What are the characteristics of fire ants. How do fire ant stings manifest. What are the treatment options for fire ant stings. How can severe allergic reactions to fire ant stings be identified. What are effective prevention methods against fire ant attacks.

The Invasion of Fire Ants: A Growing Threat in the United States

Fire ants, particularly the red imported variety, have become a significant concern in the United States since their accidental introduction in the 1930s. These aggressive insects have thrived in the Southern states and gradually expanded northward due to the absence of natural predators. While native fire ants exist in the U.S., they pose less danger and are easier to control compared to their imported counterparts.

These resilient creatures have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, withstanding harsh conditions that would decimate other insect populations. Research conducted at the University of Arkansas revealed that it would take a grueling two weeks of temperatures below 10°F (-12°C) to eliminate an entire colony. This extraordinary resilience has contributed to their rapid spread across the country.

Identifying Fire Ants and Their Nests

Fire ants are distinguishable by their red-brown to black coloration and can grow up to 1/4 inch in length. They construct distinctive nests or mounds, typically reaching about 1 foot in height, often in grassy areas such as lawns and pastures. Unlike traditional anthills with a single entrance, fire ant nests feature multiple entry points, with ants crawling all over the structure.

These colonies are veritable insect metropolises, sometimes housing up to 200,000 ants, according to Texas A&M University. Within these bustling communities, female workers maintain the nest’s structure and care for the young, while male drones breed with the queen or queens. In multi-queen colonies, mature young queens embark on nuptial flights with males to establish new nests, further expanding their territory.

The Painful Reality of Fire Ant Stings

Fire ant stings are notorious for their intensity and the discomfort they cause. When disturbed, these insects swarm onto the perceived threat, anchoring themselves by biting to stabilize their position on the skin. They then proceed to sting repeatedly, injecting a toxin alkaloid venom called solenopsin. This coordinated attack results in a sensation that many describe as feeling like fire, hence their name.

Recognizing Fire Ant Sting Symptoms

Fire ant stings have distinct characteristics that set them apart from other insect bites. They typically appear as groups of swollen red spots that develop a blister on top. These stings are not only painful but also intensely itchy and can persist for up to a week. It’s important to note that some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions to fire ant stings, necessitating immediate medical attention.

• Swollen red spots in clusters
• Blisters forming on top of the red spots
• Intense pain and itching
• Symptoms lasting up to a week

Treating Fire Ant Stings: From Home Remedies to Medical Interventions

For mild sting reactions, several treatment options are available, ranging from simple home remedies to over-the-counter medications. The first step in treating fire ant stings is to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water, followed by covering it with a bandage. Applying ice can help reduce pain and swelling.

Over-the-Counter Solutions

Topical treatments such as over-the-counter steroid creams and antihistamines can effectively reduce pain and itching associated with fire ant stings. These readily available solutions provide relief for most mild to moderate reactions.

Home Remedies for Fire Ant Stings

Several home remedies have been suggested for treating fire ant stings, although their efficacy lacks substantial scientific evidence. Texas A&M University recommends a solution of half bleach and half water. Other popular home remedies include:

• Diluted ammonium solution
• Aloe vera gel
• Astringents like witch hazel

While these remedies may offer some relief, it’s important to note that their effectiveness varies from person to person. The sting and bite marks typically resolve within about a week, provided the affected area is not scratched, which can lead to infection and prolonged healing time.

Recognizing and Responding to Severe Allergic Reactions

While anyone can develop an allergy to fire ant stings, those who have been stung before are at a higher risk. Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of a dangerous allergic reaction, which can include:

• Sudden difficulty breathing
• Trouble swallowing
• Nausea
• Dizziness

These symptoms typically develop rapidly after exposure to fire ant venom. If you or someone around you experiences these signs following a fire ant sting, it’s imperative to seek emergency medical treatment without delay.

Long-Term Management of Fire Ant Allergies

For individuals with severe allergies to fire ant stings, long-term treatment options are available. One such treatment is whole body extract immunotherapy, administered by an allergist-immunologist. This process involves injecting ant extracts and venom into the skin over time, with the goal of decreasing sensitivity to these substances.

Strategies for Preventing Fire Ant Attacks

The most effective way to avoid fire ant stings is to steer clear of their nests and take preventive measures when spending time outdoors. Here are some key strategies to minimize the risk of fire ant attacks:

1. Wear shoes and socks when working or playing outside
2. Avoid disturbing visible fire ant nests
3. If attacked, quickly move away from the nest
4. Use a cloth or wear gloves to brush off ants to prevent hand stings

By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to fire ant stings.

Battling Fire Ant Colonies: Control and Eradication Methods

Eliminating fire ant colonies can be challenging due to their resilience and complex social structure. However, several methods have shown varying degrees of effectiveness in controlling these persistent pests.

Chemical Control Methods

Poisonous baits, when applied regularly, can be effective in managing fire ant populations. The most commonly used pesticide for this purpose is piretherine. For optimal results, bait should be applied during the fall when ant activity is reduced.

Professional Pest Control

In areas where fire ants are prevalent, professional pest control companies offer specialized treatments to combat these invasive insects. These experts have access to more potent chemicals and possess the knowledge to apply them safely and effectively.

Natural Eradication Methods

For those seeking a more natural approach, pouring boiling water over a fire ant hill can be effective in killing many ants. However, this method comes with risks, as surviving ants may become aggressive and attack. It’s crucial to exercise caution when attempting this technique.

The Ecological Impact of Fire Ants in the United States

The proliferation of fire ants, particularly in the southern United States, has had significant ecological consequences. These invasive insects have disrupted local ecosystems, outcompeting native ant species and affecting various wildlife populations.

Impact on Native Species

Fire ants have been observed to prey on small mammals, reptiles, and ground-nesting birds, potentially threatening local biodiversity. Their aggressive behavior and lack of natural predators have allowed them to dominate many habitats, altering the balance of native ecosystems.

Agricultural Concerns

In addition to their impact on natural ecosystems, fire ants pose a threat to agriculture. They have been known to damage crops and farm equipment, leading to economic losses for farmers. Their mounds can also interfere with harvesting operations and reduce the usable area of agricultural lands.

Ongoing Research and Future Prospects in Fire Ant Management

As fire ants continue to pose challenges across the southern United States, researchers are actively exploring new methods for controlling these invasive pests. Current areas of study include biological control agents, advanced baiting techniques, and genetic approaches to population management.

Biological Control Agents

Scientists are investigating potential natural enemies of fire ants from their native habitats in South America. Introducing these biological control agents could help regulate fire ant populations without relying on chemical pesticides.

Advanced Baiting Techniques

Researchers are developing more sophisticated baiting methods that target fire ants more specifically, reducing the impact on non-target species. These new baits aim to disrupt the ants’ reproductive cycle or interfere with their ability to establish new colonies.

Genetic Approaches

Cutting-edge genetic research is exploring ways to manipulate fire ant populations at the DNA level. This could involve introducing genes that reduce fertility or increase susceptibility to certain control methods.

As research progresses, we may see more effective and environmentally friendly methods for managing fire ant populations in the future. In the meantime, awareness, prevention, and prompt treatment of stings remain crucial in dealing with these persistent pests.

Fire Ants: Symptoms and Treatments

Overview of fire ants

Red imported fire ants aren’t supposed to be in the United States, but these dangerous pests have made themselves at home here. If you are stung by fire ants, you’ll probably know it. They swarm onto your skin and their stings feel like fire.

Fire ants range in color from red-brown to black, and grow up to 1/4 inch in length. They build nests or mounds about 1 foot high, usually in grassy areas like lawns and pastures. Unlike most anthills, fire ant nests don’t have just one entrance. The ants crawl all over the hill.

Fire ants are very aggressive when their nest is disturbed. If provoked, they swarm on the perceived intruder, anchor themselves by biting to hold the skin stable, and then sting repeatedly, injecting a toxin alkaloid venom called solenopsin. We refer to this action as “stinging.”

Fire ant nests are like small cities, sometimes containing as many as 200,000 ants, according to Texas A&M University. Inside these busy colonies, female workers maintain the nest’s structure and feed their young. Male drones breed with the queen or queens. When young queens mature in communities with more than one queen, they fly off with males to create new nests.

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Red imported fire ants came to the United States by accident in the 1930s. They have thrived in the Southern states and moved north because they had no local predators. There are fire ants native to the United States, but they are not as dangerous or hard to get rid of as red fire imported ants.

Fire ants can withstand just about any challenge. Researchers at the University of Arkansas found that it would take two weeks of temperatures below 10°F (-12°C) to kill an entire colony. While fire ants kill and eat other insects like regular ants, they have also been known to live on crops and animals. Fire ants can even form nests on water and float them to dry locations.

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If fire ants sting you, chances are you’ll know. They attack in swarms, racing up vertical surfaces (such as your leg) when their nests are disturbed. Each fire ant can sting several times.

To identify fire ant stings, look for groups of swollen red spots that develop a blister on the top. Stings hurt, itch, and last up to a week. Some people have dangerous allergic reactions to stings and will need to seek immediate medical help.

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Treat mild sting reactions by washing the affected area with soap and water and covering it with a bandage. Applying ice can reduce the pain. Topical treatments include over-the-counter steroid creams and antihistamines to reduce pain and itch.

Texas A&M University recommends a home remedy solution of half bleach, half water. Other home remedies include diluted ammonium solution, aloe vera, or astringents like witch hazel. These remedies may offer some relief, but there is no hard evidence to support their use.

The sting and bite marks should go away in about a week. Scratching can cause the affected area to become infected, which can make sting and bite marks last longer.

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Anyone can develop an allergy to fire ant stings, although people who’ve been stung before are at higher risk. An allergic reaction can be fatal. Signs of a dangerous allergic reaction include:

• sudden difficulty breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• nausea
• dizziness

Symptoms develop quickly after exposure. It’s critical to get emergency medical treatment if you experience signs of an allergic reaction to a fire ant sting.

If you have a severe allergy, there are involved long-term treatments, including whole body extract immunotherapy. During this process, an allergist-immunologist injects ant extracts and venom into your skin. Over time, your sensitivity to the extracts and venom should decrease.

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The best way to avoid fire ant stings is to stay away from fire ants. If you see a nest, resist the temptation to disturb it. Wear shoes and socks when working and playing outside. If you are attacked by fire ants, move away from the nest and brush the ants off with a cloth or while wearing gloves so they can’t sting your hands.

Fire ant colonies are hard to destroy. There are some poisonous baits that when applied regularly may get rid of fire ants. The most common is a pesticide called piretherine. The best time to use bait against fire ants is during the fall, when ants are less active. Professional pest control companies treat fire ants where they are common. Dousing a fire ant hill with boiling water can also be effective for killing the ants, but it is also likely to cause the survivors to attack.

Fire ants are a growing problem in the southern United States. Avoid them whenever you can, and take basic protective measures when going outside, such as wearing shoes and socks. Be on the lookout for a severe allergic reaction in anyone who has been stung, and get emergency medical help if needed.

Bug Bites You Shouldn’t Ignore

September 12, 2022

While most bites are only itching annoyances, others can be quite harmful if not handled appropriately. The summer season tends to bring out more bugs like mosquitoes, bees and wasps in full force. Here’s a rundown of some of these bothersome critters – and bites – to be aware of.

BedBugs

While bedbug bites are not life-threatening, they must be diagnosed as soon as they appear. When a bedbug bites you, it injects an anesthetic, which numbs the area, making it difficult for you to know you’ve been bitten. In fact, most people are unaware that they have been bitten until bite marks show one to several days after the original contact. They usually show as a somewhat swollen and red area that itch, similar to a mosquito or flea. These, on the other hand, will frequently run in a straight line and gather in a concentrated location that was exposed while you slept (such as the back, stomach or legs). Even though they do not transmit disease, an infestation in your mattress requires immediate extermination if you do not want the problem to expand and cause you to miss out on crucial sleep. After you’ve dealt with the critters’ breeding grounds, the best method to treat yourself is to avoid scratching; excessive scratching might result in secondary skin diseases.

Chigger Bites

Chiggers come from larvae of a type of mite and feed on vertebrates such as humans. Their bites cause a crimson welt with bright red spots in the middle, as well as a severe and unyielding itch. Chiggers are so little that identifying them with the naked eye might be difficult, but they can be visible on the skin when they are gathered in a group due to their red color. Chigger bites can occur anywhere, although they most commonly appear in clusters around the waist or lower legs. Interestingly, these animals have sensitive mouth parts that can only enter sections of skin with folds or creases, so keep an eye out for those. The bite will inject a digesting enzyme into the host’s skin, causing tissue destruction. Because chiggers feed on human tissue rather than blood, the damaged area can take several weeks to heal. To relieve the itch, take over-the-counter antihistamines and apply cold compresses.

Ticks

Ticks are little spider-like animals, often known as blood-sucking parasites that bite to attach to the skin and feed on blood. It takes between 24 and 48 hours after initial contact for a tick to spread germs into your bloodstream. They can transmit a variety of dangerous diseases, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, Powassan, and, most notoriously, Lyme disease. Ticks with Lyme disease are the most common in the Northeastern states. They are attracted to warm, wet parts of your skin, so check waistbands and sock lines if you spend a lot of time outside. Most people are aware of the conventional “bulls-eye,” a circular skin rash that occurs around the bite. This is the most prevalent symptom; however it does not affect everyone. Muscle spasms, joint discomfort, fever, headache and weariness are also key warning symptoms to be aware of. If you’ve been bitten by a tick, see a health care professional as soon as possible to have it safely removed. Because different parts of the country have different risks when it comes to diseases transmitted by ticks, ask your health care professional if further testing or treatment is needed in order to prevent chronic disease.

Spiders

Although most spiders in the United States are not poisonous, some do bite and leave an unpleasant reminder. Seeing the spider that bit you is the best method to identify if you need to be concerned about a spider bite. Brown recluses, black widows, tarantulas and jumping spiders may require additional medical care. However, if you missed the spider, the symptoms might still help you evaluate your risk. A bite from a harmless spider will usually leave a red bump that may be itchy or swollen. However, bites by dangerous spiders, such as the black widow and brown recluse, can cause extreme pain, swelling, sweating, cramping, chills, and body aches. If an itchy rash worsens, you have discomfort around the bite, or the bite begins to blister, you should consult a health care professional.

Two spiders you should be aware of are Widow and Recluse spiders.

Signs and symptoms of a Widow spider bite:

• Redness, pain and swelling. You might have pain and swelling around the bite, which can spread into your abdomen, back or chest.
• Cramping. You might have severe abdominal rigidity or cramping, which is sometimes mistaken for appendicitis or a ruptured appendix.
• Nausea, vomiting, tremors or sweating. You might experience nausea, vomiting, tremors or sweating alone or in combination.
• Symptoms can last 1 to 3 days.

Signs and symptoms of a Recluse spider bite:

• Increasing pain over the first eight hours after the bite.
• Fever, chills and body aches.
• A bite wound with a pale center that turns dark blue or purple with a red ring around it.
• A bite wound that grows into an open sore (ulcer) with the skin around it dying.

If bitten by a spider, seek medical care immediately if:

• You were bitten by a dangerous spider, such as a widow or recluse.
• You’re unsure whether the bite was from a dangerous spider.
• You have severe pain, abdominal cramping or a growing wound at the bite site.
• You’re having problems breathing or swallowing.
• The area of the sore has spreading redness or red streaks.

Wasps

The vast majority of people who are stung by a wasp will only have minor symptoms like redness, swelling, itching, and, of course, the intense stinging sensation during and after the wasp sting. A tiny welt with a white dot will usually emerge surrounding the sting. Some people might experience more severe symptoms, such as extreme redness or swelling that worsens for two or three days following the sting. What you really need to keep an eye on is the first few minutes after the bite. While most wasp stings may be treated at home, those who are allergic to the wasp’s venom may experience anaphylactic shock. If you’re aware that you are allergic to wasps, it is recommended to carry an EpiPen with you anytime you go outside. To minimize swelling in mild to moderate responses, wash the affected area with soap and water and apply a cold pack. If you have access, Benadryl should also help with any pain or swelling. You should seek emergency medical assistance if you have symptoms such as significant swelling of the face, lips, or throat, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, a weak or racing pulse, or even hives.

Scabies

Scabies is a common, itchy skin rash caused by the bite of mite. When the mites burrow into the skin, it takes time to develop signs and symptoms and the itching usually begins within one to four days. Itching is the most common symptom. The itch can be so intense that it keeps a person awake at night. It may also appear as a rash that causes bumps that might look like a line. These bumps can look like hives, pimples or eczema and it is important you don’t scratch them so they don’t develop into sores. In a severe case of scabies, it may crust, this being referred to as crusted scabies.

Scabies are spread by person to person contact and is highly contagious. If you suspect you have it, consult your healthcare provider immediately to help confirm the diagnosis and begin a prescription. The person diagnosed with scabies and everyone who has had close contact with that person need treatment. Everyone who lives with the person and all recent sexual partners should get treated whether showing symptoms or not. This is the only way to prevent new outbreaks of scabies weeks later.

Mosquitoes

Unfortunately, most of us are all too familiar with this one; its bite causes a red, raised lump that itches violently. While most individuals in the United States know about the typical symptoms of a mosquito bite, this does not mean that these bugs are completely harmless. Because of an allergy to mosquito saliva, some people may develop more severe symptoms such as tiny blisters or bruises. Worse, a mosquito bite can be more dangerous for people who have immune diseases. If a mosquito bite causes a severe fever, hives, enlarged lymph nodes or headache, get medical assistance immediately. These bugs are common carriers of severe illnesses such as Zika, malaria and yellow fever, so use extreme caution in places notorious for outbreaks—especially if you’ve recently traveled. Prevention is key to avoiding travel related illness. It’s not a good idea to scratch bug bites as it can potentially lead to breaks in the skin, which presents the opportunity for bacteria to enter and cause skin infections. Our hands and under our fingernails can carry lots of germs and pathogens so resist the urge to scratch.

Most bites and stings cause only little discomfort, but certain encounters can be more serious, especially if you are allergic to the bug venom. Wildlife has means of preserving themselves and their territory, whether you’re in the ocean, on a mountain trek or in your own backyard. If you come too close, insects such as bees, ants, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, wasps and arachnids may bite or sting you. Most will not bother you if you do not bother them, but understanding what to look for is essential. Prevention is always the best medicine, learning how to identify and avoid biting and stinging animals or insects is the best way to keep safe. If you find yourself in need of care for your bug bites, don’t hesitate to visit one of our neighborhood medical centers and a member of our medical team would be happy to treat you get you back to feeling better.

References:

1 Everyday Health: What Bit Me? Spot these 13 Bug Bites. Last update April 23, 2021. Accessed August 3, 2022.  

2 Mayo Clinic: Spider Bite. Last Updated July 30, 2021. Accessed August 3, 2022.

3 American Academy of Dermatology Association: Scabies: Overview. Accessed August 3, 2022.

Bites of ticks, mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects, first aid and prevention

With the onset of warm spring days, various insects are activated. Some of them, when colliding with a person, bite him in self-defense or in search of food (blood-sucking insects), therefore, it is necessary to observe preventive measures , carefully examine the bite site , monitor the reaction of the body and be able to provide first aid in case of bites .

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Reaction to bite depends on the type of insect and human sensitivity . Flea, tick and mosquito bites usually cause itching. Insect stings almost always cause severe pain. Depending on the type of insect, the reaction of the body to its bite can range from mild irritation to serious illness.

At the bite site , an infection may develop in the form of redness, thickening of the skin, a local increase in temperature, and discharge of pus from the wound. Scratching the bite site can also lead to skin infection. This is especially common in children who comb the wound without thinking about the consequences.

Insect bites usually cause a slight, itchy swelling on the skin. Sometimes the bite itself can be seen as a tiny dot. Sometimes inflammation develops around the bite area.

Insect bites usually resolve on their own without medical attention within a few days. Unlike stings, they rarely develop an allergic reaction.

But if you suddenly feel very severe itching, shortness of breath and wheezing, chest pain, weakness or dizziness, heart palpitations, a rash appears on the body and begins to spread rapidly, swelling appears, including the tongue and lips, then you should immediately seek medical attention. medical help. With the development of a severe allergic reaction, the count goes on for minutes.

If you re-bite an insect that previously caused an allergy, a more severe reaction may develop due to increased sensitivity to the saliva of this type of insect.

With prolonged contact with insects, such as during a multi-day hiking trip, most people become immune to insect saliva and tolerate their bites much more easily.

Most often in our strip we meet with mosquitoes, flies (gadflies), midges, ticks. Next, we will talk in detail about the bites of each of these insects.

Tick bites

Tick bites usually resolve within three weeks. If parts of the insect’s mouth or head remain in the skin, as often happens with unsuccessful extraction, symptoms of inflammation may persist. Ticks are commonly found in tall grass, even within city limits.

Tick ​​bites are usually painless, but swelling may occur at the site of the bite. It is worth remembering that ticks can cause Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases that can lead to serious health problems. In our lane, vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis will be far from superfluous.

If you see a tick stuck on your skin, remove it immediately. Grab it as close to the skin as possible with tweezers or a special tick remover and carefully pull it straight up so that no parts are left in the skin. After removing the tick, wash your hands and the bite area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic. We recommend that after removing the tick, place it in a hermetically sealed container and take it to the appropriate laboratory, where you will find out if it was a carrier of dangerous infections (borreliosis, encephalitis). This study is paid.

If you experience discomfort some time after a tick bite (rash, aching muscles, fever, swollen inguinal and axillary lymph nodes), see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease.

Mosquito and midge bites

Bites Mosquitoes and midges usually cause small, itchy blisters 2 to 5 mm in diameter, but sometimes larger. The spot itches a lot, but does not hurt, the middle seems whitish with a red border. People with sensitive skin may develop fluid-filled blisters. In our region, mosquitoes are not carriers of dangerous diseases. Bite site midges is distinguished by a large (up to 3 cm) red spot with a lighter area in the middle, rising above the surface of the skin. Sometimes we see a spot at the bite site of the type of annular erythema (red middle, white ring around, surrounded by a reddened area of ​​​​skin with blurry edges).

Flea bites

Flea bite is characterized by the presence of sharp pain. This is due to the fact that, compared to other parasites, fleas do not release a special substance during a bite that acts as an anesthetic. At bite there is a slight swelling and unbearable itching is felt. Combing the wound leads to the appearance of a drop of blood. This is due to the fact that the insect releases a substance into the wound that prevents blood clotting.

Common sources of fleas are pets, crowded communities with poor hygiene standards, and bird nests. Moving into a new home that has been vacant for a while can activate dormant fleas.

Fleas can transmit diseases such as typhus and plague. At present, outbreaks of such diseases have not been registered in Russia.

Horsefly bites

Horsefly bite can be very painful. It takes a long time to heal, because the horsefly, when bitten, cuts the skin with its jaws. A drop of blood appears at the site of the bite. For some time, severe itching and swelling of the skin around the wound persists.

Insect Bites Help

Usually, the manifestations of insect bites resolve on their own. With prolonged healing, the addition of an infection, the occurrence of an allergic reaction, you should consult a doctor.

You can administer first aid yourself by applying a cold compress to the bite site to reduce discomfort. Traditional medicine recommends applying a gruel of soda moistened with water to the bite site to reduce discomfort. In pharmacies, you can purchase products such as Nezulin cream-gel, balm after insect bites Gardex, ExpressBite and others.

Insect bite prevention

To prevent insect bites, use the following measures prevention :

• mechanical barriers in the form of protective screens for open windows and mosquito nets in the open air;

• When driving in wooded and grassy areas, periodically inspect yourself and each other for ticks. Tick does not stick on immediately, but for some time chooses a suitable area of ​​the skin;

• when going on vacation outside the city, avoid bright clothes and strong-smelling cosmetics;

• do not leave open containers with food and drinks, they attract flies and stinging insects;

• wear closed light clothing with long sleeves and long trousers, tuck them into boots or socks, wear a headdress;

• while relaxing in the country, use repellents, which are offered in a wide variety in pharmacies and supermarkets. Be aware that some of these are meant to be applied to clothing only and can cause a toxic reaction if applied to the skin. Carefully read the instructions and accompanying documents for repellents, especially if you choose them for children. Many of them have age restrictions.

We also recommend that you read the article “Stings of wasps, bees and hornets, first aid and prevention”

The best remedies for itching after bites of mosquitoes and other insects – July 6, 2021

Mosquitoes are guided by body temperature – therefore, people with superficially located capillaries become their favorites 2 Insect bites summer is a common thing, especially if you spend the weekend outside the city. At the same time, they cause a lot of discomfort, and sometimes they can be really dangerous – even if we are talking about ordinary bees and mosquitoes. In the regular column “What hurts you?” today we are figuring out together with doctors how the bites of different insects differ, why you can’t scratch them and how to relieve itching after a bite.

It is possible to divide insects (by adding some arthropods to them) into two groups: stinging and blood-sucking (there will still be moths and butterflies that do not sting or bite). The first group includes bees, bumblebees, hornets, ants, the second group includes mosquitoes, fleas, horseflies, ticks, bedbugs, lice. Since stinging insects attack for self-defense, and blood-sucking ones for food, their mechanisms are different – when stinging, a person interacts with poison, and when bitten, with saliva, which contains histamine-like substances. They help slow down blood clotting and, irritating the epithelial cells, provoke a local allergic reaction, swelling appears, which can subsequently be accompanied by itching.

— Allergic reactions can be either local or systemic. Most often, these are skin rashes, which are very diverse: papular, hemorrhagic, urticarial (in the form of blisters), says Ekaterina Skvortsova, general practitioner, therapist at the Medsi clinic. – Depending on the type of insect, there are features: for example, when bitten by midges, it acquires the character of erysipelas, redness, swelling without temperature. When bitten by a mosquito – itchy nodular rash.

The first thing to remember is that you must not scratch the bite. And this rule is not taken from the ceiling: the fact is that when combing, pathogenic microflora can get there and then suppuration joins. By the way, for the same reason, you can not apply grass to the bite site, even plantain.

— It is necessary to treat the bite site with disinfectants: rinse with running water with baby or laundry soap, you can use slightly salted water. If there are disinfectant solutions on hand, such as furacilin solution, treat them. You can use alcohol-containing medicinal tinctures, diluted with water one to one, advises Dr. Skvortsova.

To relieve discomfort, you can apply an ice cube or just something cold to the bite site – this soothes and relieves swelling. To get rid of itching and redness after mosquito bites, you can use pharmaceutical products – creams and ointments based on antihistamines (for example, Fenistil-gel, Fenidin, Dimestin, Dimetinden-Akrikhin).

– If you see that redness has begun to appear not even at the site of the bite, then the antihistamine will need to be taken orally. Severe allergies to non-stinging insects rarely occur, but it can happen – for example, such a reaction can occur to a horsefly bite, – says Ivan Skorokhodov, an allergist-immunologist at the UMMC-Health Medical Center.

All other folk ways to relieve itching and swelling doctor rejects. For example, he does not recommend using the Zvezdochka balm for this – it has a local irritating effect, this will lead to even greater vasodilation and increased edema.

Doctors call it not a bite, but a sting. Stinging insects are dangerous in that a severe systemic allergic reaction can develop from their poison – up to anaphylactic shock. It can manifest itself in the first three hours, so it is important at this time to observe the state of the stung. The reason for calling an ambulance may be difficult or wheezing breathing, speech problems, choking, too much (more than 5 cm in diameter) swelling from a bite in the face or tongue, red spots or hives outside the bite site, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea , vomiting, rapid pulse, anxiety, dizziness, severe weakness; the condition is deteriorating rapidly. If an insect has stung from the inside of the throat (this happens if you swallow a bee or wasp, for example, with a drink), a child under five years of age has suffered, or the stung person has severe chronic diseases, an ambulance should be called immediately. Ekaterina Skvortsova says that if the previous time there was already an acute allergic reaction to a bee sting, it will get worse with each subsequent time.

But it can get by with standard symptoms: a sharp burning pain at the sting site, swelling of the area around the bite, and an increase in skin temperature.