What are the different types of mosquito bite reactions. How can you identify a severe mosquito bite allergy. What are the best ways to treat and prevent mosquito bites at home.

Understanding Mosquito Bites: Why Do They Happen?

Mosquito bites are a common nuisance, but have you ever wondered why they occur in the first place? Female mosquitoes are the culprits behind these itchy bumps. They require blood as a protein source for egg development. When a female mosquito bites, she inserts her proboscis (a needle-like mouthpart) into a blood vessel, injecting saliva that contains anticoagulant proteins. These proteins prevent blood clotting, allowing the mosquito to feed efficiently.

The proteins in mosquito saliva are responsible for the various reactions we experience after a bite. Interestingly, not everyone reacts to mosquito bites in the same way. Some individuals may develop immunity over time due to repeated exposure, while others may experience more severe allergic reactions.

Common Mosquito Bite Reactions: From Mild to Severe

Mosquito bite reactions can range from barely noticeable to potentially life-threatening. Understanding the different types of reactions can help you identify when medical attention may be necessary.

Minor Mosquito Bite Allergy: The Small Red Bump

The most common reaction to a mosquito bite is a small, round, white-ish bump that often has a visible dot at the center. This bump typically becomes red and firm within 1-2 days after the bite. This minor allergic reaction is a response to the proteins in the mosquito’s saliva and is generally more of an annoyance than a serious concern.

Moderate Mosquito Bite Allergy: Welts

Some individuals may experience a more pronounced reaction in the form of welts. These are slightly raised, smooth, flat-topped bumps that are usually redder than the surrounding skin. This reaction occurs in people who are more sensitive to mosquito saliva proteins. The severity of the reaction can also depend on how long the mosquito feeds, as longer feeding times allow more proteins to enter the bloodstream.

Serious Mosquito Bite Allergy: Skeeter Syndrome

Skeeter syndrome is a more extreme allergic reaction to mosquito bites. It manifests as welts accompanied by skin swelling, heat, redness, and itching or pain. In some cases, it may also cause fever. The affected area can become excessively swollen, hot to the touch, and may even blister and ooze. While anyone can develop skeeter syndrome, it’s more common in young children, individuals with immune system disorders, and travelers exposed to new types of mosquitoes.

Severe Mosquito Bite Allergy: Anaphylaxis

Although rare, some individuals may experience anaphylaxis in response to mosquito bites. This severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include hives, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.

Identifying Mosquito Bite Allergies: Key Symptoms to Watch For

Recognizing the symptoms of different mosquito bite reactions is crucial for appropriate treatment and knowing when to seek medical help. Here are the key symptoms associated with various levels of mosquito bite allergies:

• Minor allergy: Small red bump, slight itching
• Moderate allergy: Larger welts, increased redness and itching
• Skeeter syndrome: Excessive swelling, heat, pain, and possible fever
• Anaphylaxis: Hives, swelling of lips/tongue, difficulty breathing, wheezing

If you experience symptoms of skeeter syndrome or anaphylaxis, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. These more severe reactions can escalate quickly and may require professional treatment.

Factors Influencing Mosquito Bite Reactions

Why do some people seem to attract mosquitoes more than others, and why do reactions vary so much between individuals? Several factors can influence both mosquito attraction and the severity of bite reactions:

1. Blood type: Some studies suggest that mosquitoes may prefer certain blood types over others.
2. Carbon dioxide production: Mosquitoes are attracted to the CO2 we exhale, and some people produce more than others.
3. Body heat and sweat: These can make you more attractive to mosquitoes.
4. Clothing color: Dark colors may attract more mosquitoes than light colors.
5. Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol can increase your body temperature and make you more attractive to mosquitoes.
6. Immune system sensitivity: Your immune system’s response to mosquito saliva proteins determines the severity of your reaction.
7. Previous exposure: Repeated exposure to mosquito bites can either increase sensitivity or lead to immunity over time.

Effective Home Remedies for Mosquito Bite Relief

For those experiencing minor to moderate mosquito bite reactions, several home remedies can provide relief:

• Apply rubbing alcohol to the bite area to reduce the histamine response.
• Use a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling and numb the area.
• Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to soothe itching.
• Make a paste of baking soda and water to apply to the bite.
• Try natural remedies like aloe vera, honey, or tea tree oil for their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Take an oral antihistamine to reduce overall allergic response.

Remember, while these remedies can provide relief, it’s important to avoid scratching the bites to prevent infection and further irritation.

Preventing Mosquito Bites: Practical Tips and Strategies

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to mosquito bites. Here are some effective strategies to reduce your chances of being bitten:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk).
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping outdoors or in areas without adequate window screens.
• Eliminate standing water around your home, as these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Use air conditioning when possible, as mosquitoes prefer warm, humid environments.
• Consider using mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, marigolds, or lavender in your garden.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Mosquito Bites

While most mosquito bites can be treated at home, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat
• Signs of infection, including increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the bite area
• Fever or flu-like symptoms following a mosquito bite, which could indicate a mosquito-borne illness
• Severe swelling or blistering characteristic of skeeter syndrome
• Persistent symptoms that don’t improve with home treatment

It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to severe allergic reactions or potential infections.

The Science Behind Mosquito Bite Immunity

Intriguingly, some individuals seem to develop immunity to mosquito bites over time. This phenomenon occurs when the immune system stops recognizing mosquito saliva proteins as a threat after repeated exposure. However, the development of immunity is not guaranteed and can vary greatly between individuals.

Researchers are studying this natural immunity process to develop potential treatments or preventive measures for mosquito bite allergies. Understanding the mechanisms behind mosquito bite immunity could lead to new strategies for managing reactions and even preventing mosquito-borne diseases.

Factors Influencing Mosquito Bite Immunity

• Frequency of exposure to mosquito bites
• Individual immune system characteristics
• Genetic predisposition
• Age (children are often more susceptible to reactions)
• Overall health and immune system function

While developing natural immunity can be beneficial, it’s important to note that it doesn’t protect against mosquito-borne diseases. Therefore, prevention measures should still be taken even if you don’t react to mosquito bites.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Understanding the Risks

While mosquito bites are often just a nuisance, they can sometimes transmit serious diseases. Being aware of these risks is crucial, especially when traveling to areas where certain mosquito-borne illnesses are prevalent.

Common Mosquito-Borne Diseases

• Malaria
• Dengue fever
• Zika virus
• West Nile virus
• Chikungunya
• Yellow fever

Symptoms of these diseases can vary but often include fever, body aches, rash, and in severe cases, neurological complications. If you develop any unusual symptoms after being in an area known for mosquito-borne diseases, seek medical attention promptly.

Protecting Yourself from Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Prevention is key when it comes to mosquito-borne diseases. In addition to the general prevention tips mentioned earlier, consider these measures when traveling to high-risk areas:

• Research the specific mosquito-borne diseases prevalent in your destination
• Consult with a travel health specialist before your trip
• Get vaccinated against diseases like yellow fever if recommended for your destination
• Consider antimalarial medications if traveling to a malaria-endemic area
• Stay in accommodations with proper mosquito protection (screens, bed nets)
• Be extra vigilant about using insect repellent and protective clothing

Innovative Approaches to Mosquito Control

As the threat of mosquito-borne diseases continues to be a global health concern, researchers and public health officials are exploring innovative approaches to mosquito control. These methods aim to reduce mosquito populations and minimize the risk of disease transmission.

Genetic Modification

Scientists are developing genetically modified mosquitoes that can help reduce wild mosquito populations. These modified mosquitoes are designed to produce offspring that don’t survive to adulthood, potentially decreasing the overall mosquito population in an area.

Wolbachia Bacteria

Another approach involves infecting mosquitoes with Wolbachia bacteria, which can prevent them from transmitting certain viruses to humans. This method has shown promise in reducing dengue fever transmission in some regions.

Targeted Insecticides

Researchers are working on developing more targeted and environmentally friendly insecticides that specifically affect mosquitoes without harming other beneficial insects.

Smart Traps

Advanced mosquito traps that use AI and machine learning to identify and target specific mosquito species are being developed. These traps can help monitor mosquito populations and potentially reduce their numbers in targeted areas.

While these innovative approaches show promise, they are still being studied and refined. In the meantime, personal protection measures remain crucial in preventing mosquito bites and related diseases.

The Global Impact of Mosquitoes: Beyond Personal Discomfort

Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they have a significant impact on global health, economics, and ecology. Understanding this broader context can help emphasize the importance of mosquito control and prevention efforts.

Health Impact

Mosquitoes are considered one of the deadliest animals in the world due to their ability to transmit diseases. Malaria alone, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, caused an estimated 619,000 deaths globally in 2021, according to the World Health Organization.

Economic Impact

The economic burden of mosquito-borne diseases is substantial. It includes direct costs like medical treatment and prevention measures, as well as indirect costs such as lost productivity. For example, the 2015-2016 Zika virus outbreak in the Americas was estimated to cost between $7 billion and $18 billion.

Ecological Role

Despite their negative impact on human health, mosquitoes play a role in various ecosystems. They serve as food for many animals, including birds, bats, and fish. Some species of mosquitoes are also pollinators. This ecological role complicates efforts to completely eradicate mosquitoes and emphasizes the need for targeted, sustainable control methods.

Climate Change and Mosquito Distribution

Climate change is altering the distribution of mosquito species, potentially exposing new populations to mosquito-borne diseases. Warmer temperatures and changing rainfall patterns can extend the range of certain mosquito species and increase their breeding seasons.

Understanding these global impacts underscores the importance of continued research, prevention efforts, and international cooperation in managing mosquito populations and the diseases they transmit.

Future Directions in Mosquito Bite Prevention and Treatment

As our understanding of mosquitoes and their interactions with humans continues to grow, new avenues for prevention and treatment are emerging. Here are some promising areas of research and development:

Advanced Repellents

Scientists are working on developing new, long-lasting repellents that are both effective and safe for human use. Some research is focusing on natural compounds that could provide alternatives to synthetic repellents.

Mosquito-Proof Clothing

Advancements in textile technology are leading to the development of clothing that is inherently mosquito-repellent or even mosquito-proof, providing a physical barrier against bites.

Immunotherapy

For individuals with severe mosquito bite allergies, researchers are exploring immunotherapy options similar to those used for other allergies. This could potentially desensitize the immune system to mosquito saliva proteins.

Early Warning Systems

Advanced monitoring systems using AI and big data could help predict mosquito population surges and potential disease outbreaks, allowing for more proactive prevention measures.

Personalized Prevention Strategies

As we learn more about why some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others, we may be able to develop more personalized prevention strategies based on individual characteristics.

These emerging technologies and approaches hold promise for more effective mosquito bite prevention and management in the future. However, it’s important to remember that basic prevention measures like using repellents and eliminating standing water remain crucial in our ongoing efforts to coexist with mosquitoes while minimizing their negative impacts.

Mosquito Bite Allergy Symptoms – Mosquito Bite Reaction Meaning

This article was medically reviewed by Shonda Hawkins, MSN, a nurse practitioner and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board, on June 11 2019.

There’s nothing worse than coming home from a hike, camping trip, or barbecue and discovering a ton of itchy, painful mosquito bites speckling your skin. Even worse: Your friend or sibling who was with you the entire time has no bites at all. So, what gives?

Well, it helps to know how and why a mosquito bites you in the first place. Only females are out for blood, explains Joseph M. Conlon, an expert with The American Mosquito Control Association who worked as an entomologist for 25 years.

“Female mosquitoes imbibe blood as a protein source for egg development,” Conlon says. When the female mosquito “bites” you, she inserts the tip of her mouth into one of your blood vessels, injecting her saliva into your bloodstream. The saliva contains a protein that prevents your blood from clotting as she eats. (What a pleasant thought, right?)

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It’s these proteins, not the bite itself, that cause the swelling, redness, and itching that some—but not all—of us experience. It’s true: Seeing no reaction after a bite could mean you’re one of the lucky few who aren’t allergic to mosquito saliva, says Andrew Murphy, MD, a fellow at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

It also could mean you’ve developed an immunity to mosquito bites. “When a person has had repeated exposure to the mosquito allergen, her immune system can stop recognizing the allergen as a problem, and there is no reaction,” Dr. Murphy says.

However, many of us do have some type of allergy to these pesky bug bites—ranging from common, minor bumps to rare, severe reactions. Here are the symptoms to keep an eye out for and what you can do to find relief.

Minor mosquito bite allergy: Small red bump

What it looks like: round, white-ish bump, often with a small visible dot at the center; becomes red and firm after 1 or 2 days

What it means: This is the most common mosquito bite allergy and the reaction is more annoying than anything, says Jorge Parada, MD, medical director of the Infection Control Program at Loyola University Chicago and medical advisor for the National Pest Management Association. “This minor allergic reaction is in response to proteins in the mosquito’s saliva.”

Moderate mosquito bite allergy: Welts

What it looks like: slightly raised, smooth, flat-topped bumps that are usually more reddish than the surrounding skin

What it means: Some people are more sensitive to the mosquito’s proteins, explains Dr. Parada. This sensitivity causes them to react with larger welts instead of the traditional small bump. “However, some studies have found that the reaction is also a function of the mosquito’s feeding time,” he adds. “The longer the mosquito feeds, the more mosquito proteins are released, thereby increasing the chance of a visible reaction.”

Serious mosquito bite allergy: Hives and fever (aka skeeter syndrome)

What it looks like: welts accompanied by skin swelling, heat, redness, and itching or pain, along with a fever

What it means: You may have a reaction known as skeeter syndrome, a more extreme mosquito bite allergy. It can lead to excessive swelling of the bite area, as well as feeling hot and hard to the touch. Sometimes the bite area can even blister and ooze. While anyone can develop skeeter syndrome (even those with no prior extreme reaction to mosquito bites), Dr. Murphy says young children, patients with immune system disorders, and travelers exposed to new types of mosquitoes are at a higher risk.

Severe mosquito bite allergy: Anaphylaxis

What it looks like: hives, lip/tongue swelling, trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing

What it means: While anaphylaxis from mosquito bites is rare, it can be fatal. “Patients with anaphylaxis to mosquitoes will have the typical symptoms of a severe allergic reaction,” Dr. Murphy says. He mentions hives, lip or tongue swelling, trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing, and—in severe cases—passing out or death. “Treatment is the use of injectable epinephrine and seeking immediate medical attention,” he adds.

🚨 If you suspect a mosquito bite is causing serious symptoms like fever, excessive swelling, hives, and swollen lymph nodes, seek emergency help.

How to treat and prevent mosquito bites

If you do fall on the minor to moderate end of the spectrum, there are a few things you can do at home to help get rid of mosquito bites faster.

First, swabbing the bite area with rubbing alcohol can help reduce your body’s histamine response (the chemical produced by your immune system that causes allergic reactions) by clearing away the mosquito’s saliva, according to Jonathan Day, PhD, a mosquito researcher and professor of medical entomology at the University of Florida.

Dabbing your skin with ice, calamine lotion, or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream can also help tame inflammation, relieve itching, and overall soothe the skin. If that’s not doing the trick, popping an oral antihistamine, like Benadryl, can also turn off your body’s histamine response to reduce swelling and itching.

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More importantly, preventing mosquito bites in the first place should be your first priority. That way, you don’t have to worry about mosquito-borne diseases like Zika or West Nile viruses, or even chikungunya, malaria, and dengue fever if you’re traveling outside of the U.S.

Avoiding peak mosquito hours (dusk and dawn), investing in an outdoor fan to prevent them from flying near you, and applying insect repellent that contains ingredients like DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, and picaridin can go a long way in keeping the bug bites at bay.

Additional reporting by Markham Heid

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Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The initial contact of a bite may be painful. It’s often followed by an allergic reaction to venom deposited into your skin through the animal’s mouth or stinger. The appearance can vary.

Whether you’re in the water, on a mountain trail, or in your backyard, wildlife you encounter have ways of protecting themselves and their territory.

Insects, such as bees, ants, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and wasps, and arachnids, such as spiders, ticks, and scorpions, may bite or sting if you get close. Most of these animals won’t bother you if you don’t bother them, but knowing what to look for is key.

Most bites and stings trigger nothing more than minor discomfort, but some encounters can be deadly, especially if you have severe allergies to the animal’s venom.

A severe allergic reaction can happen with any bug bite or sting, depending on the person. Venom allergies may cause a dangerous, severe allergic reaction in some people, resulting in swelling, generalized itching, and difficulty breathing.

Signs of an emergency

Anaphylaxis can be a life threatening emergency. If someone experiences signs of a severe allergic reaction, call 911 or your local emergency services. Anaphylaxis can cause symptoms, including rash, low pulse, and anaphylactic shock. This can be fatal if it isn’t treated immediately.

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Prevention is the best medicine, so knowing how to recognize and avoid biting and stinging insects or arachnids is the best way to stay safe.

The animals you should recognize and understand depend very much on where you live or where you’re visiting. Different regions of the United States are home to many of these creatures.

The season also matters. For example, mosquitoes, stinging bees, and wasps tend to come out in full force during the summer.

The form a bite takes depends on what type of animal bit you. Take a look at the photos below to help identify which animal may have caused your bug bite.

Warning: Graphic images ahead.

Mosquito bites

• A mosquito bite is a small, round, puffy bump that appears soon after you’ve been bitten.
• The bump will become red, hard, swollen, and itchy.
• You may have multiple bites in the same area.

Read full article on mosquito bites.

Fire ant stings

• Fire ants are small, aggressive, red or black venomous ants that bite and then deliver painful stings.
• Stings appear as swollen red spots that develop a blister on top.
• Stings burn, itch, and last up to a week.

Read full article on fire ant stings.

Flea bites

• Flea bites are usually located in clusters on the lower legs and feet.
• The itchy, red bumps are surrounded by a red halo.
• Symptoms begin immediately after you’re bitten.

Read full article on flea bites.

Bedbug bites

• The itchy rash is caused by an allergic reaction to the bedbug bite.
• The small rashes have red, swollen areas and dark red centers.
• Bites may appear in a line or grouped together, usually on areas of the body not covered by clothing, such as the hands, neck, or feet.
• There may be very itchy blisters or hives at the bite site.

Read full article on bedbug bites.

Fly bites

• Painful, itchy rashes are caused by an inflammatory reaction at the site of the fly bite.
• Though usually harmless, they may lead to severe allergic reactions or spread insect-borne diseases.
• Take precautions when traveling to endemic countries by wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants and by using bug spray.

Read full article on fly bites.

Lice bites

• Head lice, pubic lice (“crabs”), and body lice are different species of parasitic lice that affect humans.
• They feed on blood and cause an itchy immune reaction at the site of their bites.
• Adult lice are gray/tan six-legged insects about the size of a tiny sesame seed.
• Nits (eggs) and nymphs (baby lice) can only be seen as very tiny specks that may look like dandruff.

Read full article on lice.

Chigger bites

• Painful, itchy rashes may be caused by an immune response to the bites of tiny mite larvae.
• Bites appear as welts, blisters, pimples, or hives.
• Bites will generally appear in groups and are extremely itchy.
• Chigger bites may be grouped in skin folds or near areas where clothing fits tightly.
• Chiggers tend to jump from grass, so bites are usually on legs near the tops of socks.

Read full article on chigger bites.

Tick bites

• Bites can cause pain or swelling at the bite area.
• They may also lead to a rash, a burning sensation, blisters, or difficulty breathing.
• The tick often remains attached to the skin for a long time.
• Bites rarely appear in groups.
• Ticks can transfer diseases, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis.

Read full article on tick bites.

Scabies

• Symptoms caused by scabies mites may take 4 to 6 weeks to appear.
• The extremely itchy rash may be pimply, made up of tiny blisters, or scaly.
• They may cause raised, white, or flesh-toned lines.

Read full article on scabies.

Spider bites

Share on PinterestEzytyper and added inset by B Kimmel/GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0 from Wikimedia Commons

This condition is considered a medical emergency, and 911 or local emergency services should be contacted. Urgent care may be required.

• Most spiders don’t pose a threat to humans, and in such cases, their bites are harmless or mildly irritating like a bee sting.
• Dangerous spiders include the brown recluse, black widow, funnel web spider (Australia), and wandering spider (South America).
• A single raised papule, pustule, or wheal may appear at the site of the bite followed by redness and tenderness.
• The bite will appear as two small puncture marks.
• Severe allergic reactions to a spider bite may require medical attention.

Read full article on spider bites.

Brown recluse spider bite

• This is a shy, brown- or tan-colored spider with a violin-shaped patch and six paired eyes, two in the front and two sets of two on either side of the head.
• It likes to hide in quiet, dark places like closets and bookshelves and is native to the South and South Central regions of the United States.
• Nonaggressive, it will only bite humans if it’s being crushed between skin and a hard surface.
• Redness appears with a central, white blister at the site of the bite.
• Moderate to severe pain and itching at the site of the bite occurs 2 to 8 hours after the spider has injected its venom.
• Rare complications include fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting, hemolytic anemia, rhabdomyolysis, and kidney failure.

Read full article on brown recluse spider bites.

Black widow spider bite

Share on Pinterest© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology/NCBI

This condition is considered a medical emergency, and 911 or local emergency services should be contacted. Urgent care may be required.

• This spider is plump, black, and shiny, with an hourglass-shaped red mark on its abdomen.
• It’s nonaggressive and will only bite if it’s being crushed.
• Bites cause muscle pain and spasms in the arms, legs, abdomen, and back.
• Tremor, sweating, weakness, chills, nausea, vomiting, and headache are other symptoms.
• The bite area is red with a white center.

Read full article on black widow spider bites.

Hobo spider bite

• The venom of this common household spider isn’t considered toxic to humans.
• Bites are generally harmless and cause only minor pain, swelling, and sometimes muscle twitches.
• A single red area appears with a tender central nodule.
• Itching, burning, or stinging may occur at the site of the bite.

Read full article on hobo spider bites.

Wolf spider bite

• This large (up to 2 inches long), fuzzy, gray/brown spider is native to many parts of the United States.
• Nonaggressive, it will bite if it feels threatened.
• A tender, itchy red bump appears that heals in 7 to 10 days.

Read full article on wolf spider bites.

Horsefly bites

• These large (1-inch long) blood-sucking flies are most active in the daylight hours.
• An instant, sharp burning sensation occurs when a horsefly bites.
• Itchiness, redness, swelling, and bruising may also occur at the bite location.

Read full article on horsefly bites.

Bee stings

• Pain, redness, swelling, or itching occurs at the site of the sting.
• A white spot appears where the stinger punctured the skin.
• Unlike bumblebees and carpenter bees, honeybees can only sting once due to their barbed stinger that can remain in the skin.

Read full article on bee sting allergy.

Yellow jacket stings

• These thin wasps have black and yellow stripes and long dark wings.
• Aggressive, a yellow jacket may sting multiple times.
• Swelling, tenderness, itchiness, or redness may occur near the area that’s been stung.

Read full article on yellow jacket stings.

Wasp stings

• Sharp pain, redness, swelling, and itching or burning occurs at the sting site.
• A raised welt appears around the sting site.
• Wasps can be aggressive and are capable of stinging multiple times.

Read full article on wasp stings.

Scorpion stings

• Scorpions are eight-legged arachnids with large pincers and long, segmented, stinger-tipped tails carried in a forward curve over their backs.
• Many species with variable levels of toxicity can be found all over the world.
• Intense pain, tingling, numbness, and swelling occur around the sting.
• Rare symptoms include breathing difficulties, muscle twitching, drooling, sweating, nausea, vomiting, an increased heart rate, restlessness, and excitability.
• Severe symptoms are more likely in infants and children than adults.

Read full article on scorpion stings.

Puss caterpillar stings

• Puss caterpillars may also be known as asp caterpillars, fire caterpillars, woolly slugs, or opossum bugs, and are the larvae of the flannel moth.
• They have venomous barbs on their bodies.
• They typically reside in the Southeast United States but have been found as far west as Florida and Texas.
• A string can cause skin irritation and itchiness, severe pain, and headache.

Kissing bug bites

Share on PinterestHorizons WWP / Alamy Stock Photo & Curtis-Robles et al., CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Triatomine bugs, also called kissing bugs, tend to bite people on the face or near the mouth.
• These bugs tend to reside in Mexico, Central America, South America, and parts of the United States.
• They carry a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi and can T. cruzi infection and Chagas disease.
• While there are different varieties of kissing bugs, they typically have a cone-shaped head and a long, oval-shaped body with antennae and six legs. They can be light brown to black in color and may have yellow, red, or tan markings.
• Bite reactions may include mild itching, redness, and swelling. With a T. cruzi infection, a small hard area may form at the bite site.

Read full article on kissing bug bites.

Deer fly bites

Share on PinterestBruce Marlin, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons & juhat/Istock

• Deer flies have small, round heads, brownish-black bands on their wings, and gold or green eyes.
• Their bites can be painful and cause bumps or welts.
• Their bites can sometimes cause a rare bacterial disease known as rabbit fever (tularemia) that may cause skin ulcers, fever, and headache.

Read full article on fly bites.

Here are some bugs that can be more dangerous than others.

Biting insects, arachnids, and other bugs

Many bugs bite, but only a few do so intentionally. Most bites are relatively harmless, leaving just an itchy patch of skin behind. But some bites can carry disease. Deer ticks, for example, typically carry Lyme disease.

Intentional biters include:

• ticks
• chigger mites
• scabies mites
• bedbugs
• fleas
• head lice
• pubic lice
• horseflies
• black flies
• mosquitoes
• pus caterpillars
• kissing bugs
• deer flies

Many larger insects and other bugs won’t seek you out but will bite if handled.

Spiders

Some spiders have venomous fangs. Venomous spiders found in the United States include:

• brown recluse spiders
• black widow spiders
• mouse spiders
• black house spiders

Stinging insects

Insects will sting humans only to defend against a perceived threat. Typically, a sting from a bee or stinging ant will be accompanied by a small amount of venom.

When injected into your skin, the venom causes most of the itching and pain associated with the sting. It can also cause an allergic reaction.

Common stinging insects in the United States include:

• bees
• paper wasps (hornets)
• yellow jackets
• wasps
• fire ants

Scorpions

Scorpions have a reputation for stinging. Many species have barbed tails equipped with venom, some strong enough to kill a human.

The most venomous species of scorpion native to the United States is the Arizona bark scorpion.

The venom injected into your body from the bite or sting of an insect or arachnid will cause your immune system to respond. Often, your body’s immediate response will include redness and swelling at the bite or sting site.

Minor delayed reactions include itching and soreness.

If you’re very sensitive to an animal’s venom, bites and stings can cause a potentially fatal condition called anaphylactic shock. This can cause the throat to tighten and make breathing difficult or cause low blood pressure.

Anaphylactic shock is considered an emergency, and 911 or local emergency services should be contacted.

Some bites and stings may cause illnesses when venom contains infectious agents.

Anyone can be bitten or stung by an insect or arachnid, and bites and stings are very common. You’re at greater risk if you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural or wooded locations.

Children and older adults may have more severe reactions to bites and stings.

If you’re bitten or stung, you may see or feel the animal on your skin during the attack. Some people don’t notice the animal and may not be aware of a bite or sting until one or more of the following symptoms emerge:

• swelling
• redness or rash
• pain in the affected area or in the muscles
• itching
• heat on and around the site of the bite or sting
• numbness or tingling in the affected area

Symptoms of a severe reaction requiring immediate medical treatment include:

• fever
• difficulty breathing
• nausea or vomiting
• muscle spasms
• rapid heart rate
• swelling of the lips and throat
• confusion
• loss of consciousness

If you feel ill or experience flu-like symptoms in the days following an insect or arachnid bite, see a doctor for tests to rule out infections or diseases you may have contracted from the animal.

While not every insect bite or sting can cause an infection or disease, some insects can transmit diseases this way.

These insects and the diseases they may transmit can include:

• Mosquitos: insect-borne diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, dengue fever, yellow fever, and several viruses that cause encephalitis
• Fleas: bacterial infection, rarely
• Flies: insect-borne diseases
• Sand flies: leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease, though cases occur tropical and subtropical environments
• Lice: epidemic typhus, Bartonella quintana infection, and epidemic relapsing fever
• Chiggers: scrub typhus, though most cases occur in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, China, Japan, India, and northern Australia
• Ticks: tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, tularemia, ehrlichiosis
• Kissing bugs: Chagas disease
• Deer flies: tularemia

Many people are aware they’ve been bitten or stung because they see the insect or arachnid shortly after the attack.

Although you shouldn’t further provoke an attacking insect or arachnid, try to preserve the animal if it dies following the bite or sting. Its identity may help a doctor properly diagnose your symptoms.

This is especially important for a spider bite, as some species have dangerously potent venom.

The majority of bites and stings can be treated at home, especially if your reaction is mild.

To treat a bite or sting:

• Remove the stinger if it’s lodged in your skin.
• Wash the affected area.
• Apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.

Topical anti-itch creams, oral pain relievers, and antihistamines may be used to combat uncomfortable symptoms.

You may also want to consider applying a thin paste of baking soda and water to the sting to calm the itching.

Call 911 or your local emergency services number immediately if symptoms of a severe reaction are present.

First aid instructions while waiting for paramedics to arrive include:

• loosening the victim’s clothing
• laying them on their side
• performing CPR if breathing or the heartbeat stops

If you believe a spider of the black widow or brown recluse variety has bitten you, contact 911 or local emergency services immediately even if symptoms seem minor or haven’t emerged.

Scorpion bites also should be treated as an emergency, and 911 or local emergency services should be contacted, regardless of symptoms.

Most bites and stings heal by themselves after several days of mild discomfort.

Monitor the affected site for signs of infection. Contact a doctor if the wound appears to be getting worse or hasn’t healed after several weeks.

Bites and stings that cause severe reactions can be fatal if they aren’t treated immediately.

Once you’ve experienced a severe allergic reaction, a doctor will likely prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector. Epinephrine is a hormone that can prevent anaphylactic shock.

Carry the auto-injector with you at all times to reverse the reaction immediately following a bite or sting.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Use caution when near nests or hives containing aggressive insects. Hire professionals who have the proper safety equipment to remove a nest or hive.

When spending time outside, take preventive measures, such as:

• wearing hats and clothing that provide full coverage
• wearing neutral colors and avoiding floral patterns
• avoiding perfume and scented lotion
• keeping food and drinks covered
• using citronella or insect repellent
• using permethrin on clothing to prevent black-legged tick bites

Article Resources

• Ellwanger JH, et al. (2021). Variability in human attractiveness to mosquitoes. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X21000522
• Bites and stings: Insects. (n.d.). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bites-and-stings-insects
• Body lice: Disease. (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/body/disease.html
• Goldman BS, et al. (2022). Caterpillar and moth bites. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539851/
• McKeown N, et al. (2014). Verified spider bites in Oregon (USA) with the intent to assess hobo spider venom toxicity. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0041010114000920
• Parasites – American trypanosomiasis (also known as Chagas disease). (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/
• Powers J, et al. (2022). Insect bites. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537235/
• Preventing tick bites. (2020). https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html
• Typhus fevers. (2020). https://www.cdc.gov/typhus/index.html

Insect bite prevention

No summer is complete without insect bites. This is not only unpleasant, but sometimes dangerous to health.

The immune system of each person reacts to bites in different ways: from swelling, itching and pain to anaphylaxis. An anaphylactic reaction can develop after a bite from any insect. Fortunately, this is rare, but people who have experienced any kind of allergic reaction before should be especially vigilant.

An anaphylactic reaction occurs at lightning speed. A person feels weak, then symptoms quickly increase: difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, loss of consciousness.

If an anaphylactic reaction occurs, emergency medical attention is needed, as this condition is life-threatening.

A milder allergic reaction to insect bites manifests itself in the form of itching, inflammation of the bite site. When there are many such bites, it causes great discomfort. Often there are complications – the addition of a secondary infection.

5 common insect bites in summer

Mosquito bites are accompanied by severe unbearable itching – this is a reaction to the proteins contained in the saliva of the insect.

In some tropical countries, mosquito bites can transmit diseases such as malaria, Zika fever, Dengue fever, yellow fever.

Wasps, bees and hornets have stingers for self-defense. The sting contains a poisonous substance that enters the bite site, causing severe pain and burning. At the site of the bite, swelling, inflammation, redness and itching may appear. The most dangerous complication of such bites is anaphylaxis. The stings of bees, wasps, bumblebees and hornets are very dangerous for children.

Horseflies attack in hot stuffy weather. Their bite is quite painful, it can cause a sharp burning sensation. Often there is a feeling of itching, inflammation and swelling in the bite area. There may even be a bruise.

There are about 4,000 species of biting midges . The smallest of the flies that attack humans can range in size from 1 to 3 mm. Despite their tiny size, midge bites can be irritating and even cause local pain.

Flea bites leave small sores on the skin, usually several, next to each other, often on the ankles and legs.

First Aid

• apply cold
• remove tip
• clean with antiseptic solution
• do not scratch
• if necessary, drink an antihistamine (recommended by a doctor, observing the age dosage)

Seek medical attention immediately, if you have had a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting in the past, or if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• sudden urticaria
• swelling of the face
• labored breathing
• dizziness
• fainting

Basic precautions for preventing insect bites

Remain calm and walk away slowly if there are wasps, hornets or bees nearby – do not wave your arms and do not try to drive them away.

Wear closed clothing, do not walk barefoot on the grass.

Apply insect repellant to exposed skin or clothing as directed – repellants containing 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effective.

Avoid using strong perfumes, they can attract insects.

Be careful of flowering plants, trash, standing water, and open areas where food is served.

Avoid camping near bodies of water, do not keep containers filled with water in summer cottages – mosquitoes and horseflies are usually found near water.

In the evening, do not open the windows wide open if they are not equipped with a mosquito net.

It is also recommended that you take extra precautions if you are traveling to a part of the world where there is a risk of serious insect-borne diseases.

Let insects distract you from summer joys as little as possible this year!

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

Mosquitoes are guided by body temperature – therefore, people with superficially located capillaries become their favorites

org/Person”> Photo: Gustavo Zyryanov / NGS.RU

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Bites insects are common in the summer, 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 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.