squeezing). In the case of a mosquito bite, sensory fibers transmit the detected inflammation, and the brain causes itching.
Pain is transmitted in the same way as itching, but not by the same neurons.

Thus, information about pain and information about itching move side by side without mixing. However, some interactions are still possible. For example, pain can suppress itching through communication between their nerve pathways in the spinal cord. The sensory information received from scratching overrides the itch message, so the action of scratching brings relief: rubbing causes a little pain, which alleviates the uncomfortable sensation of itching.

However, the more you scratch, the more it itches! What is the reason for this phenomenon? In fact, the mechanical action of scratching activates nerve endings and releases histamine molecules, which in turn cause itching. The circle is closed.

Conclusion: you should try not to scratch the bite site, so as not to cause even more itching and not to bring an infection through the skin.

Symptoms of mosquito bites

Mosquito bites usually cause itching, redness and sometimes mild pain, which subsides and disappears after two to three days.

If bitten by mosquitoes, the following symptoms may occur:

➤ White-reddish soft bump on the skin after a few minutes.

➤ Hard brown lump that appears within a few days, usually as a result of scratching

➤ Blisters

➤ Black spots that look like bruises.

➤ Urticaria, mild fever, swelling and redness in case of sensitive skin.

But there are certain signs that should alert you

! Painful edema. Is a type of allergic reaction. You can treat it with antihistamines, and a piece of ice will help relieve inflammation and swelling.

! Anaphylactic shock . The most severe and rare variant of the mosquito bite symptom. It appears on the face as swelling with a risk of suffocation. You need to go to the emergency department immediately.

Young children are most affected by the blisters and bumps that result from the severe stings of these pesky insects and may present with symptoms ranging from hives to pathologies such as dengue fever.

Mosquito bite treatment

Although mosquito bites are mostly harmless, statistics show that mosquito bites kill almost 3 million people worldwide every year. This occurs as a result of the transmission of diseases such as dengue fever or malaria.
As you know, under our nails there are thousands of pathogenic bacteria that can penetrate the skin at the slightest wound.

To prevent dangerous infection immediately after a bite, you need:

• wash inflammation with soapy water
• treat the bite with an antiseptic
• apply a topical antihistamine (cream, gel or lotion) to the skin
• take a sedative to reduce itching
• to eliminate the risk of suppuration of the wound after bites, lubricate it with ichthyol ointment or Vishnevsky ointment.
• If you feel unwell and have a fever, take paracetamol.

Cooling cryo-gel Reanimator / Reanimator will help to get rid of redness and relieve the bite. It will relieve itching, reduce inflammation and pain.

Cooling cryo-gel Reanimator / Reanimator 50ml for first aid and treatment of mosquito bites

An effective all-rounder that we recommend to have in your first aid kit. Due to the cooling effect, cryo-gel relieves itching and pain when bitten by mosquitoes, prevents an allergic reaction, and also has an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect.

Synergy of 15 active ingredients (patented SimRelief complex), different in mechanism and direction of action, allows to achieve a prolonged effect to solve a wide range of skin problems.

Home remedies for mosquito bites

Quickly remove the effects of mosquito bites at home can:

✓ Cold compress or ice cube. Cold is effective for scabies, although not for long.

✓ Hot compress or hot tea bag. Heat soothes inflammation and pain.

✓ Essential oils with soothing properties. Peppermint, lavender, clove, eucalyptus and chamomile will help reduce the bite. Apply one to two drops of essential oil to a tissue and then place on the mosquito pimple.

✓ Menthol gel. Due to the cold will remove scabies. Foot products, which usually contain menthol, may be used. Test it on your hand before applying it to a mosquito bite to make sure you’re not allergic to it.

✓ Rubbing alcohol. It evaporates quickly, providing a short-term cooling effect that relieves itching. However, do not overdo it with the amount, so as not to get burned or irritated.

✓ Hydrocortisone cream. May reduce bite by blocking histamine and other mediators of allergic reactions. However, it is used with caution in young children (after consulting a doctor).

✓ Ointments containing lidocaine or benzocaine. Relieve itching with a numbing effect.

✓ Plants with soothing and antihistamine properties . Rub bite marks with plantain, mint, lemon balm, parsley, and even dandelion gruel. You can also prepare decoctions based on them.

✓ Infusion, basil essential oil . May be one of the most effective home remedies for mosquito bites. A publication in the journal Experimental and Applied Acarology showed that this plant had repellent properties against certain species of these insects. You can simply wipe the bite with basil leaves. Its anti-inflammatory properties are excellent for red spots, sores, and other unpleasant symptoms.

✓ Antihistamines. They block histamine receptors to reduce the itching, redness and swelling associated with bites.

If there is absolutely none of the above at hand, so that the bite does not itch, try to deceive the brain. By pressing hard on the wound, you can cause a temporary pain effect that will help fight itching. Another option is to pat the bite site. This is similar to combing, but less traumatic.

Which home remedies should not be used

Not all popular homemade mosquito repellents used in traditional medicine actually work in practice. Due to inefficiency or even harmful effects, doctors do not recommend using fairly well-known home methods. They can only hide the bite, but they cannot cure it.

Get rid of the bite will not help :

– honey compress

– oatmeal baths

– aloe vera gel

– garlic gruel

– baking soda

– lemon or lime juice

– toothpaste

– vinegar

When to see a doctor?

Fortunately, mosquito bites usually do not cause serious complications and go away on their own after a few days. However, sometimes they can cause a severe allergic reaction and lead to anaphylactic shock.

It is important to see a specialist if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Nausea.
• Urticaria or swelling.
• Vomiting.
• Dizziness.

In addition, mosquitoes can also transmit diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya and the Zika virus. All these pathologies have their own symptoms, such as fever. Thus, medical attention should be sought immediately if abnormal manifestations occur several days after the bite.

How to prevent biting?

First of all, it is important to note that there is no 100% way to prevent the bite of these annoying insects. However, certain steps can be taken to reduce the chance of being bitten.
The first thing to do is try to avoid mosquito breeding areas. Stay away from standing water as these small insects are known to love heat and humidity.

Second summer reflex: apply repellant to your skin before going outside or at bedtime with the window open. Choose a product that lasts several hours, is suitable for all geographies, and is recommended for both outdoor and indoor use. Non-toxic natural products are preferred, such as lemon eucalyptus essential oil, geranium, or fresh melissa leaves.

The choice of clothing is also important. Prefer light and fairly loose clothing, as tight mosquitoes easily bite through. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers when you go out into dense vegetation. Spray clothing with permethrin. It has been established that color also matters: mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.

Finally, to protect against flying insects in homes, mosquito nets hung on windows, in doorways and around beds remain a preventive solution.

Popular products

Going on vacation, many people ask themselves: what kind of mosquito repellent should I choose for effective protection? It mainly depends on your requirements for the product and the type of mosquitoes that exist in the area. Temperate repellents are great in our area, but if you’re going to tropical areas where mosquitoes tend to be more aggressive and carry various diseases, you’ll need different formulas.

In addition, the choice of protection depends on the age (infant, child, adult) and on your condition: not all mosquito repellents are recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Consider the most popular products that can prevent or reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

Repellenti

Mosquito repellants are able to repel these harmful insects to avoid their bites. Thus, they avoid the discomfort and itching caused by bites and provide protection against all diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.

Insect repellent products differ in active compounds. Some repellents combine several molecules. Only a few substances have proven their ability against mosquitoes in the laboratory. It is important to pay attention to the concentration of the active molecule. Too high concentrations are not recommended for children under 12 years of age, infants and pregnant or lactating women. Forms of repellents also differ in the method of application and the type of use (outdoors or at home).

The most commonly used in mosquito repellent formulations are:

➦DEET. The most efficient synthetic molecule to date. This ingredient may have undesirable health and environmental effects, but remains the most effective against insects in tropical areas. However, keep in mind that this active substance reduces sun protection by about 30%. So stock up on a high-level sunscreen (preferably SPF 50).

➦IR 3535 or 35/35 . Synthetic molecule used in temperate and tropical areas.

➦ Permethrin . Mainly used to impregnate clothing or mosquito nets due to some adverse reactions on skin contact.

➦ Icaridin . An alternative to DEET, mainly used in the fight against the malaria mosquito.

➦D (p-menthane-3,8-diol). A naturally occurring molecule found in most organic mosquito repellants. It is the most effective natural molecule. It is obtained from the essential oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Mosquito spray

This repellent product provides better protection by spraying the active molecule directly onto the skin to prevent stings. It can also be used to impregnate clothing, mosquito nets or any other textile. Aerosol packaging makes it easier and faster to apply.

Aerosols

Aerosol sprays are designed to repel flying insects (mosquitoes, but also flies, wasps and horseflies) away from the home. They are often flavored.

Creams and lotions

Creams and lotions provide longer lasting protection but may have some unwanted effects. They penetrate deep into the skin and can cause reactions in people with sensitive skin. Such a product is easy to apply and can be used on any part of the body that needs protection.

Bracelets

Protective solution for wearing on the wrist. They are impregnated with a synthetic or natural anti-mosquito solution to repel insects from humans. These products are one of many innovative mosquito repellent solutions.

Fumigators

These funds are plugged into the outlet, after which they begin to release active substances that can scare away (or even kill) “unwanted guests. ” These products are especially recommended for use at night to avoid the annoying sound of a buzzing mosquito near the ear, not to mention the multiple bites found upon waking up.

Essential oils

Essential oils have excellent mosquito repellent and bite prevention properties. The most effective in the fight against them are the essential oils of Javanese Lemongrass, Lemon Eucalyptus and Bourbon Geranium, which contain geraniol and citronella molecules. They can be sprayed or applied directly to the skin (2-3 drops), repeating the operation every 4 hours.

Contraindications:

– pregnant and lactating women

– allergic to the product

– children under 3 years

– asthma patients

– possible drug interactions.

In case of irritation of the mucous membranes, tears or coughing, the use of essential oils should be discontinued.
To keep the repellant active throughout the day, use it 3 times a day. It can also be applied to areas protected by clothing to minimize the risk of bites in these less vulnerable areas.

In summer, it is important to apply the product over sunscreen to optimize protection.
If you’re going to a tropical area, it’s best to equip yourself with a mosquito repellent spray or cream to maximize your chances of not getting bitten. Also, give preference to synthetic molecules or PMD-based substances.
In the temperate zone, a repellent bracelet is fine. Essential oils will also be effective here, helping to avoid the undesirable effects of synthetic products on health and the environment.

If you are interested in the topic of this article, express your opinion, ask questions or write a review.

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What to do if you are allergic to mosquito and midge bites

Likbez

Health

1 June

For someone, the remedy after being bitten will not be enough.

Why there is an allergy to mosquito and midge bites

Mosquitoes and midges belong to the same order Diptera, therefore they have a lot in common. Only females bite. When they fill with blood, they inject saliva into the wound. It contains proteins that prevent blood from clotting. They are foreign to the human body, so they cause an immune system reaction.

Manifestations will depend on the activity of the immune system. People who have never been bitten, such as infants, may not react at all, because their body has not yet encountered such proteins and does not know what to do in this situation. But in most bites, they swell a little, turn red and itch. Some people get severe allergic reactions.

Who is more likely to be allergic to mosquito and midge bites

Higher risk:

• in children;
• adults who visited the area for the first time with a new insect species;
• people with Epstein-Barr virus-associated immune system diseases;
• patients with mastocytosis, a rare disease in which mast cells containing allergy mediators accumulate in various organs and tissues.

Can mosquito and midge allergy be life threatening

Yes. Sometimes anaphylaxis develops – a dangerous condition that threatens life. Fortunately, these are exceptional cases.

Insect stings can still be fatal: they carry pathogens of dangerous diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. But it has nothing to do with allergies.

Is it possible to find out in advance if there is an allergy to mosquitoes and midges

No. Until now, the structure of only part of the saliva proteins of these insects is known, and diagnostic panels have been used only in studies.

Therefore, you can learn about allergies only when a strange reaction to the bite occurs: massive swelling and unbearable itching in the affected area.

How to know if you are allergic to midge and mosquito bites

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Normal reaction to bites. Photo: dimid_86 / Shutterstock

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Allergic to mosquito or midge bites. Photo: Yavdat / Shutterstock

People say about the development of an allergic reaction:

• swelling and heat at the bite site;
• red blisters – urticaria;
• sometimes swollen lymph nodes.

In the worst case, anaphylaxis develops, which can be fatal.

Another variant of bite allergy is Skeeter’s syndrome. This rare inflammatory reaction includes:

• severe swelling of the bite site;
• fever in the area;
• fever up to 38 degrees for several days;
• severe itching;
• pain;
• sometimes vomiting.

Such symptoms can be mistaken for an infection that has developed due to bacteria getting into scratched bites.

When to see a doctor urgently

Call an ambulance as soon as possible if you have signs of anaphylactic shock:

• difficulty breathing;
• weakness up to loss of consciousness;
• disorientation;
• pallor and clammy sweat.

Call your doctor if:

• a red spot or blister with a diameter of more than 10 centimeters has appeared at the site of the bite;
• the wounds became inflamed: pus appeared, the temperature rose, the state of health worsened;
• biting the face near the eyes and mouth, swollen eyelid or lips;
• in the evening and the next day the symptoms only get worse;
• you have persistent, exhausting itching and a general deterioration in well-being.

What Doctors Will Do

You may be given steroids in pills, shots, or drips and taught what to do if you have a bad reaction another time. For example, they will advise you to wear an injector pen.

If anaphylaxis develops, the doctor will provide anti-shock assistance: inject adrenaline or epinephrine, glucocorticosteroids and antihistamines.

Managing Mosquito and Midge Allergies on Your Own

Other than the situations listed above, bites are generally harmless. They pass at home even without treatment. To relieve the condition:

• wash bites with soap and water;
• elevate the affected part of the body and apply ice to it to reduce swelling;
• Spot calamine or zinc mash;
• if necessary, use a steroid-based cream (mometasone or others) or take an antihistamine such as chloropyramine or cetirizine.

How to prevent mosquito and midge allergies

Avoiding bites is almost impossible, but you can try to reduce their likelihood.

• Try to be less in nature in the evenings and at night.
• Avoid shady and damp places, bodies of water with stagnant water.
• Do not wear bright clothes and do not use perfume when going out into the countryside – this attracts insects.
• Use repellents with DEET (diethyltoluamide). They will provide protection for several hours. But they can also cause a reaction, so before the first use, try applying the product to a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin and observe.