How do bedbug bites appear on the skin. What are effective treatments for bedbug bites. How can you prevent and eliminate bedbug infestations in your home. What are the signs of a severe allergic reaction to bedbug bites. How should bedbug bites on babies and children be treated.

Understanding Bedbug Biology and Behavior

Bedbugs are small, blood-feeding insects that have adapted to living alongside humans. These nocturnal pests are experts at hiding and can survive for weeks without a meal, making them particularly challenging to eliminate. Their flattened bodies allow them to squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices, often unnoticed until an infestation becomes severe.

Bedbugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale and our body heat, which is why they tend to bite exposed areas of skin while we sleep. Unlike some other biting insects, bedbugs don’t jump or fly. Instead, they crawl onto their hosts, feed for a few minutes, and then retreat to their hiding spots.

Bedbug Life Cycle

• Eggs: Tiny, pearl-white, and about 1mm long
• Nymphs: Go through five molting stages before reaching adulthood
• Adults: Reddish-brown, oval-shaped, and about the size of an apple seed

A female bedbug can lay between one to three eggs per day, potentially producing hundreds of offspring in her lifetime. This rapid reproduction rate contributes to the difficulty in controlling bedbug populations once they establish themselves in a home.

Identifying Bedbug Bites and Symptoms

Recognizing bedbug bites can be challenging, as they often resemble other insect bites or skin conditions. However, there are some characteristic signs to look out for:

• Red, swollen bumps with a darker center
• Bites arranged in lines or clusters
• Intense itching and burning sensations
• Bites primarily on exposed areas of skin during sleep

Can everyone see bedbug bites on their skin? Interestingly, not everyone reacts to bedbug bites. Studies suggest that approximately 30 to 60% of people may not develop any visible symptoms after being bitten. This lack of reaction can delay the detection of an infestation, allowing the bedbug population to grow unchecked.

Common Areas for Bedbug Bites

While bedbugs can bite any part of the body, they typically target areas exposed during sleep, such as:

• Face
• Neck
• Arms
• Hands

For those who wear pajamas, bites may also appear along the edges of clothing. The pattern of bites can sometimes provide clues about the severity of an infestation or the location of bedbug hiding spots.

Treating Bedbug Bites: Home Remedies and Medical Options

In most cases, bedbug bites resolve on their own without medical intervention. However, the itching and discomfort can be significant. Here are some effective treatment options to alleviate symptoms:

Over-the-Counter Treatments

• Topical steroid creams to reduce inflammation and itching
• Oral antihistamines for itch relief
• Pain relievers to address swelling and discomfort

Home Remedies

• Applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel
• Creating a paste of baking soda and water to soothe affected areas
• Keeping the bites clean with gentle soap and water

Is it safe to use over-the-counter medications for bedbug bites? Generally, OTC treatments are safe and effective for most people. However, it’s always wise to read labels carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or pre-existing conditions.

Preventing Bedbug Infestations: Proactive Measures

Preventing bedbug infestations is far easier and less costly than treating an established problem. Here are some proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of bringing bedbugs into your home:

1. Inspect hotel rooms thoroughly before unpacking
2. Keep luggage off the floor and away from the bed
3. Examine secondhand furniture carefully before bringing it indoors
4. Use protective covers on mattresses and box springs
5. Vacuum frequently, especially around the bed and upholstered furniture

How frequently should you inspect your home for signs of bedbugs? Regular inspections, perhaps monthly, can help catch infestations early. Pay close attention to areas around the bed, including the mattress seams, headboard, and nearby furniture.

Detecting Bedbug Infestations: Signs to Watch For

Early detection is crucial in managing bedbug infestations. While bites can be a sign, they’re not always reliable indicators. Look for these additional clues:

• Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses
• Dark spots (about this size: •) on fabrics or surfaces
• Pale yellow skin sheddings or empty eggshells
• Live bedbugs in cracks and crevices

Where do bedbugs typically hide in a home? Common hiding spots include:

• Mattress seams and tags
• Box spring interiors
• Bed frame joints
• Headboard crevices
• Behind baseboards and wallpaper
• In electrical outlets and switch plates

Regular, thorough inspections of these areas can help you catch an infestation before it becomes severe.

Treating Bedbug Infestations: Professional vs. DIY Approaches

Once you’ve confirmed a bedbug infestation, you’ll need to decide on a treatment approach. While some homeowners attempt to tackle the problem themselves, professional pest control services often provide more comprehensive and effective solutions.

DIY Treatment Methods

• Heat treatment using specialized equipment
• Freezing infested items
• Using diatomaceous earth or other desiccants
• Applying EPA-registered pesticides

Are DIY bedbug treatments as effective as professional services? While some DIY methods can be successful, they often require multiple applications and may not fully eradicate the infestation. Professional pest control companies have access to more potent treatments and specialized equipment, increasing the likelihood of complete elimination.

Professional Treatment Options

• Whole-home heat treatments
• Fumigation
• Targeted chemical treatments
• Integrated pest management approaches

Professional treatments often come with guarantees and follow-up inspections, providing peace of mind and ongoing support in managing the infestation.

Special Considerations: Bedbug Bites on Children and Pets

Bedbug bites can be particularly distressing for children and pets, who may not understand the cause of their discomfort. Here are some special considerations for these vulnerable groups:

Treating Bedbug Bites on Children

• Keep the affected areas clean and dry
• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and itching
• Use child-safe anti-itch creams as recommended by a pediatrician
• Trim nails and cover bites to prevent scratching and potential infection

Is it safe to use adult-strength treatments on children’s bedbug bites? Always consult with a pediatrician before using any medications on children, as their skin is more sensitive and they may react differently to treatments than adults.

Protecting Pets from Bedbugs

While bedbugs prefer human hosts, they can bite pets as well. To protect your furry friends:

• Wash pet bedding regularly in hot water
• Vacuum pet resting areas thoroughly
• Consider using bedbug-proof covers on pet beds
• Consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has been bitten

Can bedbugs live on pets like fleas do? Unlike fleas, bedbugs don’t live on hosts. They feed and then retreat to hiding spots. However, pets can transport bedbugs from one area to another, so it’s important to include them in your overall bedbug management strategy.

Addressing the Psychological Impact of Bedbug Infestations

Bedbug infestations can have significant psychological effects on those affected. The constant worry about being bitten, the stigma associated with having bedbugs, and the stress of treatment can take a toll on mental health.

Common Psychological Reactions

• Anxiety and insomnia
• Depression and social isolation
• Post-traumatic stress symptoms
• Paranoia and hypervigilance

How can you cope with the stress of a bedbug infestation? Consider these strategies:

• Educate yourself about bedbugs to dispel myths and reduce fear
• Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing
• Consider talking to a mental health professional if symptoms persist

Remember, having bedbugs is not a reflection of cleanliness or personal worth. Infestations can happen to anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status or living conditions.

Legal and Social Implications of Bedbug Infestations

Bedbug infestations can have legal and social ramifications, particularly in rental properties and shared living spaces. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial in addressing these issues effectively.

Tenant Rights and Landlord Responsibilities

In many jurisdictions, landlords are required to provide pest-free living conditions. If you’re a tenant dealing with a bedbug infestation:

• Notify your landlord in writing immediately
• Document the infestation with photos and written records
• Review your lease agreement and local tenant rights laws
• Cooperate with treatment efforts as required

What are a landlord’s obligations in addressing a bedbug infestation? While laws vary by location, landlords are generally responsible for:

• Responding promptly to bedbug complaints
• Hiring licensed pest control professionals for treatment
• Covering the costs of treatment in most cases
• Ensuring that treatments are safe and effective

Social Stigma and Community Impact

Bedbug infestations can lead to social stigma and strained relationships within communities. To address these challenges:

• Educate neighbors and community members about bedbug prevention
• Encourage open communication about infestations to prevent spread
• Support community-wide prevention and treatment efforts
• Challenge misconceptions about bedbugs and their causes

How can communities work together to prevent bedbug infestations? Collaborative efforts such as:

• Establishing bedbug task forces or committees
• Organizing educational workshops and seminars
• Implementing building-wide inspection and treatment programs
• Creating support networks for those affected by infestations

By working together and addressing the issue openly, communities can reduce the impact of bedbug infestations and create more resilient, supportive environments for all residents.

What They Look Like, Treatment, and More

Bedbugs are tiny insects that feed on blood from humans or animals. Over-the-counter treatments can help relieve itching and inflammation.

Bedbugs can live in your bed, furniture, carpet, clothing, and other belongings and are most active at night.

Bedbugs typically get into your home after an overnight trip — by hitching a ride in your luggage or clothing. Or they can enter your home if you bring in secondhand furniture that’s infested. They can also travel from one apartment to the next if a building or hotel has an infestation.

Keep reading to learn about bedbug bites, their appearance, and how to treat and prevent them.

Bedbugs excrete anesthetic before feeding on people, so you won’t feel it when they bite you. It may take a few days to develop symptoms.

According to Pest Control Technology, approximately 30 to 60% of people never develop a reaction to a bedbug bite. When symptoms do develop, the bites may be:

• red and swollen, with a dark spot at the center of each bite (they may also look like a hive or welt)
• arranged in lines or clusters, with multiple bites grouped together
• itchy
• burning
• fluid-filled blisters
• you may also find blood stains on the sheets from scratching

Scratching bug bites can cause them to bleed or become infected.

Learn more about the symptoms of an infected bug bite.

Where on the body do bedbug bites occur?

Bedbugs can bite any part of your body. However, they typically bite skin that is exposed while you sleep. This includes your:

• face
• neck
• arms
• hands

If you typically wear pajamas to bed, the bug may bite along the line of the clothing.

Do bedbugs bite every night?

Bedbugs don’t always feed every night and can go several weeks without eating. This can make it more difficult to notice them. It may take a few weeks to realize that the bites are part of a larger pattern. And that’s problematic because bedbugs can multiply very quickly. A female can lay one to three eggs per day.

In most cases, bedbug bites get better on their own. To relieve symptoms, you can try:

• Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription steroid cream to decrease inflammation and itching.
• Take an oral antihistamine to reduce itching and burning.
• Use an over-the-counter pain reliever to relieve swelling and pain.
• Take a Benadryl before sleep to decrease itching or have a doctor prescribe a stronger antihistamine.

In addition to OTC medications, several home remedies may help relieve symptoms of bedbug bites. Try applying one or more of the following:

• a cold cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel
• a thin paste of baking soda and water

Most of the time bedbug bites don’t require medical attention.

Allergic reactions and infections from bedbug bites

Although rare, there have been isolated case reports of systemic allergic reactions to bedbug bites. Reactions typically included hives, asthma, and in rare occasions, anaphylaxis.

In addition, constant scratching of lesions caused by bedbug bites may lead to secondary infections, such as impetigo, folliculitis, or cellulitis. To reduce the risk of infection, wash the bites with soap and water, and try not to scratch them.

If you suspect that you’ve developed an infection or allergic reaction to a bedbug bite, contact a doctor. Get emergency medical care if you develop any of the following after being bitten:

• multiple hives
• difficulty breathing
• wheezing
• swelling of the throat or mouth
• fever
• chills
• dizziness
• confusion

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Washing the bites with soap and water will help treat bedbug bites on your baby or child. For additional relief, consider applying a cold compress, OTC anti-itch creams, or low-strength steroids. Make sure to cut the baby’s nails short so they can’t scratch their skin.

If your child is old enough to understand your instructions, ask them not to scratch the bites. To prevent scratching, it may help to trim your child’s nails and cover the bites with a bandage.

Talk with a pediatrician or pharmacist before using topical steroid creams or oral antihistamines. Some medications may not be safe for babies or young children.

If you suspect there are bedbugs in your home, look for signs of them in your bed and other areas. They usually hide during the day in:

• household cracks or crevices
• walls
• luggage
• bedclothes
• mattresses
• bedsprings
• bed frames
• spaces under baseboards
• loose or peeling wallpaper
• electrical switch plates
• conduits for electrical cables
• sofas (if a person is using the sofa to sleep on)

Bedbugs typically live near where people are sleeping in the house. That’s because bedbugs are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide. They don’t usually travel to other rooms if people aren’t sleeping there. Bedbugs typically feed from midnight until dawn and then hide during the day in the same place they were prior to biting.

You may not see the bugs themselves, but you may find drops of blood or small black dots of bug droppings in your bed. If you find bedbugs, call your landlord or a pest control company.

It’s very difficult to find bedbugs unless you’re professionally trained to do so. Most pest control companies will do a check free of charge. If they find bedbugs, they’ll typically provide several options to remove them.

Remember, until you’ve eliminated the infestation, do not visit or sleep at someone else’s house or a hotel as this may potentially spread the bugs to their home or hotel room.

Risk factors for getting bedbugs

Bedbugs can live in any home or public area. But they’re common in places that have a lot of people, a lot of turnover, and close quarters. You may be at increased risk for encountering bedbugs if you live or work in a:

• hotel
• hospital
• homeless shelter
• military barrack
• college dorm
• apartment complex

Bringing secondhand furniture into your home is another risk factor as is having visits from friends or relatives who may have bedbugs in their home.

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To contain and eliminate a bedbug infestation, it helps to:

• Vacuum and steam-clean your floors, mattresses, furniture, and appliances.
• Launder your linens, drapes, and clothing using the hottest settings of your washing machine and dryer.
• Seal items that can’t be laundered in plastic bags and store them for several days at 0°F (-17°C) or for several months at warmer temperatures.
• Heat items that can be safely heated to 115°F (46°C).
• Fill gaps around your baseboards and cracks in furniture with caulking.

It’s almost impossible to get rid of bedbugs without an exterminator. Many exterminators today use nonchemical eradication, such as very high heat or very cold liquid nitrogen. These options may be the most effective way to eliminate bedbugs as bedbugs are resistant to most pesticides.

Find more tips for managing bedbug infestations and learn when to call a professional.

Bedbugs travel from place to place by hiding in items, such as furniture, clothing, blankets, and luggage.

You can take some steps to help prevent bedbugs:

• If you’re concerned about bedbugs, you can decontaminate luggage, clothes, and belongings upon returning home using mechanical methods (brushing, vacuuming, heating, washing, or freezing).
• Use luggage racks when you travel to keep your clothes off the floor and away from hotel furniture.
• Keep your suitcase away from your bed when you return home and run clothes through a dryer cycle before putting them away.
• Store your clothing in vacuum-sealed bags when traveling.
• When you return home, seal items that can’t be washed in a plastic bag for several weeks.
• If you’re a frequent traveler, you can get a device that heats your suitcase to a temperature that will kill any bedbugs.
• Inspect secondhand furniture, linen, or clothing for signs of bedbugs before bringing them into your home.
• If you use a shared laundry room, transport your laundry in plastic bags, and don’t fold it until you return home.

Bedbug bites and bites from other bugs may appear similar.

Bedbug bites vs. fleas

Bedbug bites and fleabites can cause red bumps on your skin, although flea bites are typically smaller. Both can be itchy.

When fleas bite you, they typically bite the lower half of your body or warm, moist areas around joints. This includes:

• feet
• ankles or legs
• armpits
• the inside of elbows or knees

Bedbugs tend to bite the upper parts of your body.

Bedbug bites also occur at night and can look like hives. But later in the day, they get smaller and look more like a pimple.

You can also check for signs of the bugs in your home. Fleas tend to live on family pets and in carpets or upholstered furniture, while bedbugs often hide around beds.

A dermatologist can examine the bites and help determine the cause.

Learn more about the difference between a flea bite and a bedbug bite.

Share on PinterestFlea bites tend to occur on the feet, ankles, or lower leg. Source: Getty Images (Dermnet, Wikimedia, etc.)

Bedbug bites vs. mosquito bites

Bedbug and mosquito bites can be red, swollen, and itchy. If you have a line of bites that appear in a small area of your body, they’re more likely to be bedbug bites. Bites that appear in no apparent pattern are more likely to be mosquito bites.

Both tend to get better on their own within 1 or 2 weeks.

Find out more about the differences between these types of bites.

Share on PinterestMosquito bites cause raised, itchy welts. They typically don’t appear in a line or pattern. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Bedbug bites vs. hives

Sometimes, people mistake hives for bedbug bites. Hives are red bumps that can develop on your skin due to an allergic reaction or other causes. Like bedbug bites, they’re often itchy.

Bedbug bites may initially look like hives with small central bumps or bites. However, bedbug bites don’t stay in the same place for more than 24 hours. They tend to migrate to other locations or go away.

If you develop red bumps on your skin that get larger, change shape, or spread from one part of your body to another quickly, they’re more likely to be hives.

A small group or line of bumps that appear on one part of your body without changing shape or location are more likely to be bedbug bites.

If you develop hives, breathing difficulties, mouth and throat swelling, wheezing, rapid heart rate, or confusion, get medical help immediately. Learn more about anaphylaxis and other potential causes of hives.

Share on PinterestThe itchy red bumps from hives may spread from one part of your body to another. Source: Panther Media GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

Bedbug bites vs. spider bites

Spider bites can be red and itchy, much like bedbug bites. But unlike bedbugs, spiders rarely bite more than once. If you only have one bite on your body, it’s probably not from bedbugs.

Spider bites often take longer to heal than other bug bites. Some spider bites can cause serious damage to your skin, especially if they get infected. To reduce the risk of infection, wash any bug bites with soap and water.

Some spiders are poisonous. If you suspect a poisonous spider has bitten you, get medical help right away.

Share on PinterestSpiders rarely bite more than once, so you typically won’t see a line or pattern of bites. Photography courtesy of David~O/Flickr

Bedbugs don’t just bite humans. They can also feed on family pets.

If you have a pet who’s been bitten by bedbugs, the bites will likely get better on their own. But in some cases, they might become infected. Make an appointment with a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has an infected bite.

If you hire a pest control expert to get rid of bedbugs in your home, let them know if you have a pet. Some insecticides may be safer for your pet than others. It’s also important to wash your pet’s bed, stuffed toys, and other accessories where bedbugs live.

Bedbugs are tiny insects that feed on blood. Although the initial bite won’t hurt, it can leave behind itchy, red bumps in a cluster or line.

Most bites will heal on their own in a week or so. You can treat bedbug bites with soap, water, and calming lotions. In some cases, bites can get infected and need medical attention.

Removing bedbugs from your home can be difficult once they’ve gotten in. You will most likely need the help of pest control to get rid of them.

If you are unsure about what type of rash or bites you have, visit a doctor or dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Flea Bites vs. Bedbug Bites: Which Is It?

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Are there any similarities?

If you notice a group of small dots on your skin, they could be either bedbug bites or flea bites. It can be difficult to tell the difference between them. Flea bites are usually found on the lower half of your body or in warm, moist areas like the bends of elbows and knees. Bedbug bites are often on the upper half of your body, around the face, neck, and arms.

Keep reading to learn about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatments of each type of bite.

Fleas are tiny, blood-sucking insects. Five percent of the flea population lives on pets, which is generally how humans get flea bites. Fleas can’t fly, but they can jump up to 18 centimeters. As soon as they latch on to a host, they begin biting.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of flea bites include small red marks on your skin and intense itching. The bites are sometimes grouped together in threes.

Flea bites generally occur on or near the:

• feet and lower legs
• waist
• ankles
• armpits
• elbows and knees (in the bend)
• other skin folds

Risk factors

If you’re allergic to fleas, you may develop hives or a rash. The affected area may also swell and blister. If a blister appears and breaks, it may lead to an infection. If you scratch the affected area and break open the skin, you may also get a secondary infection from the bites.

Fleas can infest your skin. For example, burrowing fleas can cause an infestation called tungiasis. It almost always occurs around the feet and toes. This tropical or subtropical flea can dig under your skin to feed. The flea will die after two weeks, but it often causes a complicated skin infection afterward.

First-line treatment for flea bites includes washing the bites with soap and water and, if needed, applying a topical anti-itch cream. A lukewarm bath with oatmeal can also relieve itchiness. You should avoid showering or bathing with hot water, which can make itching more severe.

If you suspect that you’re allergic, take an antihistamine to reduce your chances of an allergic reaction.

See your doctor if you suspect you may have an infection or if the bites don’t clear up after a few weeks. If your bites become infected, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics or other medication.

You can reduce the chances of fleas in your home by:

• keeping your floors and furniture clean by vacuuming
• cleaning your carpet with steam
• mowing your lawn if your pets spend time outdoors
• using a pest control service
• washing your pet with soap and water
• examining your pets for fleas
• putting a flea collar on your pet or treating your pet with a monthly medication

Like fleas, bedbugs also survive on blood. They are small, reddish brown, and oval shaped. You may not see them during the day because they hide in dark places. They tend to bite people when they’re sleeping. This is because they’re attracted to your body heat and the carbon dioxide produced when you exhale.

Bedbugs like to hide in:

• mattresses
• bed frames
• box springs
• carpets

Bedbugs are often found in facilities with heavy use, such as hotels and hospitals. They can also be found in homes and apartments.

Symptoms

Bedbugs tend to bite on the upper half of the body, including the:

• face
• neck
• arms
• hands

Bedbug bites are small and have a dark red spot in the middle of a raised area of the skin. They may appear in a cluster or in a line, and they often get worse if you scratch them.

Risk factors

Some people may have a serious reaction to bedbug bites. The affected area may swell or become irritated, resulting in a blister. You may even develop hives or a more severe rash.

A 2012 study in Clinical Microbiology Reviews suggests that although 40 pathogens have been found in bedbugs, they don’t appear to cause or transmit any diseases.

Bedbug bites usually go away after a week or two. You should contact your doctor if:

• the bites don’t go away after a few weeks
• you develop a secondary infection from scratching the bites
• you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives

You can use a topical steroid to treat bedbug bites on the skin. If you have an allergic reaction, it may be necessary to take oral antihistamines or steroids. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic in the case of an infection.

If you believe the bedbug bites occurred in your home, you need to treat your living space. To remove bedbugs, you should:

• Vacuum and clean your floors and furniture.
• Launder your bed linens and other upholstery. Use a hot washer and dryer to kill the bugs.
• Take things out of your room and set them in below-freezing temperatures for several days.
• Hire a pest control service to treat your living space.
• Remove infested items from your home permanently.

If you have flea bites or bedbug bites, there are a few things you can do now:

• Monitor your bites for signs of infection or allergic reaction.
• Use a topical anti-itch cream to relieve inflammation and irritation.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms continue or get worse after a few weeks.
• Take steps to remove the fleas or bedbugs from your living space.

Keep reading: Flea infestations »

Allergy to insect stings: symptoms, first aid

There are about one billion species of insects in the world – these are the most common living creatures on the planet. Contact with them is often unpredictable, unnoticeable, and can lead to the development of insect allergies¹. The result is either a mild local or systemic reaction that can even cause death¹.

Insect allergens can cause a reaction if they enter the body together with poison when stinging bees, wasps and other hymenoptera, with saliva when bitten by insects of the Diptera order (mosquitoes, mosquitoes, etc.), by contact and inhalation2.

4–8%

is the level of allergy
to stinging insects among the population in a number of regions of Russia³

The venom of stinging insects consists of many biologically active substances, which cause allergic and toxic (poisonous) effects . The biogenic amines present in it lead to the expansion and increase in the permeability of blood vessels, causing pain. Peptides and phospholipids lead to the development of toxic effects. And the cause of allergic reactions are high-molecular proteins and enzymes¹,⁴.

For example, bee venom, when it enters the body of a healthy person, can lead to the development of local reactions – redness, swelling and pain at the site of the lesion, which resolve after a few hours, such a reaction is due to the toxic effect of the poison.

In persons sensitized to insect venom, a local allergic reaction manifests itself in the form of redness and swelling up to 10 centimeters or more at the site of the sting. These manifestations of allergy are accompanied by severe itching and persist for at least a day⁴.

A systemic allergic reaction is accompanied by damage to the skin, respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems, as well as the nervous system. A weak form of the reaction manifests itself in the form of a rash, itching, general malaise, feelings of anxiety; in a pronounced degree, angioedema, dizziness, pain in the heart and abdomen can be added to the symptoms. A severe reaction is characterized by laryngeal edema, hoarseness, bronchospasm¹,⁴. Within moments of stinging, anaphylactic shock¹,⁴ may develop.

There is an important pattern: the faster the reaction starts, the more difficult it is¹.

12 proteins

found in mosquito saliva that can provoke the development of allergies⁵.

Allergic reactions to blood-sucking insects usually occur six to eight hours after exposure, increasing over two days¹. Most often, they proceed according to the following scheme: when foreign proteins enter the human body, they form immune complexes with antibodies that activate the synthesis of mediators responsible for the development of allergy symptoms. Sometimes the reaction can proceed according to type IV.

In most cases, this “close acquaintance” results in local allergic reactions – swelling, redness and rash, which differ somewhat from each other depending on the type of insect: when bitten by a midge, the rash becomes erysipelatous , and the bite of a mosquito appears itchy nodular rash¹.

Systemic allergic reactions to blood-sucking insect bites are extremely rare. They manifest as urticaria, angioedema or bronchospasm, sometimes anaphylactic shock¹.

In addition to poison and saliva, an allergic reaction can be caused by waste products or structural proteins of butterflies, cockroaches and other insects. Their allergens, getting on the mucous membranes, cause the development of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. The reaction can also develop upon contact with insect particles¹,⁴. Also, people who constantly work with bee products may develop specific allergic dermatitis. Allergic people who react to bee and bumblebee stings develop a cross-allergic reaction to bee products – propolis, wax, royal jelly, honey, cosmetics and medicines that contain these substances¹,⁶.

Insect allergy can occur as type I, III or IV
allergic reactions¹.

They are characteristic of the consequences of attacks by stinging insects, less often observed with mosquito bites or contact with insect body fragments1. After recognition of the allergen, immunoglobulins E (Ig E) are produced. They are attached to mast cells – thereby creating a state of sensitization. Upon repeated exposure, the allergen combines with immunoglobulins E (Ig E) on mast cells, which causes the release of histamine, heparin and other inflammatory mediators that are responsible for the manifestation of allergic reactions⁷. This mechanism underlies the occurrence of anaphylactic shock, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, Quincke’s edema. Characteristic symptoms may develop within an hour¹.

Insect saliva allergens and antibodies form immunocomplexes¹,⁷, under the influence of which mediators are activated. Mediators ensure the utilization of immune complexes, however, when overproduced, they have a damaging effect on surrounding tissues7. Type III reactions manifest as vasculitis, arthritis, nephritis¹.

They appear 24-48 hours after contact with insect waste or biting by a blood-sucking insect⁷.
In response to an allergen, sensitized T-lymphocytes are formed. On their surface there are receptors that can interact with the corresponding antigens. When the allergen re-enters, it combines with sensitized lymphocytes, this leads to the release of mediators that cause the development of allergy symptoms⁷. According to type IV, contact dermatitis occurs, infiltrates (swelling) from bites¹.

The scheme of first aid for local allergic reactions to the bites of blood-sucking and stinging insects does not fundamentally differ
from each other.

The first step is to protect the victim from contact with
allergen.

If it is a sting, then the stinger should be removed so that
does not squeeze the poison sac, otherwise this will accelerate the flow of poison into the wound.

Skin decontamination with hydrogen peroxide.

Cool the affected area and provide rest and an elevated position¹,³.

Further treatment tactics depend on the patient’s condition. If he does not feel a general malaise, the swelling at the site of the bite is small, the body temperature is normal, then the problem can be dealt with by one’s own efforts, using antihistamines and ointments with glucocorticoids¹.

Systemic reactions (high fever, breathing problems, extensive swelling, etc.) require urgent hospitalization.

Text: Tatyana Sokolenko

Illustrations: Nina Magradze

Insect bite – treatment in Kryvyi Rih: dermatologist, infectious disease specialist

July 11, 2023

Treatment of mosquito bites, treatment of midge and flea bites in the Mediton ClinicIn the warm season, insect bites are a risk for every person. Skin itching after a bite is a familiar discomfort, but there are much more complex consequences. We offer the help of specialists: treatment of insect bites in Krivoy Rog, elimination of skin itching, quick recovery, exclusion of infection!

Traces of insect bites are present on almost every person who moves along the street. In the case of staying in the country, when visiting a forest or water bodies, the chances increase significantly. It’s good when it’s an ordinary mosquito bite without consequences – a small red spot and a slight itching of the skin. But numerous cases are known when an insect sting causes a pronounced and painful reaction of the body!

Insect bites – symptoms and manifestations

There are cross symptoms after a midge, mosquito or fly bite. But some of them are different. There is a difference in the consequences – the condition of the skin, the sensations of a person, the effect of the poison and its quantity on a separate area or a more serious area of ​​​​the body. Therefore, it makes sense to study the information in more detail in order to start treating insect bites as soon as they are discovered!

• Mosquito bite is the most common. After an insect attack, a local allergic reaction appears, severe itching, redness of the skin, and a small pimple appear. Mosquito bites in children can be more severe. There is a risk of developing a secondary infection after scratching the injury site;
• A midge bite often looks like a small red dot on the skin. Itching is minimal, swelling depends on the individual reaction of the person. It is not the damage itself that causes more problems, but their number, since the midge attacks in packs;
• Fly bite – painful when biting through the skin. More often there is no subsequent response of the body. Possible slight itching, visibility of the site of damage for 1-2 days;
• Gadfly bite – sharp burning pain, redness and itching of the skin, nodule formation, swelling. The blood at the site of the bite of the gadfly does not flow, as it immediately coagulates. After a horsefly bite, a blister is possible. The total duration of discomfort is no more than 2-3 days;
• The bite of a midge is much more dangerous. This is a representative of directly blood-sucking insects, the poison of which causes a serious reaction. A large red spot of the correct form, which enlarges and itches. In the center of the spot, there is a bite of the skin and gore. In almost 20% of people who have been bitten by a midge, the reaction is painful: itching, extensive swelling of the damaged area, skin pain, redness, bruising, limb numbness, headache and temperature are possible. In the event of an increase in symptoms after a midge bite, an urgent need to seek help. Sometimes injection therapy requires droppers;
• A wasp sting causes swelling, pain, and itching in most people. If the wasp bites into the eye or lip, the swelling is severe. A severe allergic reaction to a wasp sting is possible – difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, chest pain, headache, nausea;
• Bee sting painful. The point of a bee sting with a sting – it should be removed. Swelling of the attack site, redness, severe pain and burning. With a pronounced allergy to a bee sting, complications arise with breathing, the pulse quickens, possibly a feverish state, a rash on the body, there is a risk of anaphylactic shock;
• Flea bite – small red dot with intense itching. Depending on the individual reaction, swelling is possible. Flea bites are found on the feet and shins, but may be on other parts of the body. More often than not, they are not dangerous!

How insect bites appear – symptoms: itching, swelling, redness, burning In view of the huge number of insects around us, we can consider the bites of beetles and spiders, bug bites, caterpillar tracks – tracks on the skin. But scolopendra bites bear more risks, after which insect allergy is most pronounced – pain at the site of attack, swelling, fever, loss of limb mobility, inflammation of the lymph nodes. Do not forget about tick bites, which are really life-threatening. We invite you to read the relevant material on the site in detail!

Insect stings: what to do

Almost everyone’s first reaction to a wasp, bee or mosquito sting is wrong. We just scratch or rub the damaged area, which is definitely not worth doing. We recommend that you remember simple rules that will help you avoid a complex reaction of the body and infection:
• After an insect bite, the skin should be washed with soap and cool water;
• Next, treat the bite site with an antiseptic and apply a cold compress. You can apply ice;
• After 15-20 minutes, if possible, treat with antihistamines to suppress insect allergy of the skin, apply a clean bandage over it!

Pay close attention if an insect has bitten a child. It is important not to comb the wound, as dirty hands can bring an infection, and this is the risk of inflammation and suppuration. If, after a bite, a child’s or an adult’s condition worsens, in particular, breathing goes astray, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bedema increases and the temperature rises, we advise you to immediately seek help!

What is important to have in a first aid kit at home or in the country, to take with you to nature? These are the simplest means of protection against insects – repellents, as well as preparations to eliminate complex consequences, for example, fenistil, dimestine or their analogues. It is also recommended to wear the right clothing to protect against ticks, flies, caterpillars, bugs, wasps and bees according to the place where you want to spend time!

Edema after a midge or bee sting, itching of the skin after a gadfly or flea sting, like other symptoms, can be mild and almost imperceptible, as well as significantly complicate the next few hours of life.