Insect bites and stings – NHS

Most insect bites and stings are not serious and will get better within a few hours or days.

But occasionally they can become infected, cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or spread serious illnesses such as Lyme disease and malaria.

Bugs that bite or sting include wasps, hornets, bees, horseflies, ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs, spiders and midges.

Symptoms of insect bites and stings

Insect bites and stings will usually cause a red, swollen lump to develop on the skin. This may be painful and in some cases can be very itchy.

The symptoms will normally improve within a few hours or days, although sometimes they can last a little longer.

Some people have a mild allergic reaction and a larger area of skin around the bite or sting becomes swollen, red and painful. This should pass within a week.

Occasionally, a severe allergic reaction can occur, causing symptoms such as breathing difficulties, dizziness and a swollen face or mouth. This requires immediate medical treatment.

What to do if you’ve been bitten or stung

To treat an insect bite or sting:

• remove the sting or tick if it’s still in the skin
• wash the affected area with soap and water
• apply a cold compress (such as a flannel or cloth cooled with cold water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes
• raise or elevate the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce swelling
• avoid scratching the area, to reduce the risk of infection
• avoid traditional home remedies, such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as they’re unlikely to help

The pain, swelling and itchiness can sometimes last a few days. Ask your pharmacist about medicines that can help, such as painkillers, creams for itching and antihistamines.

Read more about treating insect bites and stings.

When to get medical advice

Contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice if:

• you’re worried about a bite or sting
• your symptoms do not start to improve within a few days or are getting worse
• you’ve been stung or bitten in your mouth or throat, or near your eyes
• a large area (around 10cm or more patch of skin) around the bite becomes red and swollen
• you have symptoms of a wound infection, such as pus or increasing pain, swelling or redness
• you have symptoms of a more widespread infection, such as a high temperature, swollen glands and other flu-like symptoms

When to get emergency medical help

Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has symptoms of a severe reaction, such as:

• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• a swollen face, mouth or throat
• feeling sick or being sick
• a fast heart rate
• dizziness or feeling faint
• difficulty swallowing
• loss of consciousness

Emergency treatment in hospital is needed in these cases.

Prevent insect bites and stings

There are some simple precautions you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten or stung by insects.

For example, you should:

• remain calm and move away slowly if you encounter wasps, hornets or bees – don’t wave your arms around or swat at them
• cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers
• wear shoes when outdoors
• apply insect repellent to exposed skin – repellents that contain 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effective
• avoid using products with strong perfumes, such as soaps, shampoos and deodorants – these can attract insects
• be careful around flowering plants, rubbish, compost, stagnant water, and in outdoor areas where food is served

You may need to take extra precautions if you’re travelling to part of the world where there’s a risk of serious illnesses. For example, you may be advised to take antimalarial tablets to help prevent malaria.

Read more about preventing insect bites and stings.

Page last reviewed: 08 July 2019
Next review due: 08 July 2022

Bug Bite or Sting (Pediatric) Condition, Treatments, and Pictures for Parents – Overview

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Images of Bite or Sting, Arthropod (Pediatric)

Overview

Bites or stings from insects (arthropods) are very common. Most reactions are mild, and symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction to either the insect or the irritating substances (toxins) the insect makes and injects along with the bite or sting.

Some people have severe reactions to the stings of:

• Bees
• Wasps
• Hornets
• Yellow jackets

Get medical help immediately for severe stings. The bites of most insects (such as ants, mosquitoes, flies, spiders, ticks, bugs, and mites) do not cause such a severe reaction.

Sometimes, it may be hard to tell which type of insect has caused the skin reactions, as many insect reactions look the same. Flying insects tend to bite or sting uncovered (exposed) skin areas, while bugs such as fleas tend to bite the lower legs and around the waist, often with several bites grouped together.

Some people are far more sensitive to insects and have more severe reactions, so the fact that no one else in your family seems to be affected does not mean that your child has not suffered an insect bite.

Who’s at risk?

Insect bites and stings are a problem in all regions of the world for people of all ages. In the Midwest and East Coast regions of the US, mosquitoes, flying insects, and ticks cause most bites. In drier areas of the Western US, crawling insects are more likely to cause bites.

There is no proven connection to race or sex in terms of how a person reacts to bites. However, some individuals clearly seem more attractive to insects, perhaps related to body heat, odor, or how much carbon dioxide they give off when they breathe.

About 0.5–5% of people living in the US are likely to have severe allergic reactions to stings.

Signs and Symptoms

Insect bites usually appear as small, itchy, red bumps, occasionally with a blister. Very young children may be more prone to developing blisters than older children. Some insects, such as fire ants, can cause a painful and itching raised area containing pus (a pustule).

Flying insects tend to bite exposed areas not covered by clothing, while some bugs (such as fleas) focus on the lower legs. Bedbugs prefer the head and neck area, often biting several times in the same area and leaving a group of lesions.

Common reactions to arthropod stings may include:

• Redness, pain, and swelling
• Severe reactions such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, and shock
  (anaphylaxis)
• Fever, hives, and painful joints (although these reactions are not as common)

Very few spiders cause severe reactions. The black widow spider may cause only a mild reaction at the bite site, but pain, stiffness, chills, fever, nausea, and abdominal pain may follow within a few hours. Similarly, the brown recluse spider bite may cause a severe skin reaction after a few hours, with redness, pain, blistering, and ulcers forming, as well as fever, nausea, and fatigue.

Self-Care Guidelines

For stings:

• Bees may leave a stinger behind. Try to gently scrape the stinger off with a blunt object, such as a credit card.
• Wash the wound with soap and water.
• Apply an ice pack or cold water for a few minutes.
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for pain and an antihistamine (diphenhydramine or
  chlorpheniramine) for itching, as needed.

For insect bites:

• Wash with soap and water.
• Apply cool compresses.
• Use antihistamines to relieve itching, and take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain.
• Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to help reduce the itching.

For ticks (still attached):

• Using tweezers, grasp the tick as near the skin as possible and pull firmly
  until it releases.
• Swab the area with alcohol or wash with soap and water.
• Save the tick for identification, if needed.
• Apply 1% hydrocortisone in case a reaction occurs.

When to Seek Medical Care

Some insect bites/stings are more dangerous than others. If you suspect your child might have a black widow or brown recluse spider bite, apply ice to the area and seek medical help immediately.

Symptoms of these bites include:

• A deep blue or purple area around the bite, often with a surrounding white
  area and a red outer ring
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Muscle stiffness

If the area of a tick bite becomes red or swollen, or if the affected area spreads outward, seek medical help to check for Lyme disease.

When dealing with stings, watch out for symptoms such as:

• Hives, itching, or swelling in areas beyond the sting site
• Swelling of the lips or throat
• Tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing
• Hoarse voice or tongue swelling
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness

Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe

Depending on the type of insect bite and how your child reacts to it, your child’s doctor might treat you in a number of ways.

For insect bites:

• Prescription topical corticosteroids
• Muscle relaxants
• Pain medicines
• An antidote against the specific toxin (antivenin)
• Antibiotics
• Sometimes surgery at the affected area, if the insect bite is severe

For stings:

• Antihistamines or corticosteroids
• Epinephrine
• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids
• Injected (intravenous) fluids and oxygen for shock (anaphylaxis)
• Injectable epinephrine if your child is known to have severe allergic reactions
• Procedures to stimulate the immune system (immunotherapy) to reduce the chance of repeated severe reactions

Trusted Links

MedlinePlus: Insect Bites and Stings
Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Bite or Sting, Arthropod (Pediatric)

References

Bolognia, Jean L. , ed. Dermatology, pp.405. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 6^th ed. pp.2289, 2291, 2295-2298. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

FAQ’s on Insect Bites: After Hours Kids: Physician Assistants

FAQ’s on insect bites!

Today we are talking about insect bites! Kids are very curious and interested by insects and love playing outside. Most bites are self-limited and benign, but there are occasions that warrant a trip or call to the pediatrician. Read below for information on some common questions we hear.

General Questions

What can I do at home to treat insect bites?

The first thing to do is to clean the bite well with soap and water. Using a cold compress and elevating the bite can help with pain and swelling. For young children with bites on the hands, playing in a bowl of cool water can have a similar effect as using a cold compress. Putting a topical antihistamine (ex. Hydrocortisone cream) on a bite can help decrease the itching. Talk to your pediatrician before putting anything on the bite if you have a very young child. It is important to monitor insect bites especially in children because they often itch, which can break the skin and lead to infection. Tylenol or ibuprofen can also be beneficial if your child is in pain.

Why do my child’s hands and feet get so swollen after they get a bite?

Hands and feet are often held below the heart. Children also have small hands and feet, so due to gravity and their size, swelling can be significant. Using cold compresses and elevating can help with swelling. If this does not help and the swelling is severe, please bring your child to see their provider.

What are signs of a bite becoming infected or other complications?

An insect bite that becomes infected is usually red, warm and tender to touch, and may have purulent (pus) drainage. It can be helpful to mark redness around a bite so it is easier to monitor if it is getting bigger. If you have any concern about infection after a bite, please give your child’s provider a call. To help prevent infection, clean the bite well with soap and water and remind your child not to scratch.

Some children may have more than a localized reaction to an insect bite. This most commonly is characterized itchy rash (hives) on the whole body. If this happens, it is important to call your child’s provider. Some children may have an anaphylactic reaction, in which they could have swelling around their mouth, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing, coughing, turning blue around the lips, wheezing, dizziness, nausea/vomiting or are not acting themselves. If you see any of these signs, call 911 immediately, as these are signs that your child needs immediate medical care.

When should I bring my child to the doctor?

We never want you to worry  about your child at home; if at any point you are concerned about what is going on with your child, please let us know. With that being said, we recommend bringing your child in if the insect bite has redness around it that is spreading, it is very hard, warm, and very tender to the touch, or if there is purulent (pus) drainage from it. This could indicate there is an infection.

We also would like to see your child if there is significant swelling that is not improving, especially on the face, near the mouth, or in the genital area. Insect bites can cause significant swelling, especially in hands and feet.

Spider Bites

What are the characteristics of a spider bite?

Most spider bites do not cause as significant reaction. Usually there is a small localized reaction, and usually the only care needed is  to clean the wound and use e a cold compress. If it is on the arm or leg then elevating the extremity can help as well (if your child will cooperate). If you have a young child, talk with your pediatrician before giving medication for the bite. An antihistamine for older children can help with itching. Monitor the site closely as children tend to itch bites and this can cause a secondary infection.

What types of spider bites can cause significant problems?

There are two types of spiders that can be harmful to your child are  the black widow and brown recluse, both of which are found in central Texas. Black widows have a red hourglass marking on its body. Signs of black widow bite start with slight swelling at the site with red marks. Then there can be intense pain, stiffening, abdominal pain and cramping. Children may also have a fever, chills or nausea.

Brown recluse spiders have a violin-shaped marking on its body (but this is often hard to see). Signs of this bite start with mild pain, which then progress to redness and intense pain. There may be black, dark blue, or purple coloration around the bite. If you know your child was bitten by either of these spiders, or has any of these signs and symptoms, it is important to seek medical care immediately.

Chiggers

What are chiggers?

Chiggers are tiny red mites that do not cause painful bites, but do cause very itchy skin.  Chiggers are so small that you need a magnifying glass to see them. Chiggers pierce the skin with small claws, then they inject saliva which dissolves skin cells for the chiggers to consume. They then fall off the skin a few days later, leaving  red itchy bumps. They are usually in groups on the wrists, ankles or in skin folds.

Most of the time these bites do not cause significant problems (other than being very uncomfortable and itchy). It is important to wash this area with soap and water (this can help remove any chiggers still on the skin). Using cool compresses and anti-itch cream can help with the itchiness. Monitor the sites closely for any signs of infection and encourage your children not to scratch.

If your child has bites in their genital area, often causing swelling, it is important to bring your child in to see their provider, as this can cause pain or difficulty with urinating.

Wasps and Bees

What can I do to care for my child who was stung by a bee or wasp?

The first thing to do after a sting is to attempt to remove the stinger if it is still in the body. This should be done by a scraping motion as opposed to grabbing the stinger to remove it. Grabbing it can cause the venom to be released into the body. After removing the stinger, clean the site with soap and water to help prevent infection. Like other bites, a cool compress can be helpful as can anti-itch lotion.  

If the bite was near or in the mouth, it is important to seek medical care, as these places can cause swelling.  Many people are allergic to bees, so if you notice any of the above signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical care immediately. If your child has a known allergy and is exhibiting signs of an allergic reaction, you can also use the child’s epi-pen as instructed by their provider.

Prevention

What can I do to prevent insect bites for my kids?

If possible, dress kids in lightweight, long sleeve shirts and pants that are tucked in when playing outside (especially when hiking or playing in fields). Using insect repellant can also help.  For children be sure the amount of DEET in the insect repellant is no more than 30%. The percentage of DEET actually shows how long the insect repellant will be effective, and does not increase the effectiveness. No insect repellant should be used on infants less than 2 months old. Products with DEET may also be applied to clothes, strollers and shoes.

References:

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/chiggers.html

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/insect-bite.html

Insect Bites and Stings | What to do | Treatment & Advice

Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE

Insect stings

What is the treatment for an insect sting?

Most insect stings (of which the most common are bee and wasp stings) result in a mild local skin reaction.

If you develop a mild local skin reaction:

• A cold compress will ease any pain and help to minimise any swelling – for example, use a cold flannel or an ice pack.
• A painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help if you have any pain.
• If it is itchy, you may not need any treatment, as itching often soon fades. However, sometimes an itch persists for hours or days. No treatment will take the itch away fully but the following may help:
• Crotamiton ointment (which you can buy at pharmacies) is soothing when rubbed on to itchy skin.
• A steroid cream may be useful – for example, hydrocortisone which you can buy at pharmacies or obtain on prescription. A doctor may prescribe a stronger steroid cream in some cases.
• Antihistamine tablets may be useful if you have lots of bites. In particular, a sedative antihistamine at night may help if the itch is interfering with sleep. A pharmacist can advise on which types of antihistamine are sedative and can help with sleep

Bee stings
If you are stung by a bee, treat the mild skin reaction as above.

If the stinger is still in place – scrape it out:

• Scrape out a bee sting left in the skin as quickly as possible. Use the edge of a knife, the edge of a credit card, a fingernail, or anything similar.
• The quicker you remove the sting the better; so use anything suitable to scrape out the sting quickly.
• Do not try to grab the sting to pluck it out, as this may squeeze more venom into the skin. Scraping it out is better.

Wasp stings
Wasps do not leave a stinger in the skin when they sting. If you are stung by a wasp, treat the local skin reaction as above.

Localised allergic reaction

Some people are allergic to insect stings. If you aren’t severely allergic (you can find out more about severe allergic reactions below), you will notice swelling at the site of the sting. This will probably become larger over several hours and then gradually go away over a few days. The size of the swelling can vary but can become many centimetres across. The swelling may even extend up an entire arm or leg. The swelling is not dangerous unless it affects your airway. However, if it is severe, the skin may break out in blisters.

If you develop a localised allergic reaction:

• Take an antihistamine tablet as soon as possible. You can buy these at pharmacies, or obtain them on prescription. Antihistamines block the action of histamine, which is a chemical that is released by certain cells in the body during allergic reactions.
• Use a cold compress to ease pain and to help reduce swelling. For example, use a cold flannel or an ice pack.
• Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help to ease the pain.
• Continue with antihistamines until the swelling eases. This may be for a few days.
• See a doctor if the swelling is severe. Your doctor may prescribe a short course of steroid tablets to counter the inflammation.

The treatment for insect stings is pretty much the same as for bites. Stings are more likely to cause a serious allergic reaction, the treatment for which is described below.

Generalised allergic reaction

This is an uncommon but more serious reaction to an insect sting (and occasionally an insect bite). It happens most often with wasp stings. About a quarter of people who are stung by a wasp or bee have some kind of allergic reaction. Only in a small proportion of these is the reaction severe. This severe reaction is called anaphylaxis and without quick treatment you would soon become unconscious. A small number of people die every year as a result of this kind of severe reaction, usually because they do not obtain treatment quickly enough.

Symptoms of a severe reaction
These include:

• Itchy skin in many parts of the body, followed by an itchy blotchy rash that can appear anywhere on the body.
• Swelling of your face, which may extend to the lips, tongue, throat and upper airway.
• A sense of impending doom.
• Tummy (abdominal) cramps and feeling sick.
• Dilation of the blood vessels, which can cause:
  • General redness of your skin.
  • A fast heart rate.
  • Low blood pressure, which can make you feel faint or even cause you to collapse.
• Wheezing or difficulty in breathing, due to an asthma attack or the throat swelling.

A severe generalised reaction will usually develop within 10 minutes of a sting.

If any symptoms of a generalised allergic reaction develop

See above, and then:

• Call an ambulance immediately.
• If you have been issued with an adrenaline (epinephrine) pen, use it as directed straightaway. (You must however still call an ambulance.)
• You may be given oxygen and injections of adrenaline (epinephrine), steroids and antihistamines in hospital to counter the allergic reaction.
• Some people require a fluid ‘drip’ and other intensive resuscitation.

Serious non-allergic reactions

If you have many bee or wasp stings at the same time, this can also cause serious illness. This is usually directly due to the high dose of venom, rather than to an allergy.

When should you seek medical advice?

Following an insect bite or sting, itching and redness of the skin are common and may last for up to 10 days. As long as your symptoms are improving and you feel well in yourself, you don’t need to seek help. Your pharmacist can offer advice and treatment, including with antihistamine tablets.

You should seek medical advice if the sting looks infected (see below), if you develop symptoms of a generalised allergic reaction, or if you have a skin reaction that seems to be persistent and/or spreading.

Insect bites

How do you treat insect bites?

Insect bites are treated in the same way as insect stings, except you don’t have to worry about scraping off a stinger.

When should you seek medical advice?

As with insect stings, you should seek medical advice if the bite looks infected, you develop a generalised allergic reaction or you have a skin reaction that persists or spreads.

Which insect bites cause swelling?

Biting insects that are common in the UK include midges, gnats, mosquitoes, flies, fleas, mites, ticks and bedbugs. They can all cause swelling or bumps on the skin.

• A small itchy lump (papule) which may develop up to 24 hours after a bite. This typically lasts for several days before fading away. Sometimes some redness (inflammation) surrounds each papule.
• A wheal is a red, slightly raised mark on the skin, which is often itchy but temporary. It may develop immediately after being bitten. A wheal lasts about two hours but is often followed by a small itchy solid lump which develops up to 24 hours later. This can last for several days before fading away. 

How do you know if a bite or sting is infected?

Occasionally, a skin infection develops following a bite, particularly if you scratch a lot, which can damage the skin and allow germs (bacteria) to get in. The signs of infection will be redness and tenderness around the bite. You may also develop a yellow discharge from the area. This is called pus.

Over a period of several days, the infection may spread and, sometimes, can become serious. Redness and swelling that starts and spreads quickly is more likely to be due to allergy than to infection. If the skin around a bite becomes infected then you may need a course of antibiotics. This is not commonly needed but you should seek help if your symptoms become significantly worse or worsen rapidly, or you begin to feel unwell in yourself (with fever, dizziness, chills, etc).

A word on Lyme disease

If you’re bitten by a tick, you may develop a ‘bull’s-eye’ rash over several days. This usually starts as a red mark which migrates outwards to form a bigger and bigger circle, centred around where the bite happened. You will often end up with a red central mark surrounded by a pale area, with a red circle outside this, making it look like a bull’s eye.

If you develop a rash like this you should see your GP, even if you weren’t aware of being bitten by a tick. This could be an early sign of a condition called Lyme disease. Other symptoms include fever, feeling hot and shivery, tiredness, general aches and pains and sometimes neck stiffness.

If you’ve been bitten by a tick and you develop any of these symptoms, especially the bull’s -eye rash, seek medical help. Your doctor should treat you with a course of antibiotics.

Allergies to insect stings

• In the UK most allergic reactions are caused by wasp stings.
• About a quarter of people who are stung by a wasp or bee have some kind of allergic reaction.
• You do not have an allergic reaction after a first sting by a particular type of insect. You need one or more stings to ‘sensitise’ your immune system.
• Sometimes it takes many stings to sensitise you. This is why some beekeepers who have had many previous stings may suddenly develop an allergic reaction to a bee sting.
• Bee and wasp venoms are different. People who are sensitised and ‘allergic’ to wasp venom are rarely allergic to bee venom.
• About 1 in 5 people who have had a previous generalised allergic reaction to a sting have no such reaction, or only a milder reaction, to a further sting. Therefore, if you have a generalised reaction to a sting, it does not necessarily mean it will happen again if you are stung again.
• However, the course can be variable. A series of stings may result in a generalised allergic reaction, no reaction and then another generalised allergic reaction. The reason why some people have variable reactions to a series of stings is not clear.

In short, if you have an allergic reaction to a sting, you cannot predict what will happen next time you are stung. Your doctor may refer you to an allergy clinic if a sting has caused a generalised reaction or you have developed a large local skin reaction with redness and swelling over 10 cm.

An allergy clinic will be able to do tests to confirm the type of venom or insect to which you are allergic. There are then two possible options which may be considered:

1. Emergency medication: you are given a supply of emergency medication to use when necessary. Some people are given a preloaded syringe of adrenaline (epinephrine) together with a written treatment plan to cope with any future reactions. You (and relatives) can be taught how and when to use the treatments provided.
2. Desensitisation: you are given injections of tiny amounts of venom from the type of insect that causes your allergic reaction. Repeated doses of venom over several weeks can ‘desensitise’ your immune system and so you will not react severely next time you are stung. This treatment involves some risk of causing a severe reaction, so it is not undertaken lightly. It is only available in certain specialised centres.

Preventing insect bites and stings

When out and about

Bites and stings most commonly occur when outside, particularly in the countryside.

The following measures are recommended to reduce the risk of stings from bees and wasps:

• Wear light-coloured clothing.
• Avoid strong fragrances, perfumes and highly scented shampoos.
• Wear shoes while outdoors and cover your body with clothing and a hat. Use gloves while gardening.
• Avoid picking fruit from the ground or trees.
• Avoid drinking out of opened drink bottles or cans to prevent being stung inside the mouth.
• Wash hands after eating or handling sticky or sweet foods outdoors (especially children’s hands).
• Keep uneaten foods covered, especially when eating outdoors.
• Always contact professionals to remove bee or wasp nests.
• Wear full protective clothing while handling bees.

Ways to avoid bites include:

• Wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers in places where insects are common.
• Avoid brightly coloured clothes, cosmetics, perfumes or hair sprays, which attract insects.
• Rub an insect repellent on to exposed areas of skin.
• A complete head covering with a plastic viewer. Where midges are common, some people wear these when out – for example, when camping next to lakes and rivers. Many camping shops sell them.

There is no evidence that eating garlic, vitamin B1 or other foods will repel insects.

Tick bites

The tick usually clings to the skin. Remove the tick as soon as possible after the bite, using fine tweezers or fingernails to grab the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull it gently and slowly straight out and try not to squeeze the body of the tick. Clean the site of the bite with disinfectant. (Traditional methods of tick removal using a burned match, petroleum jelly, or nail polish do not work well and are not recommended.)

One type of tick carries a germ called Borrelia burgdorferi which causes Lyme disease. See the separate leaflet called Lyme Disease for more details.

Are Those Really Bed Bug Bites? – Maybe Mosquito Bites?

Finding Itchy Red Welts?

Are you waking up in the morning lately with itchy red welts and wondering are these bed bug bites? If so, you are far from alone.

This time of year, after the rain has ended and the sunny, warm weather arrives, many of us wake up with random bites on various parts of our body and have no idea where they came from. The answer may be much more difficult, if not impossible, to accurately pinpoint.

Do I have bed bug bites?

The natural reaction since we wake up in bed and see bite marks or welts is to assume we have bud bugs, especially with all the press they are getting in recent months. This may be a possibility, however, a quick inspection & evaluation of your recent movement, guests, furniture can eliminate bed bugs as a possibility.

Do I have a bed bug infestation problem?

Did the bites ‘suddenly appear’? If so, and you have been living/sleeping there every night for a long time, it is unlikely. A bed bug infestation that would result in multiple bites being suddenly visible, would take weeks (or months) to get that large, and you would see bites quantities increasing as the population of the infestation rose.

Have you recently purchased or acquired used furniture? if you haven’t, then you are also not a likely candidate for bed bugs. Used furniture is a common vehicle for bed bug infestations to relocate from home to home.

Have you recently had guests staying with you who have been, or are currently travelling? If not, you likely didn’t have anyone bringing in bed bugs from other locations along their travels. This is one of the main reasons bed bug activity has skyrocketed worldwide over the past 5 years.

Have YOU recently been travelling? Did you bring any unforeseen guests home with you? It’s possible. Bed bugs don’t differentiate between rich or poor, 5 star or backpacker hostel. No travelling = unlikely to bring home a bed bug.

Learn how to do a bed bug inspection now

So if it isn’t bed bugs biting you, what is? Could literally be anything and nothing. Most reputable pest control companies have no bugs, no-treatment policy since we have strict guidelines on pesticide application in Canada. Even the installation of glue monitoring traps may not give us the information we desire to know, however, it’s not a bad start. Most pest control companies will sell you glue monitor traps you can place around the area you feel you getting bitten. After a couple of weeks, check the glue for any sign of insect and contact the company to help in the identification.

10 Bug Bites Anyone Should Be Able to Identify

Very few people manage to avoid being bitten by insects. This issue becomes even more pressing in summer. Sometimes it’s quite hard to identify what exactly bit you. The bite might hurt, itch, or even swell. There are many different insects, and they all transmit different diseases, so it’s very important to correctly identify what bit you.

But don’t panic! Bright Side created a little guide that will help you identify which insect attacked you.

Hornet

The area that was stung by a hornet becomes red and seriously swollen. Blisters might appear. The victim feels very bad pain, even worse than the pain from a wasp sting. The hornet’s poison is even more toxic because the insect itself is bigger in size. The poison contains histamine and acetylcholine.

If the victim feels cold in the limbs, his or her ears and lips go blue, or breathing problems start, the victim must see a doctor.

Bee

You need to remove the sting that might still be in the attacked spot. The skin usually gets red and swollen. A person feels burning, a sharp pain, and a severe itch appears a little later. If you are not allergic, this is where your troubles end. However, if a person is allergic to bee poison, he or she might have breathing problems, which is a serious concern.

Wasp

The symptoms of a wasp sting are like those after a bee attack. The stung area becomes red and swollen, the victim feels pain and burning, and terrible itching comes later. There might even be a hemorrhage on the skin. A wasp can sting multiple times. Just like with a bee attack, it’s very important to know if you are allergic as there may be an anaphylactic shock.

Mosquito

Mosquito bites look like swollen red spots the size of a berry. Most often they appear in open areas of the body. Mosquitoes bite the spots where the skin is very thin and it’s easy to get to the blood vessels. When they bite, they inject their saliva into the wound. The saliva contains anticoagulants that make the blood thinner. They cause the skin to become red, to itch, and to swell.

Tick

The body’s reaction to a tick bite is a red spot. The insect can be in the victim for a long time, growing bigger and drinking blood.

The worst thing is that ticks infect people with encephalitis, borreliosis, and many other diseases. If you remove the insect from your body but the red spot doesn’t go away and continues to grow, you have to see a doctor as quickly as possible.

Flea

Flea bites can easily be mistaken for allergies or mosquito bites because the bitten spots also look red and swollen. However, unlike mosquitoes, these insect bites are very painful, and the itch is much worse.

Fleas usually attack the legs, and only a sleeping person can be a victim. One insect can bite several times, so the distance between the red spots is usually from 0.5 to 1 inch (1 to 2 cm). Fleas transmit many serious infections.

Ant

Most ants don’t present any danger to humans. However, the red fire ant can cause a lot of trouble. Pustules appear on the bitten spots that will later turn into scars. The ants’ poison contains toxins, so the victim might have an allergic reaction or an anaphylactic shock. A thatching ant’s bite is less dangerous. It looks a lot like a mosquito bite. A pink spot appears in the bitten area that itches for a long time. At the moment of the bite, the victim feels a burning pain as though some boiling water was poured on the skin.

Cleg

A cleg looks like a big fat fly. Unlike flies, clegs bite very painfully and drink human blood. At first, a small red spot appears not more than 0.03 inches wide (1 mm). Then it gets swollen and starts to itch. Clegs transmit different diseases like tularemia and anthrax, but most of the time they attack cattle rather than people.

Louse

If you notice small red dots that look like mosquito bites in the places where hair grows — on your head, your neck, and behind your ears – it means that you have been bitten by head lice or pubic lice. If such dots appear on your back, belly, hands, or legs, they must have been cooties. The bites are a few inches away from each other, and the skin looks like it was pierced.

Lice transmit very serious diseases like trench-fever and typhoid.

Bed bug

At first sight, bed bug bites look like flea or mosquito bites or an allergic reaction. The skin becomes red, swollen, and starts to itch. However, there is a way to recognize the bed bugs’ “work.” The bites are very close to each other and look like little roads on the skin. Bed bugs’ bites are more painful than mosquitoes’. The numerous roads can be noticed in the morning as bed bugs hunt at night.

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When Do They Become an Emergency?

Fortunately, most bug bites are a short-lived if painful inconvenience, which are easily taken care of with a few home or over-the-counter remedies. Occasionally, though, a more severe reaction may need medical attention.

The problem with bug bites is that often we don’t know what’s bitten us. Recognizing different bites and being aware of potentially dangerous symptoms to look out for, you’ll know when to get medical help and when it’s not needed.

Mosquito Bites

That high-pitched whine is enough to make anyone break out in hives, especially when you hear it in the dead of night just as you’re falling asleep.

You’ll recognize a mosquito bite from the itchy, round lump or bump it produces on the skin. In normal circumstances, that itchy painful reaction will disappear after a few hours although the lump itself will probably take a few days to subside. Some people are more sensitive, however, and the small bumps can spread to around the size of a quarter and feel very painful. They nearly always itch like crazy.

If you can, wash the area with soap and water, then apply a calamine or other anti-itch cream. Over the counter anti-histamines can help deal with mild allergic reactions, and an ice pack on the bite can relieve the itching and swelling. It’s tough, but fight the urge to scratch. If you break the skin at the bite site, you leave the area open to infection. Dabbing the bite with rubbing alcohol is also a useful way to reduce the itch, but it can irritate your skin if you use it too often.

It’s worth bearing in mind that while mosquitos can carry disease such as West Nile Fever, very few do. For that tiny percentage, symptoms such as aches in the body or head, general pains, swollen glands or fever, may appear up to fifteen days after the bite. These need medical attention.

Bees and Wasps

Bees don’t sting for fun. They have one sting in them, and when they use it, they die. You’ll know a bee stung you from the sharp pain at the sting site. You may even see the stinger, which the bee often leaves behind. If so, try to remove it immediately as it will continue to discharge venom for a few seconds. A red welt will form with a yellowish center which is where the sting entered. It may feel itchy and hot. Some people are very allergic to bee stings, so watch for swelling around the mouth, eyes or face and seek medical attention immediately.

Wasps, including yellow jackets, can sting multiple times and they tend to be more aggressive than bees. The sting can be intensely painful and result in a red, itchy, lump, much like bee stings. Sometimes a skin reaction causes swelling and redness to extend beyond the sting site and this can last for several days. Yellow jackets are the insects most likely to cause allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening and needs urgent emergency care.

Spiders

Most biting spiders are not poisonous, although some people have an allergic reaction to them. Similar to a bee sting, you’ll probably see a red, circular mark with a paler center, and the area may swell and feel painful or itchy. If you’re in an area where black widows or brown recluses live, take more care.

• Reactions to black widow bites appear around half an hour after the bite with pain and swelling, followed by muscle pain or stiffness, sickness or nausea.
• Brown recluse bites look like bluish bruises that can form a crust or go darker after a few days.

If you suspect a bite from either of these spiders, get medical attention immediately.

Ants

Fire ants in particular are nasty little things. Their two-pronged attack includes an initial bite so they can hang onto your skin, then a sting. Small pustules appear, and there can be lots of them. You’ll feel a sharp pain as they bite, and a burn as they sting. The bumps can be sore and itchy. Carpenter ants bite too, and while these aren’t poisonous, they burn by spraying formic acid as they bite.

Symptoms to Watch For

Babies and children are more vulnerable than adults are, although everyone should be aware of the danger symptoms to watch out for following any bites or stings:

• Coughing or Wheezing.
• Swelling around the eyes, tongue, lips, throat, hands or feet.
• Feeling sick or nauseous, diarrhea, or stomach cramps
• Going into shock

Red lumps and bumps, soreness, itching, and tenderness at the sting site are all common reactions that can be safely treated at home. If any other symptoms develop over hours, days or even weeks in some cases, you should get professional medical help.

How to remove edema after a midge bite

21 August 2018

After a midge bite, not only bite marks and unpleasant symptoms (itching, burning) may appear, but also swelling. When significant areas of the body have been attacked by insects, this can become a rather serious problem that requires competent assistance to the patient.

What should be done if a midge bite?

Edema is a powerful reaction of the body to toxins. In this case, not only the arms, legs, neck, back and chest can be affected, but also the face and mucous membranes.

The algorithm of actions consists of the following activities:

1. Thoroughly rinse the bite site. Use clean cold water.
2. Blot the body with a clean napkin.
3. In order to relieve unpleasant symptoms, reduce itching and swelling, the skin should be cooled. Use ice cubes from the refrigerator.
4. Extensive edema requires the following actions: gently but firmly press the skin at the site of the bite with your fingers.Press for a few minutes. If possible, then apply a tight bandage.
5. Then the skin is treated with a quality antiseptic. It can be any product based on ethyl alcohol or furacilin solution.
6. In case of pain and severe itching, an anesthetic drug such as paracetamol tablets can be taken orally.
7. Many people need antihistamines for severe edema. According to the doctor’s prescription, for example, Claritin or Diazolin are taken orally.

There are effective creams, ointments and gels with antiallergic effect (Fenistil, Prednisolone, Cynovitis, Hyoxysone), which are used to relieve edema and other symptoms. If the itching is very worrisome, you can make a lotion with a solution of novocaine (0.5%). Balm “Zvezdochka”, means with menthol, helps to relieve the itching quite well. After relieving the condition, after a few days, you can use wound healing drugs (Bepanten ointment, Actovegin, Solcoseryl, etc.) If necessary, you can book any product you need in the network of Stolichka social pharmacies.

DIROFILARIOSIS-PARASITIC DISEASE

Published: 17.06.2015

The mosquito season has begun. And if you
have not yet felt the intrusive attention of little bloodsuckers in their own
apartment, then, being in nature, you will definitely encounter them. To such
the meeting does not hurt to prepare, especially if there are atypical reactions to
mosquito bites. In addition to the usual allergy to an insect bite (itching, swelling,
redness), symptoms of general malaise may appear, pain at the site of the bite,
unpleasant and alarming “movement” under the skin. It may not be that
other than dirofilariasis .

Dirofilariasis is more common in areas with warm and humid climates:
southern Europe, the Balkan countries, Turkey, Africa, India. In Russia, dirofilariasis was recorded in the southern
regions: in the Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories, the republics of the North
Caucasus, Astrakhan, Volgograd, Rostov, Lipetsk, Voronezh
regions, as well as Primorsky and Khabarovsk territories.In recent years
the parasite spread in
more northern regions of Russia. Every year in Belarus
revealed 3-7 cases of dirofilariasis. The most common disease occurs in
Gomel region.

Dirofilariasis –
a rare type of helminthiasis, in which the parasite invades the skin and migrates along
body. For a given disease
characterized by slow development and a long chronic course, accompanied by
complications in the heart, liver and kidneys.

Causative agent – immature nematode
Dirofilaria repens (roundworm). The parasite has a filamentous body
light yellow in color, tapering towards both ends, their larvae, called dirofilariae,
have a length of 0.22-0.30 mm. Length of an adult female –
17–20 cm, width – 0.3–0.7 cm. Males are slightly smaller – 7 cm and 0.45 cm, respectively.

Microfilariae are transported by
mosquitoes of various types incl. and mosquitoes that live year-round in warm and
basements of apartment buildings.They fly over the ventilation
systems in apartments and feed on humans and pets. Thus,
if there is a sick dog or cat in a city apartment, the transmission of invasion
can be carried out from them to person.

Main sources
infestations for humans are dogs. The disease also occurs in
foxes, ferrets, cats. Infection of dogs and other carnivores occurs in
the process of feeding on them mosquitoes invaded by dirofilaria larvae.V
within 3 months, the larvae develop in the subcutaneous fat and connective
animal tissues shed twice and penetrate into the bloodstream. By the circulatory
system, the larvae migrate to the heart and pulmonary artery, where after 3-4 months
reach sexual maturity and become capable of producing larvae. Female
dirofilaria gives birth to up to 30,000 larvae every day. Microfilariae,
circulating in the blood of invasive animals are non-invasive and not
pose an immediate danger to other animals or humans.

For further
development, these parasites must enter the body of the mosquito. The period of development of the larva in a mosquito to the invasive stage is about 17 days.

A person becomes infected as a result of the bite of a mosquito that carries
in itself the larvae of dirofilariae. Infection
people, as a rule, occurs during agricultural work or rest on
nature, where there are affected animals and mosquito colonies. Often
this happens during the period of insect activity (May-September).Increasing the number
identified invasions in humans in recent years due to the growth of stray
animals, their mass migration between settlements, the process
urbanization, climate warming. All of these factors contribute to the transmission
parasite from wild animals to pets and humans.

Usually one parasite in the human body
helminth.

In rare cases, 2-3 helminths parasitize a person,
which appears to be related to repeated infections.In the human body
the female helminth grows into an adult, but the “kids” – dirofilaria –
does not give birth, therefore this disease is from a person
it is not transmitted to humans. Once in the body, the parasite reaches
the largest size after six months and is located under the skin (mucous
shell), where a capsule of connective tissue forms around it. V
further, the female gradually dies and collapses. The parasite is very
active: moves in the body at a speed of 10–30 cm per day. Clinical
symptoms

From
the moment of infection before the manifestation of the main typical clinical symptom (movement of the pathogen, or
seals with it) passes from 1 month
up to several years.

Dirofilariasis makes itself felt by migration through the body
parasite.

Later
a small dense formation appears at the site of the mosquito bite for several days,
which may be accompanied by itching. Then it gradually increases,
reaching a diameter of up to four centimeters.There is slight redness and
swelling of the skin over it, increased itching and pain. With the development of inflammation, the nodule
softens, suppurates, an abscess may form, on top of which
a hole appears from which the end of the worm protrudes.

When the parasite moves to the old place of its stay,
no traces remain, and a seal appears in the new area. Symptoms of general intoxication appear: weakness, malaise,
headache, nausea, fever.An important symptom – on palpation, migrating
the nodule is very mobile. Such a nodule persists for 2-3 months and periodically
disappears. All these sensations are present as long as there is no
a capsule will form.

Cases of localization of dirofilarial nodules in the area
head, neck, abdomen, popliteal region, thigh and other places.

Almost half of the cases of dirofilariasis involve
in the pathological process of the organs of vision.
Eye involvement may be the only manifestation of the disease.
Helminths are localized and migrate in the subcutaneous tissue of the eyelid or under
conjunctiva. A node (granuloma) forms around the helminth, and edema develops.
When the helminth is localized in the subcutaneous tissue of the eyelids, a limited
tumor-like swelling, usually with mild inflammatory
phenomena. The presence of the parasite under the conjunctiva causes the phenomenon
conjunctivitis. The disease can lead to severe conjunctival hyperemia,
significant lacrimation.With the development of granulomas in the orbit, pain is noted,
edema, erythema, exophthalmos, diplopia. Human can
completely lose sight.

Usually patients do not attach importance to the strange “pimple”.
After 1-3 months, when they begin to feel movement in that area or if
infiltration appears on the face, seek medical help.

Diagnostics. Specific
there is no diagnostics for detecting dirofilariae. One of the diagnostic symptoms: presence
sensations that living things are moving or crawling inside a dense formation
creature.

The final diagnosis is established only after the extraction of the helminth, followed by a parasitological
morphological research.

Treatment. Treatment of dirofilariasis in humans
surgical and consists in removing the worm.

Prevention

1. Personal measures
   prevention – protection against mosquito bites .
2. Fighting
   mosquitoes in residential buildings, technical undergrounds of houses, etc.places.
3. Identification and
   treatment of infested dogs, cats.

Learn what to do if your leg is swollen after an insect bite?

After an insect bite, edema occurs, due to which a person has a lot of trouble. Redness and itching may begin. It is necessary to take timely measures to eliminate these unpleasant symptoms. If the leg is swollen after an insect bite, then the method of treatment depends on what kind of pest it was. Read more about this in the article.

Insect bites are the most inconvenient for allergy sufferers, since they experience an allergic reaction, and the itching does not disappear for several weeks. But it can affect all people.

After midge bites, it is necessary to treat the sore spot with ammonia. If itching has formed, then you can use traditional medicine. For example, you need to treat a sore spot with a cotton swab treated with vodka or cologne. Often, bird cherry leaves are effective, which should be applied to the bite for 15 minutes.You should always take with you creams, lotions that will protect against insects.

Why is my leg swollen after an insect bite? A tumor is called a natural reaction of the body, since when it is bitten, foreign substances that destroy cells enter it. In the damaged areas, blood accumulates and the volume of intercellular fluid increases. With inflammation, lymph accumulates in the soft tissues, so they increase in volume.

Signs

When a person is affected by insects, the following symptoms appear:

1. Redness.
2. Seal.
3. Pain.
4. Itching.
5. Swelling.

Action to be taken

If my leg is swollen after an insect bite, what should I do? Follow these steps:

1. If there is a sting in the skin, remove it.
2. The wound is treated with iodine or hydrogen peroxide.
3. Ice is then applied to relieve the swelling.
4. Antiallergenic agent is needed, which is used internally.
5. An ointment is applied to the wound to remove itching.

This action is sufficient. But often there is an intolerance to the poison. Then you need to see a doctor. And before his arrival, use an anaphylactic package, which consists of:

1. Antihistamines.
2. Injection with adrenaline.
3. Harness.

Traditional methods

If your leg is swollen and red after an insect bite, you can use folk remedies:

1. After the midge, the skin must be treated with iodine or alcohol.
2. If it was a gadfly or horsefly, then ammonia and soap in a ratio of 3: 1 are required.
3. You can eliminate the tumor with aloe leaf or plantain.

Horsefly bite

Horsefly is a large fly that has sharp and hard cutting stylets in the proboscis. After a skin lesion, wash the area with warm water and soap, and then dry it with a towel, but do not rub. The wound should be treated with hydrogen peroxide, and then smeared with brilliant green.

If a child has a swollen leg after an insect bite, then there are also effective remedies.Severe pain usually lasts longer than 30 minutes. It is advisable to provide an anesthetic. In this case, the affected area should not be scratched. Plantain must be attached to this place.

If your leg is swollen after an insect bite outdoors, you can use medicinal herbs and flowers. In addition to plantain, dandelion helps. With it, it will be possible to relieve pain and itching. The wound only needs to be lubricated with juice.

If onions are available, they can also be used for bites. When the itching and pain persist, antihistamines are needed.At a high temperature, nausea, you need to see a doctor.

Mosquito bite

Only female mosquitoes bite humans. They need this to obtain protein from the blood and to lay eggs. When pierced by the proboscis, the female releases saliva, which contains substances that interfere with blood coagulation. People have a reaction in the form of itching or redness. If the leg is swollen after an insect bite, effective measures must be taken.

When bitten by a mosquito, do not scratch the bitten area, as this can lead to infection.The skin should be washed with soap and water to remove germs and impurities. It is necessary to prepare a remedy: soda (2 tsp) is mixed with water (1 spoon). The solution is applied to the affected area. Wait until dry.

Essential oils such as eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint help. If the edema is severe, then remedies should be taken to eliminate the edema. Will help “Diphenhydramine”, “Hydroxyzin”.

Bite of a gadfly

These insects strike in a peculiar way: some individuals distract a person, while others creep up, bite and lay out the larvae.It is difficult to detect an insect upon contact. First, there is pain, itching, and then swelling. Rashes are formed in allergy sufferers. When this happens, first aid is needed.

If your leg is swollen and hurts after an insect bite, you must perform the following procedure:

1. Press down on the bite site with a hard object so that the allergy does not spread.
2. The skin should be cooled and then washed with soap and water.
3. Then it is treated with an antiseptic, brilliant green, alcohol or iodine.

Plantain or dandelion juice can be used to wipe the affected area. If salt is present, compress can be performed. If the leg is swollen after an insect bite, then ointments and medicinal lotions are used. For this, the following means can be used:

1. Glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory ointment, with which it will be possible to eliminate swelling and bumps on the leg. It should be applied at intervals of 3-4 hours.
2. Antihistamine available in the form of tablets and injections.
3. Compresses with Dimexidum are used to get rid of edema. The product is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 3, after which the solution is applied to the painful area of ​​the skin.
4. When pus, painful bumps appear, surgical intervention is necessary. Under antiseptics and novocaine, the skin is cut, and suppurative tissue is removed from the wound. Then the doctor applies a bandage.

Wasp sting

Wasps sting into soft tissues, leaving a hole in the skin. The sore spot turns red and blood flow begins.If the sting remains in the wound, pry it off with nails or remove it with tweezers. You do not need to press on the skin in order not to increase the swelling. The wound must be washed with antibacterial soap, and then treated with any means:

1. Peroxide.
2. Vodka.
3. Calendula tincture.
4. Ammonium.
5. Iodine.

You can use the antiseptic “Chlorhexidine”, “Miramistin”. Disinfection of the bite is imperative, as there can be a lot of bacteria in the sting.After using alcohol, a gauze bandage is applied to the wound, and then a patch is glued.

Bee sting

Often people are bitten by bees. First aid is as follows:

1. Inspect the bite site. If there is a sting, it must be removed. Moreover, this must be done carefully. This is done with tweezers or eyebrow tweezers.
2. Then you need to disinfect the bite site using an antiseptic.
3. You need to use an antihistamine, for example, Suprastin.
4. To relieve itching, you need to dilute the gruel from salt and apply a compress. Ice wrapped in a napkin helps.

If your leg is severely swollen after an insect bite, you should see a doctor. This will eliminate negative consequences.

What cannot be done?

To prevent allergies, simple rules must be followed:

1. Do not rub the bite site. This causes the spread of substances over a large area.
2. Redness from midges should not be treated with any household chemicals.This can cause allergies.
3. Do not scratch problem areas, because you can infect a wound that will fester.
4. If hormonal ointments have been prescribed by a doctor, they must be applied to the skin near the wound. When such funds are applied to the bite site, a burning sensation occurs and healing slows down.
5. In case of complications, antibiotics and antihistamines should not be neglected. You should not self-medicate; a doctor should prescribe medications.

Prevention

To exclude insect bites, you need to follow simple recommendations:

1. Residents of private houses need to eliminate excess vegetation on the site.
2. Windows should have mosquito nets.
3. If you are planning a trip to the forest or just to nature, you need to take protective sprays and creams.
4. Long-sleeved clothing should be worn when planning a hike in a green area. Legs should also be closed.
5. You should not walk late at night when there are a lot of insects.

Thus, insect bites cause a lot of inconvenience. It is necessary to provide assistance in a timely manner.And if, nevertheless, edema appears, you need to treat it with proven means.

Swollen leg after a midge bite – Question to the allergist

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Edema of the century: description of the disease, causes, symptoms, cost of treatment in Moscow

Swelling of the eyelids means a physiological abnormality in the form of an excessive amount of fluid that accumulates in the area of ​​loose connective tissue of the fiber. The result of such a pathological process is the formation of significant swelling around the eyes.

It should be noted that initially, the area around the eyelids is often prone to edema. The reason for this predisposition lies in the structure of the subcutaneous fat layer. In addition, there are a large number of vessels in the sounded area.

Swelling of the eyelids is an alarming signal that a malfunction of any organs has occurred in the body. Aesthetics is very important for many people, but they forget about the priority of health over facial beauty. The cosmetologist will help to get rid of only the external manifestation of pathology, which can cause serious internal complications.

Not in all cases, swelling of the eyelids means any disease. With excessive fluid intake and addiction to salty foods, the face often swells in the morning. Such discomfort disappears on its own within 24 hours, and does not require medical intervention. You should contact a specialist if the swelling has become systematic.

If we are talking about healthy people, then swelling of the eyelids may appear due to lack of rest.Increased physical activity can also cause swelling of the entire face. With heat, not only the movable folds around the eyes, but also the limbs often swell.

Varieties of sounded aesthetic and internal pathology have their own classification:

1. Inflammatory edema. The main reason for its occurrence is the damage to the eyes by bacteria. As a result of such a pathogenic attack, pus accumulates in this area, and the eyelids swell. Visually, this type looks like reddening of the movable folds around the eyes and induration in the focus of inflammation.

2. Non-inflammatory edema. Unlike a bacterial infection, this species rarely manifests itself vividly. Its main symptom is the appearance of symptoms of pathology in the morning with damage to both eyes and pallor of the skin. Most often, the lower eyelids are susceptible to pathology, which is associated with dysfunction of the work of some internal organs.

3. Allergic edema. It develops rapidly if an external irritant hits directly on the mucous membrane of the eye.It will take 2 hours for the first signs of eyelid puffiness to appear after eating an allergen. With a severe headache, not only the skin folds around the optic organ swell, but the entire face. Quincke’s edema is the most aggressive form of manifestation of pathology.

4. Traumatic edema. Usually, with it, it is not necessary to damage the eye directly. The eyelid will become more voluminous due to damage to the nerve tissues and muscles of the face.

5. Reactive edema. It should be noted with a special point.The reason for its occurrence is an inflammatory reaction in the area of ​​the paranasal sinuses.

The main causes of swelling of the eyelids, which cause significant discomfort and spoil the visual characteristics of the face:

1. Chronic diseases. Edema often occurs against the background of cardiovascular pathologies, pyelonephritis and endocrine problems.

2. Injuries. Any eye injury will provoke not only the appearance of a bruise, but also a hematoma.Impact / injury may damage the eyelids and begin to swell.

3. Eye problems. They are, in most cases, infectious. The eyelids are swollen with barley and conjunctivitis.

4. Congenital anatomy of the face. Some people have “heavy” eyelids from birth, which look swollen in good health.

5. Savings on cosmetics. When trying to buy cheap decorative or pseudo-natural cosmetics, instead of an attractive appearance, a woman can get significant swelling of the eyelids.

6. Reaction to tattooing. If you want to create the effect of “arrows” around the eyes, there is a risk of causing complications in the form of swelling of mobile skin folds.

7. Allergic reaction. It can arise in the form of both hay fever, and due to intolerance to certain food products. A separate case is a reaction to microscopic mites that live in the frame of glasses.

8. Bite of stinging insects. Even with a mosquito bite, a person can scratch their eye to its significant swelling.

9. Increased intracranial pressure. With its bright manifestations, the veins in the temples and forehead swell, and the eyelids swell.

10. Hereditary factor. If in a person’s genus many members of the family have such an aesthetic defect, then there is a high probability of receiving this “gift”.

11. Wrong daily routine. Usually, the “owls” have swollen eyelids that stay up late at night when it is necessary to get up early in the morning.

12. Demodectic mange. When the eyelids are affected by this parasite, eyelashes fall out along with their swelling, and pus is released from the eyes. The organs of vision begin to itch strongly, and there is a palpable burning sensation in this area.

13. Bad habits. When alcohol is abused, a significant amount of fluid is “washed out” from the body. As a result, a person begins to suffer from constant thirst, and then receives, as a bonus, swelling of the eyelids.

Not all of the listed reasons pose a threat to human health and life.People who have been diagnosed with problems with the heart, kidneys and endocrine glands are under special control. In the latter case, with an increase in the diameter of the neck, the entire face begins to swell.

Prevention of pathology should be systemic. Experts recommend adhering to the following rules so that the eyelids do not swell:

1. Rational use of liquids. At night, it is better not to eat salty foods that cause increased thirst. It is enough to drink a glass of warm milk or herbal decoction before bed to avoid swelling and sleep soundly.Lovers of coffee and sugary carbonated drinks are better off limiting these drinks.

2. Compliance with personal eye hygiene. The eyelids must be thoroughly cleaned during morning and evening water procedures. This warning especially applies to women who apply decorative cosmetics to their eyes. Each family member should have their own personal face towel.

3. Refusal to save on your own health. Purchasing cosmetic products from trusted companies is a guarantee of avoiding the appearance of an allergic reaction to a fake.A consultation with a specialist, if you want to make a tattoo of the eyelids, also does not hurt.

4. Compliance with safety measures. Certain activities are associated with an increased risk to the eyes. To protect the eyelids, a special mask should be worn while working.

5. Safety rules in the summer. When out in the sun, protect your eyes with glasses, an umbrella or a wide-brimmed headgear.

6.Precautions when dealing with people. An interlocutor who coughs or has all the signs of formed barley is not the best option for close communication.

7. Thorough cleaning of the premises. The percentage of allergic reactions among the population to mold and dust is increasing. For this reason, damp cleaning should be carried out regularly in the home. It is necessary to get rid of old things that have become dust accumulators and a habitat for mites over time.

eight.Animal care. Pet hair is a potent allergen for many people. If there are carpets on the floor in the house, then they must be vacuumed several times a day. The animals themselves are recommended to be regularly combed (especially during the molting period).

If the eyelids are already swollen, then under the supervision of a specialist, you need to change your idea of ​​the correct construction of the daily routine, and change your attitude towards some things.

Treatment principles

First aid to yourself

If the eye is bruised, the eyelid may immediately increase in volume.Before visiting the emergency room, you should wash your hands with laundry or baby soap, because aromatic fragrances can cause an allergic reaction in the damaged area.

Treat the injury site with an antiseptic after removing dirt from it. The next step is to use a cold compress to stop the spread of the tumor. An important condition is the prohibition of pressure on the damaged area for 5 minutes. Such careless actions can cause injury to the eyeball. Then the area of ​​edema should be covered with a sterile bandage and urgently contact the emergency room.

Special precautions: even with itching, you should not rub the bruised area with your fingers and wash your eyes if there is an open wound.

When choosing a therapy, first of all, the very cause of the pathology is eliminated. Otherwise, lotions, drops and tablets will not be beneficial, but tangible harm. Traditional medicine is good only in the form of accompanying therapy under the supervision of the attending physician.

Applying eye drops. Their use should be clearly distinguished depending on the etymology of the onset of pathology.Oftalmoferon and Aktipol are prescribed if the eye has been attacked by viruses. Tetracycline, Floxal and Ciprofloxacin are indispensable if the eyelid is affected by bacteria.

The use of decongestants. In most cases, they are prescribed when diagnosing a blockage of the lacrimal gland (dacryoadenitis). Tavegil, which is prescribed in a hospital setting, will help eliminate extensive swelling.

The appointment of analgesics. The inflammatory nature of the eyelid edema is often accompanied by pain, which is sometimes intense.To improve the general condition of the patient, he is prescribed Analgin injections. Massage of the problem area and physiotherapy will also help stop pain.

Use of ointments. Hydrocortisone ointment has an antibacterial effect and helps relieve swelling of the eyelid.

The use of absorbent. In this case, affordable activated carbon is fine. A similar precaution is necessary so that the provoking substance is excreted from the body along with the urine.In this case, you need to drink enough liquid, because otherwise the absorbent will not have the desired effect.

Taking anti-allergic drugs. They are used exclusively after a visit to an ophthalmologist. Usually, for allergic edema of the eyelids, Suprastin, Tavegil, Diphenhydramine, Zodak or Diazolin tablets are prescribed.

Cryodestruction. Liquid nitrogen is capable, in the absence of metastases, to contribute to the destruction of the focus of cancer. This technique allows you to detach tissues that have undergone life-threatening destruction.

Surgery. Its main task is to excise a malignant neoplasm with the capture of a small amount of tissue that has not been affected. In the future, during analyzes within the normal range, the patient undergoes plastic surgery of the eyelid.

Burying the eyes. In this case, agents from the vasoconstrictor pharmacological group are used. In practice, Oktilia and Vizin proved to be effective.

The development of malignant edema at a later stage looks less optimistic.If the intramural cavity is affected, then during the operation, all tissues in the sounded area are excised. If surgical intervention is inappropriate, recommendations are limited to taking chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Swelling of the body surface in a dog

Edema is an abnormal, excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues surrounding the cells of the body.

Peripheral edema refers to edema of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It should be distinguished from pulmonary edema and cerebral edema, edema of other internal organs, and accumulation of fluid in the serous cavities – the chest cavity (hydrothorax) and the abdominal cavity (ascites).The beginning, mild edema is usually invisible to the owner, but the doctor can pay attention to it, especially if he sees the animal not for the first time. The developing peripheral edema is especially noticeable on the legs and, to a lesser extent, on the abdomen and muzzle.

Causes of peripheral edema

Peripheral edema is not a disease, but only a symptom that occurs due to the excessive release of fluid from the vessels. Peripheral edema can be local (limited) or generalized (throughout the body).According to the severity, they distinguish pastiness (mild edema), pronounced edema and anasarca (pronounced generalized edema). Peripheral edema can be caused by the following reasons:

Increased permeability of the vascular wall caused by the action of inflammatory mediators and bacterial toxins on it. Inflammatory mediators are special substances released from special cells called mast cells, or basophils. Such edema occurs around a traumatic skin lesion, or other inflammatory focus, and is an integral component of inflammation.The generalized response of the body to infection, or sepsis, is also accompanied by a massive release of inflammatory mediators and can lead to generalized edema. Local edema on the face and neck, together with reddening of the skin and mucous membranes, can accompany acutely developing allergic reactions. The same can happen with an insect bite – a wasp, bee, horsefly.

The fluid in the vessels is retained largely due to the oncotic pressure created by blood proteins, mainly albumin.With a significant decrease in albumin in the blood (less than 20 g / l) and a drop in oncotic pressure, peripheral edema may also occur. Albumin in the blood may decrease with a lack of its production by the liver (prolonged insufficient feeding or severe liver diseases: hepatitis, liver tumors, cirrhosis, lipidosis, etc.), or increased protein loss through the kidneys (in acute renal failure and chronic renal failure) or through the gastrointestinal tract with prolonged and severe diarrhea (diarrhea).

Liquid can penetrate more through the vascular wall when the hydrostatic pressure in the vessels increases, which occurs due to the retention of fluid and sodium in the body or due to a slowdown in blood flow in the vessels. This is rare in severe congestive heart failure or renal failure.

The fluid in the interstitium, between the cells, is also in motion, and flows out through the lymphatic vessels, then flowing into the veins. Obstacles leading to impaired outflow through the lymphatic vessels can also lead to peripheral edema.For example, this happens with inflammation of the lymphatic vessels (lymphadenitis), their compression, removal of lymph nodes during oncological operations.

Diagnostics and treatment

From the above, it is clear that the treatment of edema is, first of all, the treatment of the underlying disease that caused the edema.

It is relatively easy to recognize the causes of edema associated with local inflammation or trauma. In this case, measures are taken to treat the cause of the inflammation – most often antibiotics and antiseptics.Chronic joint damage (arthrosis), with significant stress, can also lead to inflammation and swelling of the tissues of the joint and paw.

Edema of the face or neck (Quincke’s edema), which is a symptom of an allergy, can be life-threatening, in which case the animal must be brought to the clinic immediately. It is important to know that antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, suprastin, and others are rarely effective in dogs and cats, and their effectiveness cannot be predicted, therefore first aid for angioedema is to restore airway patency, if it is impaired, adrenaline, because it inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells, and steroid hormones (prednisolone or dexamethasone), because they inhibit allergic reactions at all stages of their development.Quincke’s edema rarely develops on drugs given by mouth, mainly on parenteral, that is, injection.

The drug that caused the allergy is not allowed to be administered in the future – tell all the doctors who will treat your animal in the future.

Edema due to low levels of albumin in the blood can be diagnosed by measuring the level of albumin and total protein (biochemical blood test). Low albumin levels can be corrected by administering intravenous human albumin with adequate nutrition.In addition, transfusion of colloidal solutions (refortan, infukol) and careful use of diuretics can help in the fight against peripheral edema.
Do not forget that this type of peripheral edema is also only a symptom, and if your animal does not have an obvious reason for protein loss (malnutrition or diarrhea), it is necessary to examine the internal organs (liver, kidneys) – for this, a biochemical blood test is also used, Ultrasound, general urine analysis.

Peripheral edema due to chronic heart failure is quite rare, however, when receiving an animal with edema, the doctor must, at least on the basis of examination data (palpation of the pulse, auscultation of the heart, examination of the mucous membranes), form an opinion about the work of the heart.

Local edema due to impaired venous and lymph drainage is also quite rare. You may encounter this type of edema, for example, if an intravenous catheter is in the animal’s leg for a long time – then you can loosen the catheter fixing patch, or, after agreeing with your doctor, remove the catheter altogether. Another not uncommon situation is swelling of the paws after a regional or unilateral mastectomy (removal of breast tumors) – after all, during these operations, the inguinal and / or axillary lymph nodes are necessarily removed in order to check for the presence of metastases in them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly should the animal be shown to the doctor and why?

Quincke’s edema alone requires immediate medical attention. If, after the introduction of any drug, your animal’s face suddenly swells, the mucous membranes of the oral cavity become intensely red or vice versa, turn pale, vomiting and rapid, difficult breathing, sometimes with wheezing, immediately take the animal to the clinic.
If peripheral edema has arisen gradually, it is necessary to understand its causes.To do this, sign up for a routine examination with a therapist – but of course, you should not postpone the visit to the doctor too much either.

Is it possible to help an animal at home with angioedema?

Probably not. Typical doctor’s actions at the appointment are as follows: if the animal is suffocating, it may need to be intubated – by placing a tube into the trachea through the mouth under anesthesia, or performing a tracheostomy. Allow oxygen to breathe. Introduce epinephrine 0.01 mg / kg intramuscularly, prednisolone 2 mg / kg intravenously or intramuscularly, establish drip infusion of fluid intravenously.

Other types of edema require observation and planned clarification of their causes by a therapist, because in themselves they do not threaten the animal.

Maybe the dog ran a lot and her legs just got numb, everything will go away after rest ?

Maybe, but in a healthy animal, the legs don’t just swell like that, even in an untrained animal and after a significant load. Routine examination is necessary to identify possible problems with joints or internal organs.

Maybe try some unconventional methods (wraps, compresses), or just push the dog around to improve blood circulation?

Do not, until you see a doctor and find out the cause of the edema, avoid any treatment.You will not eliminate the cause of the edema, and then the doctor may have to deal with the consequences of such “treatment”. In case of severe skin inflammation, a dermatologist, in addition to the main treatment, may advise compresses with magnesium sulfate (magnesia), which relieve inflammatory edema well, but wait with them before consulting a doctor.

What to do with an insect bite?

If the bite did not affect the general condition of the animal and did not cause severe edema, just watch it, you do not need to do anything, except, perhaps, treat the bite site with an antiseptic (iodine or brilliant green).A bite that has caused significant swelling, itching, anxiety, it is better to show a doctor. A single injection of corticosteroids will help to quickly remove unpleasant symptoms if they are significantly pronounced. Quincke’s edema or anaphylactic shock that occurs after a bite naturally requires immediate medical attention.

Swollen arm or leg after a midge bite – what to do?

If you like to go out into nature, then you probably came across a small midge, which is also called vile.

These small insects can cause discomfort and thus ruin any rest. Most often, midges can be found in June or early July, but next to swamps or other stagnant bodies of water, these insects live in other months. The worst thing is that these insects are very small and can get into any crevice.

If you do not think about precautions in advance, then you will be bitten by a midge.But the bite of these insects is different from the bite of a mosquito. Due to the fact that the mosquito carefully pierces the skin with its trunk, the gnat gnaws out a piece of the epidermis, and then licks off the liquid that protrudes from the wound.

First, special substances act on the wound, which are secreted by the gnat and we do not feel the place of the bite. But later, the bite site turns red and swells, itching begins and the swelling can last more than one day, what to do in such a situation?

Prevention of midge bites

So that midges and other insects do not bother you in nature, it is necessary to treat clothes and skin with special sprays or aerosols.These products can provide reliable protection for up to 8 hours! For example, the water-based DEET mosquito and midge spray provides ultra protection without leaving any stains on clothing.

First aid for a gnat bite

First, you need to rinse the bite site, or disinfect. Due to the fact that the saliva of the gnat is irritating and can become a carrier of unpleasant diseases. The best thing is to rinse the wound with cotton wool that has been soaked in alcohol.As a last resort, simply rinse with clean water and gently wipe away excess water from your hand. The main thing is that you should not rub your skin, as this will only increase the itching.

You should lightly press down on the site of the bite, this helps to slow down the absorption of the venom of the midge. If after the bite your hand swells, then in this case you need (if you have experience), apply an elastic bandage. If you do not have this experience, then you better not do it, because there is a possibility that you will transfer the blood circulation.

In order for the swelling to go away faster, it is best to treat the edema site with an antiseptic. And if you are allergic to a midge bite, then you should take an antihistamine.

What to do to get rid of the consequences that formed after a gnat bite?

Wherever a midge bites you, taking special antihistamines, you will quickly get rid of the bite marks. A novocaine dressing will help if you experience severe itching.But if the bite fell on soft tissues (eyes), then it would be better to use a compress with furacilin.

Also, you can use a solution of soda (1 tablespoon per 200 ml of water), wipe the affected area of ​​the body with a cotton swab dipped in this solution. If the bite fell on the face, then this solution is prohibited.

If you do not have medication, then you just need to press down on the bite site and apply ice, this is usually enough to make the bite go away faster.

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