What are the signs of an infected insect bite. How can you identify different types of insect bite infections. When should you see a doctor for an insect bite. What are the potential complications of untreated insect bites. How are infected insect bites treated.

Identifying Infected Insect Bites: Key Signs and Symptoms

While most insect bites are harmless and resolve on their own, some can become infected and require medical attention. Recognizing the signs of an infected bite is crucial for timely treatment and prevention of complications.

Common indicators of an infected insect bite include:

• Expanded area of redness around the bite site
• Swelling that persists or worsens
• Presence of pus or discharge
• Increasing pain or tenderness
• Fever or chills
• Warm sensation around the bite area
• Red streaks extending from the bite
• Formation of sores or abscesses near the bite
• Swollen lymph nodes

Are all red rings around insect bites a cause for concern? Not necessarily. A small red area immediately surrounding a bite is often a normal reaction. However, if the redness expands significantly, becomes hot to the touch, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate an infection.

Common Types of Insect Bite Infections and Their Characteristics

Several types of infections can develop from insect bites. Understanding their unique features can help in identifying the specific condition and seeking appropriate treatment.

Impetigo: A Contagious Skin Infection

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that commonly occurs in children but can affect adults as well. How does impetigo manifest after an insect bite?

• Red sores develop around the bite site
• Sores rupture and ooze before forming a yellowish crust
• Mild itching and soreness may be present
• Can be localized or spread to other areas
• May cause scarring in severe cases

Impetigo is highly contagious but typically not dangerous if treated promptly with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, it can progress to more serious conditions like cellulitis.

Cellulitis: A Deep Skin Infection

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the deeper layers of skin and surrounding tissues. Unlike impetigo, cellulitis is not contagious. What are the distinguishing features of cellulitis?

• Spreading redness from the bite site
• Fever and chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Possible pus drainage from the bite

Cellulitis usually responds well to antibiotic treatment. However, if left untreated, it can lead to a life-threatening condition called sepsis.

Lymphangitis: Inflammation of the Lymphatic Vessels

Lymphangitis occurs when the lymphatic vessels, part of the body’s immune system, become inflamed. What are the telltale signs of lymphangitis following an insect bite?

• Red, irregular streaks extending from the bite site
• Tender and warm streaks
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fever, headache, and chills

Prompt antibiotic treatment is crucial for lymphangitis. If neglected, it can progress to more severe infections, including skin abscesses, cellulitis, blood infections, and potentially life-threatening sepsis.

Lyme Disease: A Serious Tick-Borne Illness

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites, primarily in certain regions of the United States. How can you identify potential Lyme disease after a tick bite?

• Bull’s-eye shaped rash (though not present in all cases)
• Fever and headache
• Joint and muscle pain
• Fatigue

Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are vital for Lyme disease. Untreated cases can lead to complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Insect Bites

While many insect bites can be managed at home, certain situations require professional medical evaluation. When should you consult a doctor for an insect bite?

• Signs of systemic infection (chills, fever above 100°F or 37.7°C)
• Any signs of infection in children
• Red streaks extending from the bite (indicating possible lymphangitis)
• Development of sores or abscesses around the bite
• Increasing pain over several days
• Lack of improvement after 48 hours of using over-the-counter antibiotic ointment
• Expanding redness around the bite after 48 hours

Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat, as this is a medical emergency.

Treatment Options for Infected Insect Bites

The treatment approach for infected insect bites depends on the type and severity of the infection. What are the common treatment options available?

• Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments for minor infections
• Prescription oral antibiotics for more severe infections
• Antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce itching and inflammation
• Proper wound care and cleaning
• In some cases, drainage of abscesses may be necessary

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and complete the full course of any prescribed antibiotics to ensure effective treatment and prevent antibiotic resistance.

Preventing Insect Bite Infections: Practical Tips

While it’s not always possible to avoid insect bites entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of bites and subsequent infections. How can you protect yourself from insect bites and potential complications?

• Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, especially in wooded areas
• Avoid scratching bites to prevent introducing bacteria into the wound
• Clean bites promptly with soap and water
• Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to bites
• Check for ticks after spending time outdoors in tick-prone areas
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping outdoors or in areas with high insect populations

By taking these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing infected insect bites and their potential complications.

Long-Term Effects of Untreated Insect Bite Infections

While many insect bite infections can be effectively treated when caught early, neglecting proper care can lead to serious long-term consequences. What are the potential long-term effects of untreated insect bite infections?

• Chronic skin infections
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Spread of infection to deeper tissues or organs
• Development of antibiotic-resistant infections
• In the case of Lyme disease, chronic joint, heart, or neurological problems
• Rarely, systemic infections leading to sepsis or organ failure

These potential outcomes underscore the importance of prompt treatment and proper care for insect bites, especially those showing signs of infection.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Individuals

Certain groups of people may be at higher risk for developing complications from insect bites and should exercise extra caution. Who should be particularly vigilant about insect bite prevention and care?

• Young children and infants
• Elderly individuals
• People with weakened immune systems
• Individuals with diabetes or circulatory disorders
• Those with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect bites
• Pregnant women

If you fall into one of these high-risk categories, it’s crucial to take extra precautions to prevent insect bites and seek medical attention promptly if you suspect an infection.

Understanding the signs of infected insect bites, knowing when to seek medical attention, and taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of complications. By staying informed and vigilant, you can enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing the potential health risks associated with insect bites.

When to See a Doctor, Possible Complications

Infected bug bites may require a course of antibiotics. Seek urgent medical treatment if you develop red skin streaks, the bite area spreads, your pain worsens, or you develop symptoms of sepsis.

Bug bites can be annoying, but most are harmless, and you’ll just have a few days of itching. But some bug bites do need treatment, including:

• bites from poisonous insect
• bites that cause a serious condition like Lyme disease
• bites or stings from an insect to which you’re allergic

Read on to learn how to identify infected bug bites and how to treat them.

Most insect bites will be itchy and red for a few days. But if one gets infected, you might also have:

• a wide area of redness around the bite
• swelling around the bite
• pus
• increasing pain
• fever
• chills
• feeling of warmth around the bite
• long red line extending out from the bite
• sores or abscesses on or around the bite
• swollen glands (lymph nodes)

Bug bites can often cause a lot of itching. Scratching may make you feel better, but if you break the skin, you can transfer bacteria from your hand into the bite. This can lead to an infection.

The most common infections of bug bites include:

Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection. It’s most common in infants and children, but adults can get it too. Impetigo is very contagious.

Impetigo causes red sores around the bite. Eventually, the sores rupture, ooze for a few days, and then form a yellowish crust. The sores may be mildly itchy and sore.

The sores may be mild and contained to one area, or more widespread. More severe impetigo may cause scarring. No matter the severity, impetigo is usually not dangerous and can be treated with antibiotics. However, untreated impetigo can cause cellulitis.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of your skin and the surrounding tissue. It’s not contagious.

Symptoms of cellulitis include:

• redness that spreads from the bite
• fever
• swollen lymph nodes
• chills
• pus coming from the bite

Cellulitis can usually be treated with antibiotics. Untreated or severe cellulitis can cause sepsis, a life threatening complication of infection.

Lymphangitis

Lymphangitis is an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, which connect lymph nodes and move lymph throughout your body. These vessels are part of your immune system.

Symptoms of lymphangitis include:

• red, irregular tender streaks that extend out from the bite, which may be warm to the touch
• enlarged lymph nodes
• fever
• headache
• chills

Lymphangitis can be treated with antibiotics. If it’s not treated, it can lead to other infections, such as:

• skin abscesses
• cellulitis
• blood infection
• sepsis, which is a life threatening systemic infection

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is an illness caused by a bacteria transmitted through tick bites. In the United States, Lyme disease is most common in the northeast, mid-Atlantic, and north-central states.

Symptoms of Lyme disease include:

• bull‘s-eye-shaped rash (not everyone who has Lyme disease gets this rash, but it’s characteristic of Lyme disease)
• fever
• headache
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• fatigue

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. It’s important to diagnose and treat Lyme disease early, so always check for ticks after being outdoors in areas where Lyme disease is common. Untreated illness can cause issues with your joints, heart, and nervous system.

You may be able to treat minor infections at home with over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointments. But in many cases, you’ll need to go to the doctor for an infected bug bite or sting. You should see a doctor if:

• you have signs of a systemic infection, such as chills or a fever, especially if the fever is above 100°F (37.7°C)
• your child has any signs of an infected bug bite
• you have signs of lymphangitis, such as red streaks extending from the bite
• you develop sores or abscesses on or around the bite
• the pain on or around the bite gets worse over a few days after you’ve been bitten
• the infection doesn’t get better after using an antibiotic ointment for 48 hours
• redness spreads from the bite and gets bigger after 48 hours

An infection is just one reason to see a doctor after an insect bite or sting. You should also see a doctor after a bite or sting if you:

• are stung or bitten in the mouth, nose, or throat
• have flu-like symptoms a few days after a tick or mosquito bite
• have a rash after a tick bite
• are bitten by a spider and have any of the following symptoms within 30 minutes to 8 hours:
  • cramping
  • fever
  • nausea
  • severe pain
  • an ulcer at the site of the bite

Additionally, get emergency medical treatment if you have symptoms of anaphylaxis, an emergency condition caused by a severe allergic reaction.

Medical emergency

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Call 911 or local emergency services and go to the nearest emergency room if you’ve been bitten by an insect and you have:

• hives and itching across your body
• trouble breathing
• trouble swallowing
• tightness in your chest or throat
• dizziness
• nausea or vomiting
• swollen face, mouth, or throat
• loss of consciousness

It can be hard to prevent bug bites if you spend time outside. But there are some steps you can take to make it less likely that you get bitten:

• Use insect repellent when you’re outside, especially repellents that contain DEET. Be sure to test them on a small patch of skin first to make sure they don’t irritate you.
• Avoid heavily scented perfume, cologne, soap, or shampoo.
• Wear long sleeves and pants whenever possible.
• Avoid going outside from dusk through dawn, which is when mosquitoes are most active.
• Stay away from standing water and humid but shady areas. These types of places attract mosquitoes.
• If insects come near you, stay calm and back away slowly. Don’t swat at them.
• Check your body for ticks after returning from tick-infested areas. Immediately remove any ticks that are found.

Scratching a bug bite may make you feel better, but it can also cause an infection if bacteria from your hand gets into the bite.

If you do get an infection, talk with a doctor about whether you need oral antibiotics or if OTC antibiotic ointment will help.

Pictures, symptoms, treatment, and more

Insects often bite humans in an attempt to feed or in self-defense. Most insect bites are harmless and will disappear after a few days. However, in some instances, an insect bite may become infected.

Many insects will inject a person with formic acid when biting them. This saliva may contain several substances, some of which can cause a person’s body to respond adversely.

Various insects in the United States can bite. These include:

• bedbugs
• fleas
• flies, such as horseflies
• gnats
• midges
• mosquitoes
• ticks
• bees
• wasps

Typically, insect bites do not require medical attention. However, in some instances, an insect bite may become infected.

The skin acts as a barrier to the harmless bacteria on its surface. If the skin breaks, these harmless bacteria can get under the skin and cause an infection.

An insect bite can penetrate the skin, allowing bacteria to enter.

A common symptom of insect bites is a small, itchy lump. If a person scratches this lump, it may break the skin. This can allow bacteria from their hand to enter the bite, leading to an infection.

A person may have to see a doctor for treatment if they have an infected insect bite. However, most infected bites are easy to treat with a course of antibiotics.

Learn why mosquito bites itch.

An infected insect bite may cause one or more of these symptoms:

• a buildup of pus
• chills
• a feeling of warmth around the bite
• fever
• increasing pain
• a red or dark line extending from the bite
• discoloration and swelling appearing around the bite
• sores or abscesses on or around the bite
• swollen glands (lymph nodes)

Insect bites can cause several common infections.

Learn more about different types of infection here.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection. It is most common in young children; however, adults can get it too.

The first sign of impetigo is a patch of red or purplish, itchy skin. This can then develop into sores that burst and ooze before drying up.

Impetigo is easy to treat using antibiotics. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), the infection can cause new sores or blisters to develop if left untreated. The infection can also go deeper beneath the skin, which can be severe.

Learn more about what skin infections look like here.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a relatively widespread bacterial infection that occurs in the deeper layers of the skin. A 2016 article indicated that around 14.5 million people develop cellulitis in the U.S. each year.

Cellulitis can be very painful, often involves skin discoloration, pain in one area, and often feels warm and tender to touch.

The infection can spread rapidly around the body and can lead to sepsis, which is severe. Cellulitis can start suddenly and can become life threatening without quick treatment.

If caught early, a doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics to treat cellulitis. However, if the infection is more severe, it may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics and other care.

Learn more about cellulitis from insect bites here.

Lymphangitis

Lymphangitis is an infection of the lymph vessels. It is a secondary infection, meaning other infections cause lymphangitis to occur. Infections caused by insect bites can cause lymphangitis.

Early signs of lymphangitis include red or dark streaks extending from the bite to areas where lymph glands are present. These include the areas around the neck, armpits, groin, and gut.

Other lymphangitis symptoms include feeling sick or weak, chills, a fever, a headache, low energy, and a loss of appetite.

Lymphangitis can be severe and may spread quickly. Anyone experiencing these symptoms must go to a doctor. A doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics to treat the issue. If IV antibiotics are required, the treatment may take place in the hospital or doctor’s office.

Learn more about the lymphatic system here.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is the most common insect-borne disease in the U.S. Infected blacklegged ticks transfer this disease to humans through their bite.

Lyme disease symptoms include fever, a headache, fatigue, and a rash on the person’s skin. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the heart, joints, and nervous system.

In most cases, a doctor will treat Lyme disease with antibiotics.

Learn more about tick bites here.

There are several things a person can do to prevent insect bites. These include:

• avoiding bothering insects
• avoiding heavily scented cosmetics and bright-colored clothing
• avoiding wooded and grassy areas
• taking care when eating outside as this may attract insects
• using insect repellant
• using structural barriers, such as window screens or netting when indoors
• wearing protective clothing if necessary

If an insect does bite occur, there are several things a person can do to prevent infection. These include:

• applying ice compresses to the bite
• cleaning the bite with soap and water
• elevating the area if it becomes swollen
• taking anti-inflammatory drugs
• updating tetanus status as required

Learn how to identify an infected wound here.

Some people can have an allergic reaction to an insect bite. If this happens, a person should seek medical help. The main sign of an allergic reaction is swelling of the skin around the bite that lasts longer than 24 hours.

Here are some other signs of an allergic reaction to an insect bite:

• dizziness
• difficulty breathing
• feeling of weakness
• itching or painful sensation at the area of the bite
• nausea
• raised skin rash
• severe itching
• stomach and bowel problems

It is worth noting that insect bites rarely cause allergic reactions. One study showed that just 2% of people react to insect bites and stings and display symptoms that affect more than only the surrounding area of skin.

An allergic reaction to an insect bite can be severe. When this occurs, a doctor may prescribe oral antihistamines or pain relievers.

Learn more about allergies here.

A person should see a doctor if they believe they have an infected insect bite. Early treatment of the infection can prevent further complications.

A person should seek emergency medical help if they are showing signs of an infection and also have one of the following symptoms:

• dizziness
• hives and itching across the body
• loss of consciousness
• nausea or vomiting
• swollen face, mouth, or throat
• tight chest or throat
• trouble breathing
• trouble swallowing

A person should also seek emergency medical help if a poisonous insect or bug has bitten them.

Learn about five poisonous insects here.

Insect bites are common and are often not a cause for concern. They will usually go away after a few days without the need for treatment.

A person should seek medical help from a doctor if their insect bite becomes infected. Treatment will typically involve a course of antibiotics. Early treatment can help prevent further complications and other infections.

If the infection is more severe, a person may require IV antibiotics or other care.

Allergy to insect bites.!

contents

1. General information
2. Types of allergic reactions to insect venom
3. How to recognize an allergy to insect stings?
4. What to do after an insect bite?

1. General information

Insect bites is a phenomenon familiar to everyone. It is especially relevant for the summer season, when most representatives of the arthropod order can be found literally anywhere where there is land and sunlight.

Many insects (wasps, bees, and others), when bitten, release a poisonous liquid, which, when ingested by a person with hypersensitivity, causes allergic reactions. Despite the fact that they are rarely serious, disturbing only with slight swelling and redness, every person should know the main symptoms of allergies. This information will help you identify an allergy to insect stings so that you can manage it on your own or with medical help.

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2. Types of allergic reactions to insect venom

The body of each person is individual and unique, therefore the consequences of the bite of the same insect of different people will be different in severity and nature of manifestation. And yet, there are three general types of allergic reactions to insect venom:

• Local type. This type of bite allergy is the most common. It is characterized by swelling of a large area of ​​the body and itching. For example, if the bite was in the hand, then the whole hand swells up. As a rule, puffiness is observed for several days after it, and then disappears.
• Normal type of reaction. A distinctive feature of this type of insect bite is the occurrence of pain, redness of the affected area of ​​the skin and the appearance of a small swelling.
• Allergic type. It represents the most dangerous result of an insect bite, when substances injected into the bloodstream are identified by the human immune system as allergens – potentially harmful elements. Allergic manifestations develop instantly and can lead to severe complications, so it is very important to recognize them immediately and seek medical help.

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3. How to recognize an allergy to insect stings?

Allergic reactions to insect stings can be either severe or moderate. Consider the main signs of moderate allergies:

• puffiness,
• fever,
• itching,
• pain,
• minor rash.

Remember that if you suddenly have an allergic reaction to an insect sting, there is about a 60 to 70 percent chance of it coming back. Therefore, it is very important for people prone to allergies to insect bites to take precautions when outdoors: use insect protection, cover all easily accessible areas of the body with clothes and have an antihistamine medicine on hand in case the bite still could not be avoided. .

Severe allergies to insect stings are most commonly caused by stings from stinging insects such as wasps, bees, hornets and bumblebees. Bees can only sting once, and after that they die, leaving the stinger and part of their insides under the human skin. The stinger left by the bee for a few more minutes after the bite releases poison, so if you are bitten by a bee, try to remove the sting immediately. Wasps, hornets can sting repeatedly. If you have been attacked by these insects in nature, go to another place in order to prevent their recurrence.

Signs of allergy to stinging insects may include:

• swelling of the throat or face;
• difficulty in swallowing and breathing,
• itching and rash;
• shortness of breath;
• increased heart rate;
• feeling of restlessness and anxiety;
• dizziness;
• lowering blood pressure.

Although acute allergies to insect stings are rare, they are extremely dangerous. Just a few minutes after the poison enters the body, a person can develop anaphylactic shock. Moreover, he can suddenly lose consciousness and die. Therefore, the victim at the first sign of an allergic reaction urgently needs medical help.

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4.What to do after an insect bite?

If you have been stung by a bee on your hand, you should immediately remove all rings and other jewelry, and then try to remove the stinger. It is important to carefully remove the pouch filled with poison with any hard object. At the same time, try not to pull on the bag and do not put pressure on it, as in this case you will only accelerate the injection of the poisonous liquid.

People who are not prone to developing allergic reactions to wasp and bee stings should take a tablet of any antihistamine: Tavegil, Phencarol, Parlazin, Suprastin, etc. It is also worth applying a lotion moistened in any antiseptic to the stung place, and then lubricate it with a soothing ointment. Act according to circumstances. For example, if the arm is very swollen and the swelling does not disappear for a long period of time, apply a cold compress or ice to the affected area of ​​the skin. It is not superfluous in such a situation to take another antihistamine pill.

It is important to monitor the condition of the victim of a bite, as it can worsen at any time due to changes in blood pressure, an increase in body temperature, and the appearance of rashes on other areas of the skin. If necessary, call an ambulance.

Tick bite – symptoms and treatment, what to do if bitten by a tick

What does a tick look like and bite

A hungry tick can hardly be distinguished from some harmless spider. It will fit in a notebook cage: its length is only 4 mm. The tick has a tightly “linked” abdomen with the head, 8 legs. There is a proboscis on its head, with the help of which it bites through the skin and digs into the victim.

A tick that did not have time to drink blood, small: you need to have high sensitivity to feel its movements on the skin

Tick saliva, like many blood-sucking ones, has an analgesic effect. This allows him to work imperceptibly and stick for a long time. Sometimes a tick can drink blood for up to 5 days if it has not been found on the body before.

The anatomy of the tick allows it to swell as it saturates – up to 10 mm. Therefore, by the size of the sucked tick, one can roughly determine how long it has been drinking blood. If the parasite is small, most likely, not much time has passed since the bite. For a doctor, the size of the parasite can be an important indicator: the longer the tick sucks blood, the greater the dose of pathogens it will have time to transmit to the victim.

This is what a well-fed tick looks like. He can suck blood for several days, then disappears

It is precisely the stuck mites that are dangerous. While the parasite is crawling over the body, it cannot infect its victim with anything. The bloodsucker chooses a place for a bite carefully and, in search of a suitable site, can examine the skin for several hours.

However, cases are known when infected patients claimed to have noticed a tick before it had time to stick. Perhaps the tick is “testing” some areas of the skin in search of an ideal place to bite – and this is enough to transmit the infection.

More often, ticks bite between the fingers and buttocks, in the groin, under the knees, in the waist, under the arm, on the neck, behind the ears, on the scalp.

A small red spot up to 1 cm in diameter remains at the site of the bite – as from a mosquito bite.

Ticks choose to bite warm areas with thin and delicate skin – where blood vessels are close

What to do if a tick has stuck

The main rule is to remove it without sudden movements and the sooner the better.

The choice of tactics depends on the situation. If there is an emergency room nearby, it is advisable to seek help there.

If there is no way to quickly get to the doctor, it is reasonable to get rid of the tick yourself.

How to properly remove a tick

It is safer to do this with rubber gloves or through a plastic bag. It is easier to protect the skin this way: if an infected tick is accidentally crushed, it is possible to become infected even through small wounds and cuts on the fingers.

How to remove a tick yourself:

1. Take tweezers. Sometimes it is advised to use a strong thread or a special lasso pen to remove a tick (these are sold in pharmacies), but Rospotrebnadzor recommends tweezers. You cannot pull out the tick with your hands.
2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. If a thread is used, it must be carefully tied around the proboscis, but not too tight so as not to cut the body of the parasite. It is impossible to squeeze the tick: viruses and bacteria are concentrated in its insides. For the same reason, it is not recommended to use oil, nail polish or burn it out with a match to remove the tick. Under the influence of aggressive irritants, the tick begins to suffocate and can release a large amount of infected fluid into the wound – saliva or intestinal contents.
3. With effort, but slowly and calmly pull up, slightly swinging. If a thread is used, its ends must be pulled apart, pulled and lifted. At the same time, it is not recommended to pull out or pull the tick, because the head or part of the oral apparatus, together with the salivary glands, can come off and remain in the wound. Then the infection will continue even after the removal of the parasite.
4. Treat the bite site and hands with an antibacterial agent (eg, iodine or chlorhexidine solution). If neither is available, use soap and water.
5. Submit a tick for analysis. To do this, it must be placed in a jar or container. Close the container with a double layer of gauze or any other fabric, secure tightly with an elastic band.

It is important to grasp the sucked tick correctly so as not to damage it and pull it out completely

Externally infected ticks do not differ from others. Whether the parasite is contagious or not, a PCR test will show.

It is advisable to put a damp cotton pad or blade of grass into the container with the tick. So it is more likely that the bloodsucker will reach the laboratory alive. Then the result of the study will be as accurate as possible.

In the body of a dried and crushed tick, pathogens are more difficult to identify. Foreign substances such as oil or gasoline, in which ticks removed from the body are often soaked, also make research difficult.

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What to do if you can’t remove the tick completely

If the head or proboscis of the tick remains in the wound, they must be removed with sterile tweezers or a needle in the same way as a splinter is removed.

If you are not sure that it will be possible to do this efficiently and painlessly at home, it is better to go to the emergency room or the clinic to the surgeon.

How does an allergy to a tick bite manifest?

Allergy is indicated by redness, swelling and burning in the bite area. They occur immediately after the tick is sucked or within 2 days. The reaction is caused by allergens contained in the saliva of the parasite. After taking antihistamines, symptoms usually disappear within 24 to 48 hours.

The development of a severe allergy can be suspected when, after a bite, lacrimation, sneezing, nasal congestion, headache, cough, suffocation appear. To prevent anaphylaxis (an acute allergic reaction, a life-threatening condition), an emergency ambulance is required.

In any case, even mild allergy symptoms should not be ignored. There is a risk of confusing them with the first signs of infectious diseases transmitted by ticks.

What diseases can a tick infect

Ixodid ticks are carriers of a number of viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Once in the blood of humans and animals, these pathogens cause infectious diseases.

The most common of them are: tick-borne encephalitis, borreliosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and babesiosis. They can be identified by laboratory tests. It is preferable to take a removed tick for analysis.

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However, if it was not possible to save the tick, you can examine the blood of the bitten one. An analysis for pathogens carried by the parasite will be indicative as early as 10 days after a tick bite – in the viremia phase, when the pathogen circulates in the blood. Accurate diagnosis will help to start treatment on time, thereby reducing the risk of possible complications.

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Tick-borne encephalitis

Viral tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an acute infectious disease. It is caused by a pathogen from the flavivirus family. The pathogen lives and develops in the salivary glands of the tick. When the parasite bites another victim, the virus enters the bloodstream. This is how infection occurs.

You can become infected with tick-borne encephalitis if you drink the raw milk of infected goats and cows. The virus in dairy products dies only during pasteurization.

The severity of the disease depends on the subtype of the virus. When infected with the Far Eastern subtype, the likelihood of developing a severe form of tick-borne encephalitis is high. And diseases caused by the Siberian subtype of the virus more often become chronic. But any subtype of the virus can cause the entire spectrum of clinical forms of tick-borne encephalitis – from mild febrile or asymptomatic to severe focal.

TBE virus is a neurotropic virus. That is, it acts purposefully – it hits the central nervous system. Therefore, in about a third of patients, the infection affects the brain and spinal cord. Meningoencephalitis may develop, which leads to serious and often irreversible neurological consequences: paralysis, tremor of the limbs, speech and vision disorders, etc. According to statistics, about 2% of cases of the disease end in the death of the patient.

The course of the disease is determined by the behavior of the virus in the blood of the infected. There are various forms of infection, including:

• febrile – characterized by an increase in body temperature against the background of general intoxication (symptoms as in ARVI). This form responds well to treatment and rarely leads to complications;
• meningeal – the most common form in which the virus infects the membranes of the spinal cord and brain;
• meningoencephalitic – brain cells are affected by the virus;
• polio – the virus mainly affects the neurons of the spinal cord;
• polyradiculoneuritis – with this form, peripheral nerves suffer, which can lead to ascending paralysis (complete loss of movement, which starts from the legs and spreads upwards, gradually captures the torso, arms, facial muscles, pharynx, larynx, tongue).

The focal form of tick-borne encephalitis is characterized by a two-wave course. In this case, the acute phase of the disease proceeds in two stages. There is a clear (asymptomatic) gap between them, which can be mistaken for recovery. It lasts 1-3 weeks, after which the second wave comes. As a rule, it proceeds harder than the first.

The incubation period lasts up to 28 days, although there is also a rapid onset of the disease the very next day after the bite. Regardless of the form, the symptoms are approximately the same at the initial stage of the disease.

Moreover, there may be no obvious manifestations by which tick-borne encephalitis can be easily recognized. Usually this is a typical condition for infections: weakness, chills, high temperature (up to 38–39 ° C), pain in muscles and joints.

To prevent complications, patients are given anti-tick immunoglobulin or normal human immunoglobulin .

Anti-tick human immunoglobulin is a specially purified blood serum from a donor who has been ill with tick-borne encephalitis.

Normal human immunoglobulin is a serum that contains a spectrum of non-specific protective proteins. They do not target a specific pathogen.

However, in the WHO recommendations for the treatment of tick-borne encephalitis, this measure is considered insufficient and does not guarantee 100% protection against the disease. In addition, immunoglobulin is only effective during the first 72 hours after a tick bites.

Vaccination remains the only reliable way to prevent severe encephalitis. The standard scheme involves the introduction of 2-3 doses of the vaccine, depending on the drug. Immunity begins to develop 2 weeks after the second injection. Therefore, it is important to get vaccinated before the tick season.

There is also an accelerated regimen where the vaccine is given twice, 7-30 days apart, to provide the necessary protection.

After 3–7 days of infection, IgM antibodies appear in the blood. These are early antibodies, they are not able to neutralize the virus. If you donate blood for analysis during this period, the presence of these antibodies will indicate the acute phase of the disease.

Over the next 2 weeks, the IgM titer gradually decreases, but the titer of late IgG antibodies increases. They neutralize the virus. At the same time, an additional defense mechanism is launched – the complement system. That is, immunity builds up strength to fight infection.

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Borreliosis (Lyme disease)

Tick-borne borreliosis is an acute bacterial infection. Its pathogens are the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and several other types of Borrelia (Borrelia garinii, Borrelia afzelii, etc.). The disease affects the central nervous system, joints, skin and heart.

It is believed that infection with borreliosis is unlikely if the tick has drunk blood for no longer than 2 hours. This is due to the fact that there are no or very few Borrelia in the parasite’s saliva – bacteria live in its intestines. When a tick attaches itself and drinks blood, microorganisms gradually move into the salivary glands of the parasite. And then, with saliva, they enter the blood of the bitten.

But even if the sucking tick was quickly noticed and removed, the possibility of infection cannot be ruled out. The exact answer, whether the tick was a carrier of the disease, will be given by the study of the parasite by PCR.

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The incubation period for borreliosis lasts 7-14 days. The disease can be recognized by its characteristic symptom – erythema migrans. This is a ring-shaped skin rash with a bright red center. At the initial stage, erythema grows, then turns pale.

Lyme borreliosis erythema migrans may appear at the site of a tick bite or anywhere else on the skin

According to other symptoms, borreliosis is easily confused with influenza and SARS: high fever, chills, headache, pain in muscles and joints, swollen lymph nodes.

Borreliosis often affects the meninges, peripheral nerves and roots, including the cranial nerves, at the same time. In this case, in general, the disease proceeds in a mild form. Patients may be disturbed by weakness of facial muscles on one side of the face or bilateral (impossible to smile, puff out cheeks or frown), shooting pains in the arms, legs, neck, back and lower back, headache, numbness of the extremities.

Often, borreliosis occurs in a latent form without erythema and can make itself felt several months and even years after infection.

If you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite, you should contact your physician or infectious disease specialist. To clarify the diagnosis, a specialist may prescribe a blood test for antibodies to borreliosis:

• class M antibodies are found in the acute phase of the disease,
• class G antibodies are produced a few weeks after the encounter with the pathogen.

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At an early stage, borreliosis is treated with antibiotics. Without timely treatment, the disease can become chronic.

Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis

These are pathogens similar in type and course of infection.

Monocytic ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia chaffeensis (Ehrlichia). Microorganisms infect monocytes (white blood cells), blood vessels, as well as cells of other organs and tissues.

The causative agent of anaplasmosis, the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, attacks granulocytes: cells of the immune system.

The incubation period for these diseases is usually 14 days. Infections are latent or flu-like in symptoms: fever, chills, sweating, weakness, headache, less often nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. With ehrlichiosis, a maculopapular rash may appear on the body.

Rash characteristic of monocytic ehrlichiosis: flat, pale red patches that do not spread to the palms and soles of the feet

Infections provoke the development of DIC – a violation of blood clotting, in which blood clots form, bleeding occurs, the kidneys and liver fail, and the work of several body systems is inhibited at once. This condition is called multiple organ failure and, in severe cases, leads to coma.

Infections can be diagnosed either by examining the tick or by testing the blood of the bitten person. True, the second analysis will be informative no earlier than 10 days after the bite.

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Antibiotics are used to treat these infections. The sooner treatment is started, the lower the chance of complications. Usually, a weekly course of medication is enough for the disease to recede.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is an infectious disease caused by protozoa of the genus Babesia. Pathogenic microorganisms penetrate into erythrocytes. In them, babesia multiply, and then destroy and continue to capture new red blood cells.

The incubation period is approximately 2 weeks. At this time, babesia actively multiply in the blood. The disease makes itself felt when there are too many damaged red blood cells.

Babesiosis is characterized by the same manifestations as in ARVI or influenza:

• fatigue,
• chills,
• headache,
• pain in muscles and joints.

In addition, babesiosis shares symptomatic features with malaria:

• hemolytic anemia with jaundice,
• hematuria (blood in urine),
• acute renal failure,
• enlargement of the liver and spleen.

Possible severe course with the development of DIC and multiple organ failure.

Babesiosis can be suspected by abnormalities in some laboratory parameters:

• reduced levels of erythrocytes, platelets and hemoglobin in the general blood test;
• elevated levels of liver enzymes in a biochemical blood test.

The disease is confirmed after the detection of the parasites themselves in erythrocytes – when examining a thin smear or a drop of blood.

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The disease occurs in a particularly severe form in people with reduced immunity. Babesiosis can develop rapidly in them. Typical symptoms are high fever, anemia, jaundice, and kidney failure.

Often, in mild babesiosis in people without concomitant diseases, the immune system copes with the infection on its own. If complications arise, antiparasitic drugs are used to treat babesiosis

How to protect yourself from an encounter with ticks

Absolute protection against ticks does not exist, even if you completely refuse to go to the forest. Meeting ticks is much easier than it seems: they can live anywhere there is soil and grass.

Ticks wake up when the air warms up to 5-7°C, that is, already in March-April, depending on the region. On average, the epidemiological season for tick-borne infections lasts from April to October.

Precautions for outdoor activities:

• Choose light-colored clothing with no patterns or minimalist prints to make it easier to spot ticks.
• Prefer tall shoes and closed clothing with tight cuffs and fasteners.
• Tuck the hems of clothing into shoes and cloth gloves.
• Don’t forget about a headdress that covers the hair and ideally protects the neck (for example, a scarf).
• For additional protection, treat clothing with special sprays or ointments (repellants) that repel ticks specifically. They should contain anti-mite components, such as cypermethrin and alpha-cypermethrin.
• Do not pitch the tent on grass, only on sand or bare ground.
• Do not buy homemade milk and dairy products.

General safety rules for high tick season:

• After returning from a walk, shake out clothes: mites do not bite through the fabric, but they can crawl over it for a long time in search of an open area of ​​​​skin.
• Carefully examine yourself and your loved ones with whom you went for a walk.
• Comb hair with a fine comb.
• Comb and inspect pets that go outside: ticks can bite pets or move from their fur to humans.
• Do not bring home bouquets of wildflowers and herbs.

The risk of encountering ticks remains until autumn. Only with the first cold weather do they leave for wintering in the upper layers of the forest floor – until the next year.

Sources

1. Tactics of managing a patient after a tick bite / FGBOU VO RNIMU them. N.I. Pirogov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation GBUZ “ICB No. 1 DZM”, FGBNU “FNCIRIP them. M.P. Chumakov” RAS.
2. Tick Removal / Сenters for Disease Control and Prevention.
3. Parola P., Eldin C. Update on Tick-Borne Bacterial Diseases in Travelers // Curr Infect Dis, 2018. Vol. 20(7). P. 17. doi:10.1007/s11908-018-0624-y
4. TBE vaccines: WHO position paper // World Health Organization Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2011, No.