What are the common symptoms of mite and flea bites on the face. How can you effectively treat and prevent mite and flea bites. What are the potential health risks associated with mite and flea infestations.

Understanding Mites: Tiny Arthropods with a Big Impact

Mites are small arthropods closely related to spiders and ticks. While most mites feed on insects or dead organic matter, some species can affect humans. These include:

• Chiggers
• Scabies mites
• Rat mites
• Bird mites
• Northern fowl mites

Contrary to popular belief, home mite infestations are relatively rare. Mike Merchant, Ph.D., a former professor of entomology at Texas A&M University, emphasizes that mite problems are often less severe than people assume.

Health Implications of Mite Bites

Can mite bites cause serious health issues? While most mite bites result in skin lumps and rashes, severe reactions are uncommon. Chiggers, which bite during their larval stage, produce intensely itchy red welts. Indoor mites, often originating from animal nests, typically cause itchy skin rashes with small lumps or pimples.

Merchant explains, “The skin might be very itchy or red for a few days, but then that will taper off.” Most symptoms resolve within a week, and can be managed with ice and anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone.

The Scabies Exception

Scabies mites are unique in their ability to infest human skin. These mites lay eggs and feed on the host, causing persistent, itchy rashes. Unlike other mites, scabies infestations require medical treatment, usually in the form of prescription skin creams or lotions designed to eliminate the mites.

Dust Mites and Allergies: A Common Household Concern

Do dust mites pose a significant health risk? While they don’t bite, dust mites can trigger allergies in some individuals. Symptoms typically resemble mild seasonal allergies, including:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes

Over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications can effectively manage dust mite allergies.

Effective Strategies for Mite Control in Your Home

How can you eliminate mites from your living space? Merchant advises against whole-house treatments or fumigation. Instead, focus on removing the source of the problem: animal nests. “The real solution is getting rid of any animals nesting in your home, and animal-proofing your home,” he states. Professional pest control services can be invaluable in this process.

Dealing with Scabies Infestations

For scabies, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. In addition to medical treatment, take these steps to decontaminate your home:

1. Vacuum thoroughly on the day you start treatment
2. Wash bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water
3. Dry items on high heat
4. Dry-clean or seal non-washable items in plastic bags for at least 72 hours

Managing Dust Mite Populations

While complete elimination of dust mites is nearly impossible, you can reduce their impact through:

• Regular cleaning and dusting
• Installing HEPA air filters
• Using dust-resistant bedding that can be washed in hot water

Fleas: Tiny Insects with a Powerful Bite

What exactly are fleas, and how do they affect humans? Fleas are small, wingless, blood-sucking insects that primarily live on mammals, often pets like dogs and cats. While they prefer animal hosts, fleas can bite humans, especially when they migrate from pets to their owners.

Identifying Flea Bites

How can you recognize a flea bite? Flea bites typically appear as small red bumps, often in groups of three or more. They are usually itchy and commonly found on the lower legs. Merchant explains, “Usually flea bites are on the lower legs because the fleas get into the carpet and then jump up as we’re walking past.”

Treating Flea Bites

What’s the best way to treat flea bites? Similar to mite bites, ice and hydrocortisone can help relieve symptoms. Flea bite symptoms are generally short-lived, lasting about a week or less.

Prevention and Control of Mite and Flea Infestations

How can you protect your home and family from mite and flea infestations? Prevention is key when it comes to these tiny pests. Here are some effective strategies:

• Regularly clean and vacuum your home, paying special attention to carpets and upholstered furniture
• Wash bedding, pet bedding, and soft toys in hot water weekly
• Use flea prevention products on pets as recommended by your veterinarian
• Seal entry points to prevent rodents and birds from nesting in or near your home
• Keep your lawn well-maintained to reduce outdoor flea and mite populations

For persistent problems, consider consulting a professional pest control service. They can provide targeted treatments and advice specific to your situation.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Mite or Flea Bites

While most mite and flea bites are harmless and resolve on their own, there are instances where medical attention may be necessary. Seek help if you experience:

• Signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or pus around bite areas
• Persistent or worsening symptoms beyond a week
• Allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat
• Symptoms of scabies, such as intense itching that worsens at night or a spreading rash

Remember, early intervention can prevent more serious complications and provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms.

Natural Remedies for Mite and Flea Bite Relief

Are there effective natural remedies for mite and flea bites? While over-the-counter treatments are often sufficient, some people prefer natural alternatives. Here are some options that may provide relief:

• Aloe vera gel: Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties
• Tea tree oil: Has antiseptic qualities, but should be diluted before application
• Witch hazel: Can reduce itching and inflammation
• Baking soda paste: Mix with water and apply to bites to relieve itching
• Cold compresses: Can reduce swelling and numb the area to alleviate itching

Always perform a patch test before applying any new substance to your skin, and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Herbal Repellents for Mites and Fleas

Can natural repellents deter mites and fleas? While not as potent as chemical alternatives, some natural substances may help repel these pests:

• Citronella
• Eucalyptus
• Peppermint
• Lavender
• Neem oil

These can be used in diffusers, sprays, or applied to pet collars (after consulting with your veterinarian). However, their effectiveness may vary, and they should not replace proven prevention methods.

The Impact of Climate Change on Mite and Flea Populations

How is climate change affecting mite and flea populations? As global temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, pest populations are also changing. Some potential impacts include:

• Extended active seasons for mites and fleas
• Expansion of habitat ranges for certain species
• Increased reproduction rates in warmer conditions
• Changes in host-parasite relationships

These changes may lead to more frequent human-pest interactions and potentially increased transmission of vector-borne diseases. Staying informed about local pest populations and maintaining vigilant prevention measures is crucial in this changing landscape.

Adapting Pest Control Strategies

How can we adapt our pest control methods to address these changes? As pest populations evolve, so too must our strategies for managing them. Some approaches include:

• Year-round pest prevention measures, rather than seasonal treatments
• Increased monitoring and early intervention
• Development of new, climate-adaptive pest control products
• Enhanced public education on pest prevention and identification
• Collaboration between pest control experts, climate scientists, and public health officials

By staying proactive and adaptable, we can better manage mite and flea populations in the face of environmental changes.

Technological Advancements in Mite and Flea Control

What new technologies are emerging in the fight against mites and fleas? The pest control industry is constantly evolving, with new innovations aimed at more effective and environmentally friendly solutions. Some promising developments include:

• Smart pest monitoring systems using IoT (Internet of Things) technology
• Targeted biopesticides that affect specific pest species while minimizing impact on beneficial organisms
• Advanced air filtration systems for reducing airborne allergens, including dust mites
• Ultrasonic repellent devices, although their effectiveness is still debated
• Nanotechnology-based repellents and treatments

These technologies offer the potential for more precise, efficient, and sustainable pest management strategies in the future.

The Role of Genetic Research

How is genetic research contributing to mite and flea control? Scientists are exploring several avenues:

• Studying pest genomes to identify vulnerabilities
• Developing genetically modified pest species that are unable to reproduce effectively
• Creating more targeted treatments based on specific genetic markers
• Improving our understanding of pest resistance to current control methods

While much of this research is still in early stages, it holds promise for revolutionary approaches to pest control in the coming years.

The Psychological Impact of Mite and Flea Infestations

How do mite and flea infestations affect mental health? Beyond the physical discomfort, dealing with these pests can have significant psychological effects:

• Anxiety and stress related to the presence of pests in one’s home
• Sleep disturbances due to itching or worry
• Social isolation if individuals feel embarrassed about the infestation
• Obsessive behaviors related to cleaning or checking for pests
• Depression, especially in cases of prolonged or recurring infestations

Recognizing and addressing these psychological impacts is crucial for overall well-being during and after an infestation.

Coping Strategies

What can individuals do to manage the stress of dealing with mites or fleas? Here are some helpful strategies:

• Educate yourself about the pests and effective control methods to feel more in control
• Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing
• Maintain perspective – remember that infestations are common and treatable
• Consider professional counseling if anxiety or depression becomes overwhelming

By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of pest infestations, individuals can navigate these challenges more effectively and maintain their overall health and well-being.

Everything You Need to Know About Mite and Flea Bites

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What Are Mites, and Do They Bother Humans?

Mites are arthropods, not insects, and are close cousins with spiders and ticks. (1) Most types of mites feed on other insects or on dead plant and animal material. (Dust mites, for example, feed mostly on dead skin cells.)

But there are a few types that bite or affect people: (2,3)

• Chiggers
• Scabies
• Rat mites
• Bird mites
• Northern fowl mites

Despite what you may have heard or read online, home mite infestations are fairly rare and tend to be much less of an issue than people assume, says Mike Merchant, PhD, a former professor of entomology at Texas A&M University in Dallas. “A lot of the mite stuff on the internet makes it sound like [a mite infestation is] the end of the world, but it’s not,” he says.

Can Mites Be Harmful to Your Health?

Mite bites can cause skin lumps and rashes and, occasionally, more serious reactions, Dr. Merchant says.

Among outdoor mites, the only type that frequently bites people is the chigger. The word “chigger” applies to a particular species of mite that bites during its larval stage of development, and their bite produces an intensely itchy red welt, Merchant explains. “There are not too many other mite problems outdoors,” he adds.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Chigger Bites

When it comes to indoor mites that bite or cause health issues, Merchant says most spring from animal nests. “Some mites will infest the nests of birds and rats and mice, and when they become abundant, they’ll leave that site and sometimes wander into the house and bite people,” he explains. In most cases, the bites of these mites cause an itchy skin rash, which may feature small lumps or pimples.

“The skin might be very itchy or red for a few days, but then that will taper off,” Merchant says of mite bites. Ice and anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone can help control the swelling and itching. But those symptoms should resolve within a week, he says. (Nearly all species of biting house mites cannot live on human beings, and so they don’t “infest people,” he adds.)

There is one outlier: scabies. These mites infest a person’s skin in order to lay eggs and feed, and are usually only passed by direct person-to-person contact. (4) Like other mites, scabies tend to cause an itchy, pimply red rash. But unlike other mites, those rashes will continue to appear unless the person gets medical treatment, usually a prescription-only skin cream or lotion designed to kill scabies.

Dust mites can cause allergies in some people, but these tend to be of the mild, seasonal allergy variety — stuff like a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. (5) Over-the-counter and prescription allergy meds can help quell dust mite allergies.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Allergies

How to Get Rid of Mites in Your Household

You don’t need a crazy whole-house treatment or fumigation. You just need to remove the animals and animal nests that are bringing mites into your home, Merchant says. “Everybody always wants a spray to solve these types of mite problems, but the real solution is getting rid of any animals nesting in your home, and animal-proofing your home,” he says. Basically, call in a home pest pro.

The exception here, again, is the scabies mite; in addition to getting medical treatment, you can take steps to eliminate the mites from your household. Scabies mites don’t survive very long when they’re not on human skin. Vacuum your home the day you start treatment and decontaminate your bedding, clothing, and towels by washing these items in hot water and drying on high heat. You can also dry-clean or seal these articles in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours.

When it comes to dust mites, on the other hand, it’s almost impossible to get rid of them all. But frequent home cleaning and dusting, installing HEPA air filters, and buying bedding that can be washed in hot water and that resists dust accumulation can limit allergic reactions.

What Are Fleas, and What Do Flea Bites Look Like?

Fleas are blood-sucking insects that live on mammals — often dogs, cats, or other furry pets. (6) Fleas are brown and wingless. And while they’re small, usually around an eighth of an inch, they’re big enough to see or even feel with your hand, Merchant says.

While they prefer animals to humans, fleas can migrate off pets and onto their owner’s skin. “Usually flea bites are on the lower legs because the fleas get into the carpet and then jump up as we’re walking past,” Merchant explains.

What does a flea bite look like? Like many other types of insect bites, flea bites produce small red bumps that may be itchy and that tend to appear in groups of three or more. Again, ice and hydrocortisone can help relieve symptoms, which tend to be short-lived — a week or less.

More Serious Health Complications Can Arise if You Have Mites or Fleas

Like all biting or stinging insects, mites and fleas can occasionally cause serious allergic reactions, including problems breathing or a swollen limb or throat. Those symptoms warrant a trip to the emergency room.

Also, anything that causes itchy skin or open sores can allow in bacteria, which could lead to a secondary infection. (7) If you notice swelling, pain, or a mite or flea bite that seems to be getting worse after a day or two, or if you have a fever or other flu-like symptoms, talk to a doctor. Those could all be signs of a bacterial infection.

Finally, both fleas and mites can transmit some potentially serious diseases to humans — namely types of typhus and spotted fever — though these transmissions are very rare. Symptoms include headaches, fever, rashes, and delirium. (8)

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Tips for How to Avoid Getting Mosquito Bites in the First Place

To minimize your bite risk, try to stay indoors at dawn and dusk — times when humidity often peaks. “The higher the humidity, the better for mosquitoes, so dawn and dusk are times when they tend to be active,” Day says.

He explains that mosquitoes are fragile insects, and their bodies dry out quickly if they’re exposed to arid conditions or extended stretches of bright sunlight (which is another reason they prefer hunting at dawn and dusk, as opposed to midday). They’re also weak fliers, he says, so any kind of breeze or fan-generated wind tends to keep them at bay. If you can find a place that’s exposed to wind, or you have a strong fan handy, both can prevent mosquitoes from biting you.

Long pants and shirtsleeves — especially tightly woven synthetic fabrics such as the types used in so-called athleisure garments — tend to keep mosquitoes off your skin. Repellents also work well, Day says. The CDC suggests looking for products that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus, or p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD). (6)  Apply these products to your ankles, wrists, forehead, elbows, and all the other knobby, bony places where the blood is up near the surface of the skin. Mosquitoes love to feast at these sites.

Also good to keep in mind: Mosquitoes are attracted to both the carbon dioxide humans exhale and the natural odors our bodies produce — stuff like sweat and foot odor. If you’ve been exercising, you’re likely to be both sweaty and producing higher amounts of carbon dioxide. Better to cool off and shower up indoors before heading outside. (7)

Follow all these precautions, and you can largely dodge mosquito bites all summer long.

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Mosquito bite: how to anoint and how to get rid of itching

How to take care of the skin in case of a mosquito bite and what health risks are important to know? Says a dermatologist.

Margarita Gekht, Leading Dermatologist, Butterfly Children Charitable Foundation, Lecturer at the Skill for Skin Online Academy of Skin Problems

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• How to identify a mosquito bite
• Why does it itch
• What to do after being bitten
• How to relieve itching
• Possible complications
• Repellents
• Medical treatment

What does a mosquito bite look like?

Female mosquitoes have a long proboscis with which they pierce the skin, inject saliva through it and suck in blood. The human body reacts to saliva with blistering and itching.

Some people react to the sting lightly, others more severely, and may experience large swelling and painful redness at the site of the sting.

General symptoms of a mosquito bite:

• blister that appears on the skin a few minutes after the bite;
• edema;
• redness of the skin;
• itching.

If the bite is in an area close to the capillary network, dark spots that look like bruises may appear in its place.

Sometimes under certain circumstances, more often due to the peculiarities of the immune system, in addition to the general symptoms, more severe reactions can develop, which lead to the following symptoms. They can be isolated or included in the structure of Skeeter’s syndrome:

• large area of ​​swelling and redness;
• subfebrile or febrile fever;
• swollen lymph nodes.

Skeeter syndrome refers to a severe allergic reaction to mosquito bites. It is based on an allergic reaction to proteins contained in mosquito saliva. Most people have little reaction to mosquito bites, but people with skeeter syndrome are very sensitive to them and may develop a fever. In Skeeter’s syndrome, the blisters at the site of the bites tend to swell to a very large diameter, leading to swelling of the skin along with the fever. Usually the reaction builds up within a few hours.

Why itching develops after a mosquito bite

The causes of itching in mosquito bites are not well understood, but scientists have put forward hypotheses about three mechanisms. They are based on the assumption that the itch that occurs after a bite is associated with the components of the saliva of the insect.

According to the first hypothesis, mosquito saliva components cause an allergic reaction when they enter the skin. This is because one of the main components of mosquito saliva is the biologically active substance histamine, which is responsible for allergic reactions, including swelling, itching and redness. As a result, the classic picture of itching develops.

The second hypothesis is based on an IgE-dependent hypersensitivity reaction to salivary gland components. This means that certain people have special receptors on their own antibodies that are turned on during the introduction of the allergen (mosquito saliva). These proteins are called IgE. They are the first to bind to mosquito saliva proteins, transmit an impulse to mast cells of the skin, which in turn release histamine, resulting in itching.

Proponents of the third hypothesis believe that salivary gland components modulate the inflammatory response independently of IgE proteins.

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How to get rid of mosquito bites

The first step is to apply mosquito repellent to any potentially exposed skin area. This measure ensures that there are no more bites. The alternative is to install a physical barrier for the mosquitoes, such as a mosquito net, or return indoors.

After applying protection, the bite area can be treated with ice or cream/gel with an antihistamine component. Itching will likely continue, but every effort should be made to avoid scratching the bite as this will cause further irritation.

Finally, look for any potential symptoms of illness such as fever, joint pain, or headache. This is to make sure you don’t get an infection.

Folk remedies for mosquito bites

1. Soda. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Apply it on a mosquito bite, wait ten minutes and wash off.
2. Oatmeal. Grind oatmeal to a floury consistency. When mixed with water, a colloidal suspension will be obtained – it is this part of the oatmeal that must be added to the bath (it should also be part of creams). Fine particles of colloidal oatmeal settle on the skin, retaining moisture and relieving itching.
3. Basil. This fragrant herb has a dual function. First, it repels mosquitoes. Therefore, it can be planted on the windowsill. Secondly, according to some studies, basil soothes the itching from a bite. Crush a few leaves and rub gently into the skin.
4. Aloe Vera. The sticky, clear gel found inside the aloe vera plant is used to treat many ailments. It has also been proven to be an effective remedy for itching.
5. Chamomile. This herb is used to relieve anxiety and insomnia. It is believed that applying a decoction of chamomile to the skin can soothe rashes and irritations. However, there is no exact data on the effectiveness of chamomile. Also, if you are allergic to ragweed, you may also have a reaction to chamomile. Be careful – in the composition of creams, chamomile is called “azulene”.
6. Menthol. Menthol products cool the skin, which may temporarily relieve itching.

© Shutterstock

Complications of mosquito bites

1. Impetigo. Local bacterial infection. May be caused by scratches at the site of the bite. More common with itchy bites.
2. Cellulite . In this case, the bacterial infection spreads to the skin. It looks edematous, becomes hot and painful to the touch and looks like an orange peel.
3. Lymphangitis. This bacterial infection spreads through the lymphatic channels. Visually looks like a red line going up the arm or leg. This case is more serious because the infection can enter the bloodstream and cause blood poisoning (sepsis).

When to See a Doctor

If mosquito bites are accompanied by more than just redness and itching, but fever, headache, body aches and other signs of infection, see a doctor.

Mosquito bite prevention

• Treat clothing and equipment with permethrin repellent.
• Choose long-sleeved shirts and trousers when choosing clothes. Mosquitoes cannot bite the skin if it is covered with a dense cloth.
• Choose closed shoes.

Another way to stop mosquitoes from biting

Mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs. Once a week, empty and wipe, turn over, cover, or discard items that contain water, such as paddling pools, bird baths, flower pots, or trash cans.

Mosquitoes are also attracted to body heat and body odors caused by sweat and lactic acid.

How the active ingredients of repellents work

DEET

N, N-diethyl meta-toluamide (DEET) is one of the most commonly used mosquito repellent chemicals. Research shows that it is one of the most effective. DEET affects insect receptors that detect carbon dioxide and body odor, causing mosquitoes to stop recognizing humans. It comes in a variety of forms, including liquids, sprays, lotions, and wristbands.

Picaridin

Picaridin is a new type of insect repellent. It works in a similar way to DEET, preventing mosquitoes from recognizing their prey, but contains fewer potentially toxic substances, making it considered a safe protection option for babies under six months of age.

Eucalyptus and Lemon Oils

Eucalyptus or Lemon Oils are a good option for those who prefer a natural, chemical-free repellant.

© Blanchi Costela / Getty Images

Medical treatment of mosquito bites

Topically:

• Apply specialized gels and emulsions containing antihistamines two to three times a day.
• For severe redness and itching, a cream or emulsion containing 1% hydrocortisone can be used once or twice a day for two to three days. If symptoms persist or worsen, a doctor should be consulted.
• Calamine and zinc oxide products can be used for children under two years of age. From the age of two, a lotion containing menthol, zinc oxide and calamine is suitable.

Oral:

• First generation antihistamines may be used in acute inflammatory reactions.
• For subacute stage and mild itching, 2nd generation antihistamines.

Both generations are available in both drop and tablet form.

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The best remedies for itching after mosquito bites and other insects – July 6, 2021

Mosquitoes are guided by body temperature – therefore people with superficially located capillaries become their favorites

Photo: Gustavo Zy ryanov / NGS.RU

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Insect bites are common in the summer, especially if you spend the weekend outside the city. At the same time, they cause a lot of discomfort, and sometimes they can be really dangerous – even if we are talking about ordinary bees and mosquitoes. In the regular column “What hurts you?” today we are figuring out together with doctors how the bites of different insects differ, why you can’t scratch them and how to relieve itching after a bite.

It is possible to divide insects (by adding some arthropods to them) into two groups: stinging and blood-sucking (there will still be moths and butterflies that do not sting or bite). The first group includes bees, bumblebees, hornets, ants, the second group includes mosquitoes, fleas, horseflies, ticks, bedbugs, lice. Since stinging insects attack for self-defense, and blood-sucking ones for food, their mechanisms are different – when stinging, a person interacts with poison, and when bitten, with saliva, which contains histamine-like substances. They help slow down blood clotting and, irritating the epithelial cells, provoke a local allergic reaction, swelling appears, which can subsequently be accompanied by itching.

— Allergic reactions can be either local or systemic. Most often, these are skin rashes, which are very diverse: papular, hemorrhagic, urticarial (in the form of blisters), says Ekaterina Skvortsova, general practitioner, therapist at the Medsi clinic. – Depending on the type of insect, there are features: for example, when bitten by midges, it acquires the character of erysipelas, redness, swelling without temperature. When bitten by a mosquito – itchy nodular rash.

The first thing to remember is that you must not scratch the bite. And this rule is not taken from the ceiling: the fact is that when combing, pathogenic microflora can get there and then suppuration joins. By the way, for the same reason, you can not apply grass to the bite site, even plantain.

– It is necessary to treat the bite site with disinfectants: rinse with running water with baby or laundry soap, you can slightly salted water. If there are disinfectant solutions on hand, such as furacilin solution, treat them. You can use alcohol-containing medicinal tinctures, diluted with water one to one, advises Dr. Skvortsova.

To relieve discomfort, you can apply an ice cube or just something cold to the bite site – this soothes and relieves swelling. To get rid of itching and redness after mosquito bites, you can use pharmaceutical products – creams and ointments based on antihistamines (for example, Fenistil-gel, Fenidin, Dimestin, Dimetinden-Akrikhin).

– If you see that redness has begun to appear not even at the site of the bite, then the antihistamine will need to be taken orally. Severe allergies to non-stinging insects rarely occur, but it can happen – for example, such a reaction can occur to a horsefly bite, – says Ivan Skorokhodov, an allergist-immunologist at the UMMC-Health Medical Center.

All other folk ways to relieve itching and swelling doctor rejects. For example, he does not recommend using the Zvezdochka balm for this – it has a local irritating effect, this will lead to even greater vasodilation and increased edema.

Doctors call it not a bite, but a sting. Stinging insects are dangerous in that a severe systemic allergic reaction can develop from their poison – up to anaphylactic shock. It can manifest itself in the first three hours, so it is important at this time to observe the state of the stung. The reason for calling an ambulance may be difficult or wheezing breathing, speech problems, choking, too much (more than 5 cm in diameter) swelling from a bite in the face or tongue, red spots or hives outside the bite site, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea , vomiting, rapid pulse, anxiety, dizziness, severe weakness; the condition is deteriorating rapidly. If an insect has stung from the inside of the throat (this happens if you swallow a bee or wasp, for example, with a drink), a child under five years of age has suffered, or the stung person has severe chronic diseases, an ambulance should be called immediately. Ekaterina Skvortsova says that if the previous time there was already an acute allergic reaction to a bee sting, it will get worse with each subsequent time.

But it can get by with standard symptoms: a sharp burning pain at the sting site, swelling of the area around the bite, and an increase in skin temperature. In this case, the actions will be similar to a mosquito bite, adjusted for the sting – if there is one, it will need to be removed very carefully. To do this, wind a piece of gauze around your finger and push it out from under the skin with stroking, pushing movements.

– In no case should you roughly pull out the sting – there is a bag of poison in it, and when pressed, the poison can get inside and worsen the consequences of the bite, – says Skvortsova.