Bug bite that looks like hives. Papular Urticaria: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments for Bug Bite Allergies

28.06.202324.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the symptoms of papular urticaria. How is papular urticaria diagnosed and treated. What causes papular urticaria and who is most at risk. How can papular urticaria be prevented. What complications can arise from papular urticaria. How does papular urticaria differ from other skin conditions. What are the long-term effects of papular urticaria.

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Understanding Papular Urticaria: An Allergic Reaction to Insect Bites

Papular urticaria is a common allergic skin reaction that primarily results from insect bites. This condition manifests as itchy bumps on exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, forearms, and legs. While it can affect individuals of all ages, papular urticaria is particularly prevalent in children between the ages of 2 and 7.

One of the unique characteristics of papular urticaria is its ability to reactivate old bite sites. Scratching a newly affected area can trigger inflammation in previously healed bites, creating the illusion of multiple new bites. This phenomenon often leads to confusion and concern among those experiencing the condition.

Identifying the Symptoms of Papular Urticaria

The primary symptoms of papular urticaria include:

Itchy bumps on the skin
Inflamed and raised areas
Bumps that are either the same color as surrounding skin or red on lighter skin tones
Hives appearing in curved patterns or lines (especially if caused by bed bugs or fleas)

These bumps typically appear on exposed areas of the body and can persist for several days to weeks. The intense itching associated with papular urticaria often tempts individuals to scratch, which can lead to skin breakage and potential complications.

How long do papular urticaria symptoms last?

The duration of papular urticaria symptoms can vary. Individual bumps usually remain on the skin for a few days up to several weeks. However, the condition itself tends to recur, with new bites potentially triggering reactions at old bite sites. This cyclical nature can make it seem as though the symptoms are persisting for extended periods.

Causes and Risk Factors for Papular Urticaria

Papular urticaria is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to insect bites. While any biting insect can potentially trigger this condition, the most common culprits include:

Fleas and mites (often found on household pets)
Bed bugs
Mosquitoes
Other biting insects prevalent in the local environment

Several factors can increase the risk of developing papular urticaria:

Having household pets (increased exposure to fleas)
Using mattresses without springs
Frequent use of public transportation
Living in warm, tropical climates
Residing in areas with high insect populations
Having siblings with a history of atopic dermatitis
Being under 7 years old
Living in poverty
Having a soil or earth floor in the main bedroom

Why is papular urticaria more common in children?

Children are more susceptible to papular urticaria due to their developing immune systems. As they have not yet been exposed to various insect bites, their bodies are more likely to react with hypersensitivity. Over time, children typically become desensitized to common bug bites and “outgrow” the condition.

Diagnosing Papular Urticaria: Differentiating from Other Skin Conditions

While papular urticaria has distinct characteristics, it can sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions. One such condition is scabies, which is caused by burrowing mites and results in rashes, sores, and thick crusts that persist for weeks. However, scabies bumps are generally smaller and flatter than those associated with papular urticaria.

To accurately diagnose papular urticaria, healthcare professionals may:

Perform a thorough physical examination
Take a detailed medical history, including recent insect exposures
Conduct tests to rule out other skin conditions
In some cases, perform a skin biopsy for definitive diagnosis

Can papular urticaria be mistaken for other allergic reactions?

Yes, papular urticaria can sometimes be confused with other allergic skin reactions. Its appearance may resemble hives or dermatitis, which is why a professional diagnosis is crucial. Unlike general hives, papular urticaria tends to be more localized and persistent, often following the pattern of insect bites.

Treatment Options for Papular Urticaria

While papular urticaria often resolves on its own, various treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent complications:

Oral antihistamine medications to reduce itching and inflammation
Antiseptic creams to prevent secondary infections
Topical steroid creams to alleviate inflammation and itching
In severe cases, oral steroids may be prescribed by a healthcare professional

It’s important to note that scratching affected areas should be avoided to prevent skin breakage and potential infections. If over-the-counter treatments prove ineffective or if symptoms worsen, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.

Are there any natural remedies for papular urticaria?

While medical treatments are most effective, some individuals find relief from natural remedies. These may include:

Applying cool compresses to affected areas
Using calamine lotion to soothe itching
Taking oatmeal baths to reduce inflammation
Applying aloe vera gel for its anti-inflammatory properties

However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments, especially for children or individuals with sensitive skin.

Preventing Papular Urticaria: Strategies for Reducing Insect Bites

The most effective way to manage papular urticaria is through prevention. By minimizing exposure to insect bites, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing this condition. Key preventive measures include:

Covering exposed skin when outdoors, especially during peak insect activity times
Using insect repellents containing DEET or other approved ingredients
Treating household pets regularly for fleas and other parasites
Eliminating standing water around the home to reduce mosquito breeding sites
Installing or repairing window screens to keep insects out of living spaces
Using bed nets in areas with high insect populations

How can living environments be modified to reduce insect infestations?

To minimize the risk of insect infestations that can lead to papular urticaria, consider the following environmental modifications:

Regularly vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture
Wash bedding in hot water weekly
Seal cracks and crevices in walls and floors
Keep food in sealed containers to avoid attracting insects
Maintain a clean and clutter-free living space
Use dehumidifiers in damp areas to discourage insect habitation

Complications and Long-Term Effects of Papular Urticaria

While papular urticaria is generally a benign condition, it can lead to certain complications if not properly managed. The primary concern is the risk of secondary bacterial infections resulting from excessive scratching. These infections can cause additional pain, inflammation, and potentially lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.

Long-term effects of papular urticaria may include:

Scarring from repeated scratching and skin damage
Hyperpigmentation or darkening of affected skin areas
Psychological distress due to persistent itching and visible skin changes
In rare cases, chronic papular urticaria can persist into adulthood

Can papular urticaria lead to other allergic conditions?

While papular urticaria itself does not directly cause other allergic conditions, individuals with a history of this condition may be more prone to developing other allergies or atopic conditions. This susceptibility is likely due to an overall heightened immune response rather than a direct result of papular urticaria.

Papular Urticaria in Different Populations: Children vs. Adults

Although papular urticaria is more common in children, it can affect individuals of all ages. The presentation and management of the condition may vary between different age groups:

Papular Urticaria in Children

In children, papular urticaria often presents as:

Clusters of small, itchy bumps on exposed skin areas
Recurrent episodes, especially during warmer months
A tendency to “outgrow” the condition as the immune system develops

Management in children typically focuses on symptom relief and prevention of scratching to avoid complications.

Papular Urticaria in Adults

Adults who develop papular urticaria may experience:

More persistent symptoms compared to children
Potential confusion with other skin conditions due to its rarity in adults
A need for more aggressive treatment in some cases

Adults with papular urticaria often require a more comprehensive diagnostic approach to rule out other potential causes of their symptoms.

How does the treatment approach differ for children and adults with papular urticaria?

The treatment approach for papular urticaria may vary between children and adults:

Medication dosages are typically lower for children and adjusted based on weight
Adults may be prescribed stronger topical steroids if needed
Oral medications are more commonly used in adult cases
Children may require more focused education on avoiding scratching
Adults might need to consider potential occupational or environmental factors contributing to their condition

The Role of Immunology in Papular Urticaria

Papular urticaria is fundamentally an immunological response to insect bites. Understanding the underlying immune mechanisms can provide insights into the condition’s development and potential treatment strategies.

Key immunological aspects of papular urticaria include:

Hypersensitivity reaction to insect saliva or venom
Activation of mast cells and release of histamine
Recruitment of inflammatory cells to the bite site
Production of specific antibodies against insect antigens

Why do some individuals develop papular urticaria while others do not?

The development of papular urticaria is influenced by several factors:

Genetic predisposition to allergic reactions
Previous exposure to specific insect bites
Overall immune system function and reactivity
Environmental factors that influence insect populations
Individual variations in skin barrier function

Research in this area continues to evolve, providing new insights into the complex interplay between the immune system and environmental factors in the development of papular urticaria.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Papular Urticaria Management

While current treatments for papular urticaria are generally effective, ongoing research aims to develop more targeted and efficient management strategies. Some areas of focus include:

Development of more potent and longer-lasting topical anti-inflammatory agents
Investigation of immunomodulatory therapies to reduce hypersensitivity reactions
Exploration of novel insect repellents with improved efficacy and safety profiles
Research into potential desensitization protocols for individuals with chronic papular urticaria

What promising new treatments are being studied for papular urticaria?

Several innovative approaches are currently under investigation:

Targeted biologics that interfere with specific immune pathways involved in the allergic response
Nanoparticle-based delivery systems for more effective topical treatments
Gene therapy approaches to modify skin cell responses to insect bites
Development of personalized treatment plans based on individual immune profiles

While these potential treatments are still in various stages of research and development, they offer hope for more effective management of papular urticaria in the future.

Papular urticaria: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Papular urticaria is an allergic skin reaction that typically results from insect bites. Itchy bumps often appear on uncovered areas of the skin, such as the face, forearms, and legs.

Papular urticaria is a common condition, especially in the summer months. Bumps on the skin occur due to a hypersensitivity to bug bites. It usually occurs in children but can also affect adults traveling to new areas.

One unique characteristic of this skin disorder is that scratching an area affected by a bug bite can trigger the inflammation of old bites. As a result, it can appear as though there are more new bites than there really are.

Read more about papular urticaria symptoms, treatment options, and when to contact a doctor.

The first symptoms of papular urticaria are usually bumps that are:

itchy
inflamed
raised
the same color as the surrounding skin or red on lighter skin

The bumps may appear in a curved pattern or a line, particularly if the bites are from bed bugs or fleas.

Although they can occur anywhere on the body, the bumps typically appear on exposed areas, such as the legs, forearms, and face.

The bumps — also called hives — are usually very itchy. People often have the urge to scratch, but doing so can break the skin. This can cause infections and scarring.

Each bump usually remains on the skin for a few days up to several weeks. The bumps may disappear quickly, only to reappear elsewhere. Papular urticaria tends to recur, and a new bite can trigger an old reaction.

Although it can look similar, papular urticaria is different from scabies, a skin condition caused by burrowing mites. Scabies is a contagious condition that causes rashes, sores, and thick crusts that last weeks. Scabies bumps are usually smaller and flatter in appearance than those that result from papular urticaria.

How can people identify bug bites?

Many insects in the United States can potentially cause a reaction, leading to papular urticaria. The most common causes are insects that live on cats and dogs, such as fleas and mites. Bed bugs are another common cause.

However, any biting insect can cause papular urticaria.

A 2017 study identified risk factors that made children more likely to get papular urticaria, including:

having household pets, which can lead to fleas
using a mattress without springs
daily use of public transportation
living in a warm, tropical climate
living in a geographic area heavily infested with insects
having siblings with a history of atopic dermatitis
being under 7 years old
being affected by poverty
having a soil or earth floor in the main bedroom of a house

Papular urticaria in children

Although papular urticaria can affect anyone, it is more prevalent in children than adults. It commonly occurs in children who are 2–7 years old.

As papular urticaria results from a hypersensitivity to bug bites, people become less likely to get it with time. As children become more and more desensitized to common bug bites, they will “outgrow” the condition. Children tend to get papular urticaria because they have never been exposed to a certain insect bite before and have not yet become desensitized to it.

The bumps will usually go away on their own, but over-the-counter (OTC) medications and creams can ease discomfort, reduce swelling, and prevent infection.

If a person is experiencing serious itching or pain, or the bumps do not resolve, they should contact a healthcare professional. A doctor can perform tests to rule out other causes, such as scabies and dermatitis.

The bumps usually go away on their own. People can use OTC creams and medications to manage discomfort but may need a prescription for stronger steroid creams.

Treatments for papular urticaria include:

oral antihistamine medication
antiseptic cream to prevent secondary infection
steroid cream

However, the best way to manage the condition is to take preventive measures. People should cover their skin when outside, wear insect repellent, and treat household pets for fleas.

If a person has papular urticaria, it is also important to get rid of any sources of infestation. They can do this by:

treating household pets with flea medication
wearing protective clothing
using insect repellent
treating pet bedding with flea spray
spraying an area with insecticide
treating carpets and upholstery with a pyrethroid spray, being sure to vacuum afterward
checking mattresses for signs of bed bugs

How can people treat hives (urticaria)?

The main complication of papular urticaria is infection. As the condition causes itchy bumps, people can feel a strong urge to scratch.

This can lead to infections through germs on the fingers and nails entering the skin. Skin infections can cause pain and inflammation, which can worsen the condition.

Papular urticaria is a preventable condition.

The best ways to avoid it are by:

covering the skin when outside
using insect-repellent spray
keeping the home free of bugs
treating pets with anti-flea medication

Over time, most children and adults will become desensitized to papular urticaria.

If a person does get papular urticaria, it usually resolves on its own.

Here are some questions people often ask about papular urticaria.

How do you get rid of papular urticaria?

OTC preparations, such as oral antihistamines, antiseptic creams, and topical steroid creams, can help. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a stronger medication.

How do you treat papular urticaria at home?

To reduce itching, a person can apply cool compresses or taking an oatmeal bath. Sometimes, spending time in another location, for instance, on holiday, may provide relief.

Taking measures to avoid or prevent fleas and bed bugs can reduce the risk of bites and papular urticaria in the home. This may involve using insecticide sprays and treating pets with anti-flea medications.

Which bugs cause papular urticaria?

Any biting insects can cause it, notably bed bugs and fleas that live on pets. Other possible causes include mosquitoes, gnats, bird mites, carpet beetles, caterpillars, and other insects. However, it can be difficult to distinguish a trigger since it stems from a sensitization process rather than a specific bite.

Papular urticaria is a skin reaction to an insect bite. It can either be an allergy or hypersensitivity. Symptoms include small, raised bumps that are itchy and painful.

The condition usually resolves on its own, and people can manage it with OTC antihistamines and creams. People should avoid scratching the bumps, as this can lead to infection.

Papular urticaria: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Papular urticaria is an allergic skin reaction that typically results from insect bites. Itchy bumps often appear on uncovered areas of the skin, such as the face, forearms, and legs.

Read more about papular urticaria symptoms, treatment options, and when to contact a doctor.

The first symptoms of papular urticaria are usually bumps that are:

itchy
inflamed
raised
the same color as the surrounding skin or red on lighter skin

The bumps may appear in a curved pattern or a line, particularly if the bites are from bed bugs or fleas.

Although they can occur anywhere on the body, the bumps typically appear on exposed areas, such as the legs, forearms, and face.

The bumps — also called hives — are usually very itchy. People often have the urge to scratch, but doing so can break the skin. This can cause infections and scarring.

How can people identify bug bites?

However, any biting insect can cause papular urticaria.

A 2017 study identified risk factors that made children more likely to get papular urticaria, including:

having household pets, which can lead to fleas
using a mattress without springs
daily use of public transportation
living in a warm, tropical climate
living in a geographic area heavily infested with insects
having siblings with a history of atopic dermatitis
being under 7 years old
being affected by poverty
having a soil or earth floor in the main bedroom of a house

Papular urticaria in children

Although papular urticaria can affect anyone, it is more prevalent in children than adults. It commonly occurs in children who are 2–7 years old.

The bumps will usually go away on their own, but over-the-counter (OTC) medications and creams can ease discomfort, reduce swelling, and prevent infection.

The bumps usually go away on their own. People can use OTC creams and medications to manage discomfort but may need a prescription for stronger steroid creams.

Treatments for papular urticaria include:

oral antihistamine medication
antiseptic cream to prevent secondary infection
steroid cream

However, the best way to manage the condition is to take preventive measures. People should cover their skin when outside, wear insect repellent, and treat household pets for fleas.

If a person has papular urticaria, it is also important to get rid of any sources of infestation. They can do this by:

treating household pets with flea medication
wearing protective clothing
using insect repellent
treating pet bedding with flea spray
spraying an area with insecticide
treating carpets and upholstery with a pyrethroid spray, being sure to vacuum afterward
checking mattresses for signs of bed bugs

How can people treat hives (urticaria)?

The main complication of papular urticaria is infection. As the condition causes itchy bumps, people can feel a strong urge to scratch.

This can lead to infections through germs on the fingers and nails entering the skin. Skin infections can cause pain and inflammation, which can worsen the condition.

Papular urticaria is a preventable condition.

The best ways to avoid it are by:

covering the skin when outside
using insect-repellent spray
keeping the home free of bugs
treating pets with anti-flea medication

Over time, most children and adults will become desensitized to papular urticaria.

If a person does get papular urticaria, it usually resolves on its own.

Here are some questions people often ask about papular urticaria.

How do you get rid of papular urticaria?

OTC preparations, such as oral antihistamines, antiseptic creams, and topical steroid creams, can help. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a stronger medication.

How do you treat papular urticaria at home?

To reduce itching, a person can apply cool compresses or taking an oatmeal bath. Sometimes, spending time in another location, for instance, on holiday, may provide relief.

Which bugs cause papular urticaria?

Papular urticaria is a skin reaction to an insect bite. It can either be an allergy or hypersensitivity. Symptoms include small, raised bumps that are itchy and painful.

The condition usually resolves on its own, and people can manage it with OTC antihistamines and creams. People should avoid scratching the bumps, as this can lead to infection.

Allergy to flea bites in a child and an adult

As a rule, an allergy to flea bites in humans manifests itself in the form of a skin reaction, while the child’s body reacts more sharply than in an adult. Flea bites itch, cause redness, dermatitis, or a skin rash. The sooner you can remove the itching from flea bites, the less likely it is to bring infection into the wound when scratching. Therefore, if a flea has bitten, the first thing to do is treat the bite site with a soothing lotion or other remedy.

What is an allergy to flea bites in humans: symptoms and photos
How flea allergy develops in humans
Flea bite allergy symptoms
Allergy to a flea bite in a child
Allergy to flea bites: anecdotal evidence

In this article, we will look at the types of allergies to flea bites in humans, the symptoms and possible complications.

What is an allergy to flea bites in humans: symptoms and photos

Allergy is a kind of increased sensitivity of the body, an excessive immune response to a foreign substance (allos – different; ergon – action).

The concept of “allergy” was introduced in 1904 by the Austrian doctor Clemens Pirke. Prior to this, unusual human reactions to plants, foods, and insects were referred to by the terms idiopathy, idiosyncrasy, anaphylaxis, and hypersensitivity.

Why flea bites are allergic

Itching after a flea bite is caused by insect saliva that has entered the wound. Flea saliva contains 15 proteins that can trigger allergies. An allergy that occurs after insect bites is called insect allergy.

How does flea allergy develop in humans? During the initial bite, the body produces antibodies specific to the flea’s saliva. The antibodies then bind to the mast cells. In the case of re-entry of saliva into a sensitized organism, there is a cross-linking of the molecule in saliva with closely located antibodies. This causes membrane changes and activation of cells containing histamines. In addition to histamines, other substances responsible for an allergic reaction are released – leukotrienes, prostaglandins.

Symptoms of allergy to flea bites

Extensive area of itchy skin
Itching (lat. Pruritis) is an unpleasant sensation that causes a desire to scratch the skin. Unlike pain, which occurs in various tissues of the body, itching is felt only on the skin. The mechanism of this phenomenon is not yet fully understood and still remains a significant issue in medicine.
Urticaria at or around the bite site
Urticaria – inflammatory changes in the skin or mucous membranes, the appearance of an extensive or limited rash in the form of itchy papules or blisters of various sizes with areas of redness around. Urticaria appears due to an increase in vascular permeability, and then local swelling and itching occur. The diameter of the rash is from 5 millimeters to 15 centimeters or more. The main element of the rash is a blister, which is a limited swelling of the skin, with redness along the periphery and paler in the central part.
Bruising around the bite
Bumps that appear within minutes of flea bites
Swollen lymph nodes

9000 3 Rare symptoms of acute allergy to flea bites in humans:

Anaphylactic shock – acute threatening lifetime allergic reaction. Accompanied by severe violations of the vital functions of the body. Those at risk of anaphylaxis are primarily those who have previously experienced anaphylaxis with the following symptoms: abdominal pain, vomiting, shortness of breath, decreased blood pressure after a bite.
Quincke’s edema or angioedema is a local swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue and mucous membranes. Dr. Quincke was the first to describe in 1882 hereditary angioedema, the cause of which was determined only in 1963.

Read also: Why are fleas dangerous for humans and animals? As a rule, children need topical treatment of bites with the help of folk remedies, and in some cases, allergic reactions in children require a doctor’s call. Here are the reasons why children react more strongly to flea bites: 9B compliance with clinical guidelines Johns Hopkins, USA, symptoms of flea allergy in children requiring medical attention include the following:
Pain and increased itching
Signs of secondary infections: redness, local fever, swelling 0066
Allergy to flea bites: life stories
Flea mouthparts adapted for piercing host skin and bloodsucking. Flea saliva contains a low molecular weight anticoagulant – an anticoagulant component, which also facilitates the tingling process. Flea bites lead to erythema, dermatitis, allergies, delayed allergic reactions and hypersensitivity.
Urticaria from cat flea bites
A 28-year-old woman in Iran presented to the dermatology department with complaints of multiple bites on different parts of her body, especially on her back and thighs. At the doctor’s appointment, a woman brought insects in a container that bit her. She complained of discomfort, itching and poor sleep due to scratching the bites for 7 days.
On examination, the doctor found typical manifestations of urticaria with surrounding redness, concentrated on the back and thighs, measuring 3-20 mm. Red blood punctures were observed in the middle of the blisters. The bites on the body were grouped in a breakfast, lunch, dinner pattern, which is typical of flea bites. The number of bites was about 150. During a conversation with a doctor, the woman mentioned that she lives in the countryside and breeds chickens, but does not keep cats in the house. However, the cat lives with neighbors.
Read also: How long do fleas live without an animal in an apartment
The collected tiny insects were carefully studied at the Department of Parasitology of the Islamic Azad University in Iran, and C. Felis (cat flea) was recognized as the causative agent of skin manifestations in a woman. The doctor prescribed calamine ointment twice a day, and within a week the skin manifestations disappeared. The insects were killed by sanitizing the house and yard.
Flea bite dermatitis
A family of three: a man, his wife and son went to a dermatology clinic complaining of itchy stings on their legs. Live insects were collected from their clothes and sent for research.
Patients complained of irritation and severe itching. Areas of skin scratching were painful, especially at night. Examination of the affected areas of the skin revealed multiple papules with surrounding redness (erythema) with a diameter of 2-10 mm. In addition, blood-red puncture marks were observed in the middle of some of the papules. Most bites were grouped in threes.
In a conversation with the doctor, it turned out that the neighbors kept pets with whom the victims had frequent contact. Laboratory studies of insects showed that they were cat fleas. After treatment with hydrocortisone cream, the symptoms disappeared after four days.
This is a case of cat flea dermatitis. Flea saliva, feces and remains are considered allergens. Usually in late summer (August and September), flea populations reach their peak, and parasites aggressively attack people and animals when air temperature and humidity rise.
The skin reaction to flea bites usually lasts for several days. But in rare cases, a local skin reaction lasts up to two years. Sometimes doctors misdiagnose because the skin manifestations resemble benign or malignant tumors.
In addition to the development of allergies, after flea bites, secondary bacterial infections enter the body as a result of scratching. The authors of scientific studies in the field of allergy to flea bites in humans state that in some cases flea bites are misdiagnosed as nonspecific dermatitis. Therefore, they strongly recommend that infestations of parasites be eliminated immediately if they are found in the house.
Flea dermatitis case at UN military base
Vector control at military bases undoubtedly remains challenging due to close contact with wildlife, rapidly changing conditions and limited resources. Fleas pose a threat as disease vectors and their control in the field remains a challenge for public health professionals.
Plague is a known disease transmitted by fleas. The appearance of an allergy to bites is also a serious problem. In November 2012, a report was received from a base in South Sudan about the rapid spread of bites among employees in the last two days after the death of two dogs. A lot of fleas were found in the dead dogs, which were sent for research to a scientific institute. Under the microscope, dog and rat fleas were identified.
Employees were diagnosed with allergic dermatitis as a result of flea infestation, based on complaints of severe itching, sleep disturbances and skin manifestations.
Allergy to pigeon flea bites
Wild pigeons also pose a health risk as vectors of disease and a reservoir for allergic fleas. One married couple lived for several years on the fourth floor of an old house in the center of Lucerne (Switzerland). At the end of February 2004, a man noticed the appearance of two vesicles 1 mm in diameter on the thighs with surrounding erythematous spots 1.5 cm in diameter.
Since then every morning he has found 8-10 new bite marks on each leg. At the bite sites, red, indurated nodules developed, surrounded by redness. Gradually, urticarial reactions to bites in the form of blisters up to 1 cm appeared. The itching became unbearable for the man. A month after the first bites, a systemic urticarial reaction developed: the man experienced itching all over his body, urticarial blisters appeared on his arms and legs without previous bites.
My wife had a similar picture. The difference was that she suffered from more bites (up to 20 per night on each leg), and larger blisters (2-3 mm in diameter). She complained of intense itching from the slightest irritant, such as body contact with clothing. The itching caused her to scratch, which eventually led to an extensive area of skin damage.
Initially, they thought they were being bitten by mosquitoes. But at the end of March 2004, a man caught a couple of small unknown insects in the house and sent them to the parasitology center. In the laboratory, it turned out that young people were attacked by pigeon fleas (Ceratophyllus columbae).
They lived in a 200-year-old house. A pair of wild pigeons lived in the attic above their apartment and bred for years. Residents were advised to remove the pigeon nest, treat the area with insecticide, and call in a professional flea extermination service.
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A horde of predatory ladybugs is approaching the borders of Kazakhstan
08/03/2022 at 10:51
Society
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The so-called harlequins can not only attack a person, which in some cases can lead to severe allergic reactions, but even exterminate harmless native relatives.
The appearance of a dangerous harlequin
In early July, an invasion of ladybugs was noticed in the south of Russia. But these are not insects familiar from childhood, but an alien species that is unpleasant for people and potentially dangerous for local ecosystems. In social networks, you can find impressive photos and videos of how beetles stuck around rocks, plants and houses – this is an invasion of the alien species Harmonia axyridis (changeable harmony), which is also called harlequins or Asian ladybugs.
Since childhood, we have become accustomed to the fact that a ladybug is not only a cute creature, but also a useful one. If we talk about local insects, then it is so. The “European” ladybug, which has a seven-point color, is very voracious and, destroying such dangerous pests as aphids, psyllids, scale insects, scale insects and mites in large quantities, is of great benefit to agriculture. An adult insect eats several dozen aphids a day, and “kids” – ten times more. But, as they say, there are more than 4,000 species of ladybugs distributed throughout the world, the vast majority of them are predators, but there are also herbivores (phytophages).
With the end of the warm season, ladybugs hide for the winter under the bark or fallen leaves, and in the spring they get out and again take up their useful activities.
Their distant relatives, the harlequins, have a completely different behavior, the number of which has now increased dramatically. In Russia, harlequins lived mainly in the Kuban, but now they have begun to actively move, capturing ever higher latitudes. They move not only to the north, but also to the east, approaching the Caspian Sea.
Should Kazakhstanis be afraid of this predator? It all depends on the number of insects. In general, in different regions of Kazakhstan, harlequins came across before, but more often they were single specimens, but now we are talking about a whole army of predatory insects.
Homeland of this species is East Asia, from where the harlequin spread in latitudes from Siberia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to the west, through the south of Russia to the Himalayan mountains and east to the Pacific coast and Japan. How to distinguish a harlequin from other ladybugs? Not easy – the species has a wide range of color variations, so insects can be black, and red, and orange, with a different number of points or none at all. The only reliable difference is the white spots in the head area, which form a pattern in the shape of the letter “M”, in other species there is no such feature.
Everyone in the garden
Harlequin is the most voracious predator in the family, eating the same aphids and other harmful insects that the common ladybug eats. It would seem that one should only rejoice here, since they eat out much more pests, and this indirectly indicates a potential increase in yield. But people did not immediately realize that this was a delusion. Since the 20th century, the harlequin has been actively introduced into gardens, greenhouses, vineyards and pastures in many countries, including the USA, Canada, Egypt and European countries (Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Poland, Greece). Although not everyone purposefully imported harmony, it got into many of these countries “accidentally” – with air mass flows.
Like all ladybugs, the Asian ladybug is very prolific, eats a lot, flies well, tolerates harsh winter conditions very well, and is very tenacious. Thanks to these and other features of physiology, the beetle easily adapts to new conditions. Moreover, it settles in new habitats so aggressively that it displaces less resistant native species of the same ladybugs, butterflies and lacewings.
But the main danger for relatives is not that they have to share lunch, in general there is always enough food for everyone. The fact is that this beetle infects ordinary ladybugs with special fungi that are safe for the harlequins themselves and deadly for other insects. That is, instead of being useful and making friends with their own kind, harlequins exterminate other ladybugs and multiply uncontrollably. In the UK, scientists have already recorded the complete extinction of eight species after they gained enough numbers for a mass attack. Similar cases were also observed in Switzerland and Belgium. And it is not yet possible to stop the rapid expansion of the range of harlequins.
The shortcomings of the Asian ladybug do not end there. The fact is that the harlequin’s diet is very wide – in addition to beneficial and harmful insects, he is not at all averse to eating grapes or fruits, sometimes causing significant damage to fruit growing and winemaking.
We have already mentioned phytophagous ladybirds above. So, among them there are serious pests of garden crops. In the central latitudes of Eurasia, there are three types of phytophagous ladybirds: the 28-spot potato ladybug, which destroys potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes and other vegetable crops; alfalfa ladybug, which damages alfalfa and sugar beets; pitted cow – eats alfalfa, clover and sweet clover.
These melon, alfalfa and potato ladybirds, both at the stage of larvae and at the stage of adults, feed on vegetable pulp, settling on the underside of leaves and on the skin of young fruits of melon, watermelon, squash, pumpkin, cucumbers. Other vegetable crops also suffer greatly from these cows – potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, spinach, lettuce.
Can you imagine potato plantings, where the main pest is not the usual Colorado potato beetle, but the “cute” ladybug? In the Far East, this is the main pest, and in terms of voracity it has overtaken the Colorado potato beetle – one larva destroys more than 20 square centimeters of leaf blades during the development period.
As it turns out, these ladybugs are not so harmless.
Poisonous infection
Returning to the main character of the news feeds – the harlequin, it is important to note one more feature of this aggressive species of predators. The Asian ladybug bites painfully, which many people do not even know about in Kazakhstan. The jaws of the beetle, although small, are of a gnawing type, so it can grab the skin quite strongly, in feeling it is comparable to the bite of an average ant.
But the main danger of the harlequin is not that it bites – people, even with a low pain threshold, will easily endure a bite. The fact is that as a defense against predators, ladybugs secrete a poisonous yellow liquid – cantharidin. If the venom gets into a bite or just an open wound, say a deep scratch, it can cause swelling and swelling. There are even cases when people are allergic to ladybugs. The first such case was registered in 1998. In the scientific community, this reaction is called immediate-type hypersensitivity due to antibodies, in this case IgE. In the case of an allergic bite, symptoms may appear within a few minutes or several hours after exposure to the allergen. Clinical allergy to ladybug manifests itself in different ways: in the form of rhinoconjunctivitis (a disease of the nasal mucosa and conjunctiva of the eyes, which is based on allergic inflammation), asthma, urticaria and angioedema. But this is more the exception than the rule. In most cases, even allergy sufferers tolerate a bite without hospitalization, at home, using antihistamines.
In places where they gather, Asian ladybugs in large numbers enter houses for wintering, causing disturbance to residents. Beetle secretions have an unpleasant odor, they leave yellow stains on the upholstery of furniture and walls, which, of course, is not fatal, but cleaning up after them can be very troublesome. Again, if you have two or three European ladybugs in your house, then there is nothing to fear. Another thing is if these are their Asian relatives.
The saddest thing is that there are no effective local weapons against them – neither chemical nor biological. Scientists are looking for parasites and pathogens in the Asian ladybug, including mites and fungal cultures. But to no avail. The fact is that a very powerful natural antibiotic and antimicrobial peptides were found in the hemolymph of this insect.
That is, if you fight an Asian woman with powerful chemicals, then local ladybugs will die first of all, and whether the poison of the harlequin will kill is still a big question. Pheromone traps, window screens, and light traps with trapping containers are considered the best control methods for Asian ladybugs today.
If you see a large flock of ladybugs somewhere, then you should not rush to pick them up, let alone drive them around the field. First try to identify if it is an Asian beetle. If so, it’s best to step aside and not find out if anyone in your family has a harlequin allergy that really makes everyone laugh. As for this invasion, experts are in a hurry to reassure, since sharp bursts in the number of insects are a cyclical phenomenon, with an interval of five to six years. And even if the hordes appear in the western part of Kazakhstan, they predict a significant decline in their numbers in the next five years.
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