What Kind of Bug Bite Leaves a Bruise? How to Identify

Bug bites are a fact of life, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. While allergies and other factors can lead to serious reactions, most bugs tend to cause mild symptoms like swelling and itchiness.

But depending on the bug and your individual reaction, bruising is possible. Bruising may occur from flying insects and from bugs that can burrow deep into your skin.

Find out more about the types of bugs that may cause bruising, what you should do, and how to identify the most common symptoms associated with certain bugs so you know when to seek medical treatment.

Should I be concerned?

A bruise from a bug bite isn’t usually a cause for concern. Most bug bite symptoms go away on their own within a few days.

However, if you know that a certain type of bug bit you, or if your symptoms worsen, you may need to see a doctor.

Was this helpful?

The following types of bug bites sometimes cause bruising. Here’s what you need to know.

Hornets and wasps

Hornet and wasp stings are often painful.

After the sting occurs, the affected area of skin may be red and swollen. It may also look blue and purple due to the injury.

Such symptoms tend to resolve on their own within a few days without the need to see a doctor.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are perhaps best known for leaving behind small, red bumps that are extremely itchy. Sometimes, these bumps may also darken, creating a bruise-like appearance.

As with hornets and wasps, mosquito bite bruises don’t usually require medical attention.

Spiders

Certain types of spider bites may also lead to bruising, including venomous ones like the brown recluse spider or black widow spider.

With this type of bite, you’ll notice rings around the site in varying colors, including red, blue, purple, and white. This is a result of skin necrosis from the venom, which destroys skin tissue.

Venomous spider bites require immediate medical attention.

Ticks

Ticks burrow deep in the skin, so you must carefully remove them by the head with a pair of tweezers.

When caught early, you may not notice any symptoms. Ticks can sometimes leave behind a red mark or bruise, which can also be swollen and itchy.

Aside from bruising, a bug bite may also cause redness and swelling (inflammation).

Even without a bruise, these symptoms may be present. Some insects, such as mosquitoes, may cause itchy bites.

Most symptoms are minor and will go away within a few days.

Signs of a more serious reaction

It’s possible for a bug bite to cause more serious reactions. Get medical attention right away if you experience signs of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that can cause:

• breathing difficulties
• facial swelling
• hives
• dizziness
• faintness
• confusion

You should also call your doctor if you experience symptoms of an infected bug bite, including:

• fever
• chills
• pus coming out of the bite
• swelling that continues to grow without improvement
• a red streak growing from the bite

A doctor will recommend home treatments to help alleviate mild bug bites. Follow these steps for bug bites with bruising:

1. First, wash the bug bite with plain soap and warm water. Pat (don’t rub) dry.
2. Apply cold compresses or ice to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time, multiple times a day. This helps alleviate pain and swelling. Repeat up to 48 hours after the bug bite.
3. Rest and elevate the affected area, if possible. This can help reduce swelling.
4. Switch to warm compresses after 48 hours to help reduce pain. Repeat as often as needed.
5. If your doctor says it’s OK, take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen.
6. For itchiness, consider a topical hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Follow all product directions carefully.

If you have a more serious bug bite, it’s important to get the area checked by your doctor before attempting to self-treat.

If you don’t know what bug you’ve come into contact with, you may be able to make this determination based on the symptoms of your bite.

Here’s a roundup of the most frequent symptoms associated with common bugs in the United States:

Serious bug bites may sometimes lead to the following complications:

• Infections. Fever, rash, and pus at the site of the bite are all signs of infection. It’s important to quickly address a possible infection such as cellulitis.
• Lyme disease. Caused by tick bites, early symptoms of Lyme disease can include a fever and a rash that looks like a red bull’s-eye.
• Necrosis. This can occur in the case of brown recluse spiders, whose venom can kill healthy skin tissue and lead to lasting complications such as scars.
• Viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. These include the West Nile virus, yellow fever, the Zika virus, and malaria.

A bruise alone may not be a sign of the above complications. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor if:

• you have a bite that won’t improve
• you develop symptoms related to a venomous spider or tick

Bruises are caused by broken blood vessels brought on by trauma to the body. The black, blue, or purple areas of skin are a result of blood pooling underneath your skin.

Any type of injury or trauma can lead to a bruise. You might also be at risk for bruising based on:

• your age
• use of blood thinners
• bleeding disorders

Minor bruises don’t typically need medical attention. Severe bruising causes by more serious trauma such as car accidents may need to be evaluated for underlying damage.

Other types of bruises that may need further attention include those caused by bone fractures or a bleeding disorder.

Most bruises heal within 2 weeks, though more severe cases can take longer. See a doctor if your bruise doesn’t improve after 4 weeks, as it may be a sign of an underlying condition.

Bruising is just one of the many symptoms of a bug bite and is more common with some insects. Most cases are mild and can be treated at home.

See your doctor or another healthcare provider if you develop a severe reaction to your bug bite, or if the bruising doesn’t improve after several days.

You should also seek medical attention if you suspect a venomous or disease-carrying bug might have caused your bites.

What Kind of Bug Bite Leaves a Bruise? How to Identify

Bug bites are a fact of life, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. While allergies and other factors can lead to serious reactions, most bugs tend to cause mild symptoms like swelling and itchiness.

But depending on the bug and your individual reaction, bruising is possible. Bruising may occur from flying insects and from bugs that can burrow deep into your skin.

Find out more about the types of bugs that may cause bruising, what you should do, and how to identify the most common symptoms associated with certain bugs so you know when to seek medical treatment.

Should I be concerned?

A bruise from a bug bite isn’t usually a cause for concern. Most bug bite symptoms go away on their own within a few days.

However, if you know that a certain type of bug bit you, or if your symptoms worsen, you may need to see a doctor.

Was this helpful?

The following types of bug bites sometimes cause bruising. Here’s what you need to know.

Hornets and wasps

Hornet and wasp stings are often painful.

After the sting occurs, the affected area of skin may be red and swollen. It may also look blue and purple due to the injury.

Such symptoms tend to resolve on their own within a few days without the need to see a doctor.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are perhaps best known for leaving behind small, red bumps that are extremely itchy. Sometimes, these bumps may also darken, creating a bruise-like appearance.

As with hornets and wasps, mosquito bite bruises don’t usually require medical attention.

Spiders

Certain types of spider bites may also lead to bruising, including venomous ones like the brown recluse spider or black widow spider.

With this type of bite, you’ll notice rings around the site in varying colors, including red, blue, purple, and white. This is a result of skin necrosis from the venom, which destroys skin tissue.

Venomous spider bites require immediate medical attention.

Ticks

Ticks burrow deep in the skin, so you must carefully remove them by the head with a pair of tweezers.

When caught early, you may not notice any symptoms. Ticks can sometimes leave behind a red mark or bruise, which can also be swollen and itchy.

Aside from bruising, a bug bite may also cause redness and swelling (inflammation).

Even without a bruise, these symptoms may be present. Some insects, such as mosquitoes, may cause itchy bites.

Most symptoms are minor and will go away within a few days.

Signs of a more serious reaction

It’s possible for a bug bite to cause more serious reactions. Get medical attention right away if you experience signs of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that can cause:

• breathing difficulties
• facial swelling
• hives
• dizziness
• faintness
• confusion

You should also call your doctor if you experience symptoms of an infected bug bite, including:

• fever
• chills
• pus coming out of the bite
• swelling that continues to grow without improvement
• a red streak growing from the bite

A doctor will recommend home treatments to help alleviate mild bug bites. Follow these steps for bug bites with bruising:

1. First, wash the bug bite with plain soap and warm water. Pat (don’t rub) dry.
2. Apply cold compresses or ice to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time, multiple times a day. This helps alleviate pain and swelling. Repeat up to 48 hours after the bug bite.
3. Rest and elevate the affected area, if possible. This can help reduce swelling.
4. Switch to warm compresses after 48 hours to help reduce pain. Repeat as often as needed.
5. If your doctor says it’s OK, take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen.
6. For itchiness, consider a topical hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Follow all product directions carefully.

If you have a more serious bug bite, it’s important to get the area checked by your doctor before attempting to self-treat.

If you don’t know what bug you’ve come into contact with, you may be able to make this determination based on the symptoms of your bite.

Here’s a roundup of the most frequent symptoms associated with common bugs in the United States:

Serious bug bites may sometimes lead to the following complications:

• Infections. Fever, rash, and pus at the site of the bite are all signs of infection. It’s important to quickly address a possible infection such as cellulitis.
• Lyme disease. Caused by tick bites, early symptoms of Lyme disease can include a fever and a rash that looks like a red bull’s-eye.
• Necrosis. This can occur in the case of brown recluse spiders, whose venom can kill healthy skin tissue and lead to lasting complications such as scars.
• Viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. These include the West Nile virus, yellow fever, the Zika virus, and malaria.

A bruise alone may not be a sign of the above complications. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor if:

• you have a bite that won’t improve
• you develop symptoms related to a venomous spider or tick

Bruises are caused by broken blood vessels brought on by trauma to the body. The black, blue, or purple areas of skin are a result of blood pooling underneath your skin.

Any type of injury or trauma can lead to a bruise. You might also be at risk for bruising based on:

• your age
• use of blood thinners
• bleeding disorders

Minor bruises don’t typically need medical attention. Severe bruising causes by more serious trauma such as car accidents may need to be evaluated for underlying damage.

Other types of bruises that may need further attention include those caused by bone fractures or a bleeding disorder.

Most bruises heal within 2 weeks, though more severe cases can take longer. See a doctor if your bruise doesn’t improve after 4 weeks, as it may be a sign of an underlying condition.

Bruising is just one of the many symptoms of a bug bite and is more common with some insects. Most cases are mild and can be treated at home.

See your doctor or another healthcare provider if you develop a severe reaction to your bug bite, or if the bruising doesn’t improve after several days.

You should also seek medical attention if you suspect a venomous or disease-carrying bug might have caused your bites.

Skin reactions to bedbug bites

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Bed bugs painlessly bite exposed skin at night and are rarely noticed by victims. Bites usually occur on the face, neck, and hands. Skin reactions to bed bug bites vary from person to person depending on their individual response. Some people do not react, and the only sign of a bite is a small dot. It has been observed that older people are less likely to experience skin reactions than younger people.

The classic appearance of a bug bite is an erythematous papule or blister 2-5 mm in size with a central hemorrhagic puncture. Itching is common.

Some patients have asymptomatic purple spots at bite sites. Bullous reactions sometimes occur. Sometimes bed bug bites can present as papular urticaria or mimic urticaria.

Skin reactions may occur on waking or one to several days after bites. Sometimes the skin reaction appears with a delay of up to 10 days.

The linear course of bites is often indicative of bed bug bites, but is not a strictly obligatory sign.

Bed bug bites usually disappear on their own within one week

Sometimes bed bug bites can become secondarily infected, causing impetigo or cellulitis, in which case see a doctor immediately. Treatment of such complications can take several weeks.

The most reliable sign of a bedbug bite is the presence of bedbugs in the victim’s environment. Most often, bedbugs live in cracks and crevices of mattresses, pillows, bed frames and other structures.

The causative agents of some diseases were found in bedbugs, such as hepatitis B virus resistant to methicillin, Staphylococcus aureus and others, however, clinical transmission of these diseases to humans has not been identified.

Appointment with a general practitioner

For more details, consult a qualified specialist at the Family Clinic.

To find out the prices for an appointment with a general practitioner or other questions, follow the link below:

Tags TherapistBites

Insect bites – BU “Nizhnevartovsk City Polyclinic”

Insect bites

1. Main
2. Useful articles
3. Insect bites

Insect bites

• Insect bites can cause allergic reactions, local infections and systemic illness.
• In Russia, insect vectors spread Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, tularemia, Pogost disease and Inkoo virus encephalitis.
• Allergy to wasp or bee stings can lead to an anaphylactic reaction.
• If allergic to mosquito bites, prophylactic use of antihistamines may help.

Symptoms

• When an insect bites, an erythematous patch first appears on the skin, which may grow like a blister.
• There is usually a small petechia in the center of the bite site.
• A skin reaction is a combination of exposure to insect venom and an immunological reaction of the body, which explains a wide range of individual differences in reactions.
• Delayed allergic reactions may develop after insect bites. In their place, itchy papules or nodules persist for several weeks.
• Anaphylaxis usually develops extensive erythema and edema at the site of the bite, followed by general symptoms such as malaise and low blood pressure after a few minutes.
• In addition, acute urticaria is possible, as well as generalized or limited itching of the palms and soles.
• Anaphylactic reactions are especially common in persons allergic to hymenoptera stings. See Hymenoptera section below for testing and treatment.

Complications due to insect bites

• Severe local reaction (painful erythema, edema, angioedema) near mucous membranes (eg, pharynx or lips) can lead to airway obstruction.
• A purulent infection of the skin (pyoderma) may develop at the site of the bite. It is especially typical for tourists. See the article about skin problems in tourists.
• There are rare cases of abscess, erysipelas or cellulitis at the site of the bite.
• In persons sensitized to Hymenoptera venom, the bite may cause an anaphylactic reaction.
• Clinically significant infections spread by arthropods in Russia:
  • Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (both diseases spread by ticks)
  • tularemia spread by mosquitoes, sometimes ticks, midges or horseflies
  • Pogost’s disease and encephalitis caused by the Inko virus (both diseases are spread by certain types of mosquitoes).

Investigations

• Diagnosis based on history and clinical examination
• It is important to evaluate the bite site (erythema annulare, necrotic papule or ulcer, photograph) and other skin symptoms (eg, urticaria, pruritus), as well as mucosal and general symptoms (fever, joint and neurological symptoms).
• The diagnosis of Afzelius-Lipschütz erythema migrans and tularemia (scabbing ulcer) is clinical, which implies initiation of therapy based on clinical presentation.
• In hymenoptera venom anaphylaxis, skin prick tests and tests for specific serum IgE antibodies to wasp and bee venom should be performed.
• In case of purulent infection of the bite site, bacteriological culture may be required.
• In doubtful cases, histological examination of a skin biopsy may show a typical reaction to an insect bite, which, however, is not an absolute diagnostic criterion.

Diptera (mosquitoes and flies)

Mosquitoes

• A mosquito bite causes a rapid urticaria-like papules that almost always resolve spontaneously, but may persist for a long time and be accompanied by itching in sensitized individuals ohm.
• Large papules and even vesicles may appear.
• Antihistamines such as Cetirizinum (cetirizine) 10 mg once daily relieve symptoms of mosquito bite allergy, especially when taken prophylactically.

Blackflies

• Blackflies cannot bite through clothing, but they can bite when crawling under it. Many develop papules that can persist for up to several weeks.
• Individuals allergic to their venom may develop extensive swelling of local tissues.
• Midge bites usually cause severe itching, and scratching may lead to ulceration or secondary infection.

Horseflies

• A horsefly bite usually causes a large papule with a pale spot in the center.
• Treatment
  • For local treatment, you can use ointments with glucocorticosteroids of class II-III or their combination with an antiseptic 1-2 r / day. within 1-2 weeks.
  • In the presence of a secondary infection at the site of the bite, the use of antibacterial ointments or creams 2-3 times a day for 1 to 2 weeks is recommended.
  • Wet and cold compresses or cooling gel can help relieve symptoms.
  • For severe reactions, a 3-day course of oral glucocorticosteroids, such as Prednisolonum (prednisolone) 40 mg/day, may be indicated.

Hymenoptera

• Due to the ingestion of poison at the site of a wasp, (honey) bee or bumblebee sting, severe pain and swelling immediately occur.
• Worldwide, hymenoptera venom sensitization causes many potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions each year.
• Persons allergic to wasp venom are not usually allergic to bee venom and vice versa.
• Treatment
  • The bite site must be immobilized to prevent further spread of the venom.
  • A bee sting remaining in the skin must be quickly removed to prevent the entire contents of the venom reservoir from being emptied into the skin. It is best to scrape it off the skin with a thin flat object (bank card, coin). A wasp or a bumblebee does not leave a sting in the skin.
  • Suitable first aid measures: cold compresses, lotions or cooling gel.
  • Individuals with multiple bites should be monitored for systemic reactions.
  • Anaphylactic reactions
    • Acute anaphylactic reactions are treated as anaphylaxis, with future contact with Hymenoptera to be avoided.
    • After the development of a systemic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a hymenoptera bite, allergy tests are recommended.
    • First aid: the patient should carry with him an anti-shock kit containing a solution of Adrenalini hydrochloridum (adrenaline hydrochloride) 0.1% 1.0 ml in ampoules; in addition, 40 mg of Prednisolonum (prednisolone) and an antihistamine preparation, for example, in the form of lozenges, are used once.
    • Anaphylaxis examinations
      • Hymenoptera venom allergy is diagnosed by a positive prick test and/or detection of IgE antibodies to bee or wasp venom following an anaphylactic reaction. An IgE reaction can only be determined 1-2 months after the bite.
      • If both tests are positive, an allergen-specific IgE antibody test may be performed to identify the true cause of the allergy.
      • In such cases, it is also recommended to send a serum sample for immunochemical analysis (spot immunoassay), if this service is available. Unfortunately, this technique is not used in the Russian Federation.
      • If a patient has had a typical systemic reaction to hymenoptera venom but tests for specific IgE are negative, these tests should be repeated and special tests considered in consultation with an allergist.
      • Serum tryptase measurement is recommended to rule out mastocytosis in patients who have had an anaphylactic reaction to hymenoptera venom. The assay should be performed in the non-acute phase (eg, 1-2 months after the reaction).
      • Desensitization (allergy to hymenoptera venom)
        • Severe systemic reaction (local reaction and symptoms from the cardiovascular or respiratory systems) to a Hymenoptera (wasp or bee) sting is an absolute indication for desensitization.
        • In case of a mild systemic reaction (local reaction and urticaria or mucosal edema), desensitization may be considered if there is a high likelihood of re-bite or the fear of re-bite affects the patient’s quality of life.
        • Desensitization is not indicated for extensive local reactions.
        • In patients allergic to hymenoptera venom, desensitization should be continued for 5 years, after which almost all (at least 80%) will remain effective for at least 7 years.
        • Knowing that desensitization is likely to prevent anaphylactic reactions improves quality of life.

Lice (Anoplura)

• Blood-sucking species that parasitize humans: head, body and pubic lice.
• Head lice epidemics can occur in schools and kindergartens.
• Body lice are rare now; they appear mainly in alcoholics and people leading an antisocial lifestyle.
• Normal washing of clothes in a washing machine is sufficient for decontamination.
• Pubic lice are commonly transmitted sexually; symptoms: itching and pustules in the genital area, nits in the pubic hair.

Bed bugs and fleas

• Bed bugs live in old, dirty buildings. They can be transported with old furniture. Bed bugs suck blood at night.
• Small insects that parasitize birds, dogs, cats (eg the tick of the genus Cheyletiella) and rodents also bite humans.
  • The most common symptoms appear in the spring (in people who work in a poultry house or went to country houses for the first time after winter).
  • Bedbug and flea bites cause hard, intensely itchy papules with a bite mark (petechia) in the center. They are most often noted on areas of the skin covered by clothing.
  • Skin manifestations may persist for several days, symptoms develop only in sensitized patients.
  • A blister or extensive swelling may immediately appear at the site of the bite, which is easily confused with erysipelas or another bacterial infection.
  • Papules usually appear in groups at the site of several bites, but rows of bites are also characteristic.
  • Fleas cause papular urticaria sometimes seen in children in summer (Strofulus). The patient is usually unaware of the cause of the rash, making diagnosis difficult.
  • Sensitization is necessary for the reaction to develop, which is why not all family members show symptoms.
  • Treatment
    • For bedbug and flea bites, it is usually sufficient to use an ointment or solution with a class II–III glucocorticosteroid 1–2 r/day. within 1-2 weeks.
    • Disinsection of bedbugs in residential buildings requires special knowledge about where they can hide and how to destroy them, and calling a special service.

Larvae

• The hairs of the larvae of some butterflies (eg crimson cocoon moth) can cause toxic and allergic reactions.

Ticks

• Tick Ixodes ricinus is a carrier of Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, rarely tularemia.
• Tick bites are painless and may go unnoticed.
• In Russia, ticks are active from April to November, and their favorite habitat is lawns, grass, low shrubs and grassy cover in wooded areas.
• High boots and trousers are best suited for protection.
• When entering areas inhabited by ticks, skin and clothing should be inspected every evening and removed if found.
• For tick-to-human transmission of Borrelia, the tick must remain in the skin for at least several hours or even days; therefore, it must be found and removed as quickly as possible.
  • The most typical early symptom of Lyme disease is expanding erythema migrans (Erythema migrans) that appears within a week around the site of the tick bite.
  • Within a few days or weeks, the erythema usually reaches a size of 5-10 cm, sometimes much more, and may subsequently disappear spontaneously.
  • Typically, a skin lesion 5 cm in diameter observed within 5 days of a tick bite is indicative of ME. Faster, smaller reactions may be an inflammatory response to tick saliva components.
  • Lyme disease is always diagnosed on clinical grounds. In the vast majority of cases, the infection is diagnosed at an early stage, while testing for antibodies is impractical.
  • Laboratory testing (antibodies to Borrelia in serum) is needed for later diagnosis.
  • Tick removal
    • Grasp the tick with tweezers (small, sharp-tipped) as close to the skin as possible.
    • Try to remove the entire tick by simply pulling it straight up slowly. Do not try to remove it with oils or ointments. If the head of the tick remains in the skin, it can be removed with a needle, after disinfecting the skin.

Spiders

• In the Russian Federation there are karakurt, tarantula, etc.
• Spiders usually bite a person only when accidentally pressed against the skin.
• The most dangerous spider in Russia is the karakurt. With untimely help, its poison can be fatal. Serum injection is required. The poison of the South Russian tarantula is not life-threatening, but can lead to swelling, severe pain at the bite site, and an allergic reaction. Water Spider Sting Effect ( Argyroneta aquatica ) is similar to a wasp sting.
• Bites from the hunter’s limb and large cross spiders can be painful.
• They are treated like hymenoptera bites.

Insect bite protection

• Clothing should cover as much of the body as possible, which is especially important for small children.
• Light colored clothing with long sleeves and trousers is preferred. Mosquitoes, for example, can bite through thin fabric.
• Head covering is recommended, ankles and feet can be protected with socks and shoes. Pants can be tucked into socks. Closed shoes are preferable to sandals.

Repellents

• Active ingredients of repellents sold in Russia: diethyltoluamide (DETA), icaridin.