What are the signs of a harmful mosquito bite. How can you distinguish between different insect bites. What are effective prevention strategies for avoiding insect bites. When should you seek medical attention for a bug bite.

Understanding the Zika Virus Threat from Mosquito Bites

The Aedes mosquito, capable of transmitting the Zika virus to humans, has become a significant concern in recent years. Initially confined to Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, the virus has spread to the Eastern Pacific, South America, and is now well-established in much of the Caribbean, Central and South America.

In the United States, the first cases of locally transmitted Zika were reported in Miami, as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This development has raised concerns about the potential for further spread within the country.

Symptoms of Zika Virus Infection

• Body aches
• Fever
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Rash
• Red eyes

It’s important to note that the majority of people infected with Zika will experience no symptoms at all. For those who do develop symptoms, they are typically mild and flu-like, usually clearing up within a week with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication.

How does Zika affect pregnant women? Pregnant women infected with Zika are at risk of transmitting the virus to their fetus, potentially causing serious birth defects such as microcephaly. This condition results in an abnormally small head in newborns and can be associated with severe medical problems and developmental delays.

Identifying Common Insect Bites and Stings

While mosquito bites in the United States are typically more of an itchy nuisance than a serious threat, other insects can cause varying degrees of discomfort and potential health risks. These include ticks, fleas, chiggers, bees, wasps, and yellow jackets.

How can you identify different insect bites? Here are some key characteristics:

• Wasp sting: A small mark when the reaction is mild
• Bee or wasp sting: Redness and swelling indicate an allergic reaction
• Mosquito bite: Redness that expands around the bite may indicate an infection

Are red streaks around a bite cause for concern? Yes, if a mosquito bite area develops red streaks, it may be a sign of a serious infection called cellulitis, which requires medical attention.

Treating Insect Bites and Stings: From Mild to Severe

The severity of reactions to insect bites and stings can range from very mild to potentially life-threatening. Understanding how to respond to different levels of severity is crucial for proper care and knowing when to seek medical attention.

Treating Mild Reactions

Most mild reactions can be treated at home without the need for a doctor’s visit. Effective conservative treatments include:

• Applying a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain
• Using over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve itching
• Applying hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation
• Taking oral pain relievers if needed

Addressing More Severe Reactions

For more severe reactions characterized by excessive swelling or irritation, medical intervention may be necessary. Treatment might include:

• A short course of prescription oral steroids
• Prescription anti-itch medication

Recognizing Signs of Infection

Some insect bites can lead to a skin infection called cellulitis. Watch for these signs:

• Poor response to conservative treatments
• Spreading of the affected area or development of red streaks
• Increasing redness, firmness, pain, or warmth to the touch
• Drainage of pus
• Fever, fatigue, and body aches

Anaphylaxis: A Life-Threatening Reaction to Insect Bites and Stings

In rare cases, insect bites or stings can trigger a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. This condition requires immediate medical attention.

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis? Look out for:

• Severe widespread rash or flushing of the skin
• Swelling, particularly of the face, throat, or tongue
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting

If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms following an insect bite or sting, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Effective Strategies for Preventing Insect Bites

While it’s impossible to completely avoid all insect encounters, there are several practical steps you can take to minimize your risk of bites and stings:

1. Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks, and closed-toe shoes when outdoors, especially in wooded areas.
2. Use gloves when working outdoors to protect your hands.
3. Stay indoors during peak mosquito activity times, typically dawn and dusk.
4. Avoid areas with standing water, which serve as mosquito breeding grounds.
5. Eliminate standing water sources in your yard to reduce mosquito populations.
6. Keep pets healthy and flea-free to prevent flea infestations in your home.
7. Apply insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing when outdoors.

What type of insect repellent is most effective? Repellents containing DEET are known for their long-lasting protection. The duration of effectiveness increases with the concentration of DEET. However, for children, it’s recommended to use repellents with no more than 30% DEET.

Special Considerations for Pregnant Women and Zika Prevention

Pregnant women or those considering pregnancy need to take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites, especially in areas where Zika virus transmission is possible. These women should:

• Be vigilant about using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing
• Avoid travel to areas with known Zika virus transmission if possible
• Consult with their healthcare provider if they develop any flu-like symptoms during pregnancy, especially after potential exposure to mosquitoes
• Consider postponing pregnancy if living in or traveling to high-risk areas

How long should women wait to conceive after potential Zika exposure? The CDC recommends that women wait at least 8 weeks after potential Zika exposure before trying to conceive, even if they haven’t shown symptoms. Men should wait at least 6 months, as the virus can persist longer in semen.

The Role of Climate Change in Insect-Borne Diseases

Climate change is having a significant impact on the distribution and prevalence of insect-borne diseases, including those transmitted by mosquitoes. As global temperatures rise, mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects are expanding their range into new territories.

How does climate change affect mosquito populations? Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can:

• Extend the breeding season for mosquitoes
• Accelerate the mosquito life cycle, leading to larger populations
• Increase the rate at which viruses replicate within mosquitoes
• Expand the geographical range of mosquito species into previously cooler areas

These factors contribute to an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases in regions that were previously less affected. This underscores the importance of global efforts to combat climate change as part of a comprehensive strategy to control insect-borne diseases.

Emerging Technologies in Insect Control and Disease Prevention

As the threat of insect-borne diseases continues to evolve, researchers and public health officials are exploring innovative technologies to control insect populations and prevent disease transmission. Some promising developments include:

Genetic Modification of Mosquitoes

Scientists are developing genetically modified mosquitoes that can help reduce wild mosquito populations. How does this work? These modified mosquitoes are designed to produce offspring that don’t survive to adulthood, thereby reducing the overall mosquito population over time.

Novel Insect Repellents

Researchers are working on new types of insect repellents that are more effective and longer-lasting than current options. These may include natural compounds derived from plants or synthetic molecules designed to interfere with insects’ ability to detect humans.

Advanced Surveillance Systems

New technologies are being developed to monitor insect populations and track the spread of diseases in real-time. These systems can help public health officials respond more quickly to outbreaks and implement targeted control measures.

Mosquito-Proof Clothing

Innovative fabrics are being developed that incorporate insect-repelling compounds, offering long-lasting protection against bites. These could be particularly useful for travelers and people living in high-risk areas.

While these technologies show promise, it’s important to note that they are still in various stages of development and testing. Traditional prevention methods, such as using insect repellent and eliminating standing water, remain crucial in the fight against insect-borne diseases.

Know Which Bug Bites Are Harmful

By Khalilah Babino, DO, Family Medicine

As the warm summer weather continues, so does our exposure to insects. This time of year we often see patients who have concerns about insect bites.

Of particular concern is the Aedes mosquito that can be infected with the Zika virus and transmit it to humans during a bite.

Initially, this particular disease was primarily limited to Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia, but it has spread to the Eastern Pacific and then South America and now is well-established in much of the Caribbean, Central and South America.

At one time, all cases of Zika in the United States were among returning travelers. Miami reported the first cases of Zika transmitted within the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is closely monitoring the virus.

The vast majority of people who are infected with the Zika virus will have no symptoms, while the remaining infections typically have only mild, flu-like symptoms such as:

• Body aches
• Fever
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Rash
• Red eyes

These symptoms typically clear up within a week with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medication. However, pregnant women who are infected with Zika are at risk of transmitting the virus to their fetus.

This can cause serious birth defects such as microcephaly in which the newborn child’s head is abnormally small and that can be associated with serious medical problems and developmental delay.

Any pregnant woman or woman who is considering pregnancy needs to take extra precaution in preventing mosquito bites and should follow up with her healthcare provider if she has concerns related to Zika for any flu-like symptoms during pregnancy.

In the United States, mosquito bites are typically more an itchy nuisance than a threat.

Other pests that “bug” us this time of year include ticks, fleas and chiggers. Bees, wasps, yellow jackets and other stingers come out in larger numbers in late August and September. Yellow-jacket wasps become even more aggressive as late summer progresses.

September is a prime time for these wasps that are often mistaken for bees to interfere with outdoor festivals and picnics. Reactions to insect bites and stings (when the insect embeds its stinger into the skin) can range from very mild to very severe.

Fortunately, the majority of insect bites cause only mild symptoms, including local skin redness, swelling and irritation. Severe reactions typically appear quickly and may require immediate treatment.

A wasp sting leaves a small mark when the reaction is mild.

Redness is an allergic reaction to a wasp or bee sting or an indication of an infection.

Redness from an infected mosquito bite expands around the bite. If the area develops red streaks, it may be a sign of a serious infection called cellulitis.

Swelling is an allergic reaction to a wasp or bee sting.

Redness from an infected mosquito bite expands around the bite. If the area develops red streaks, it may be a sign of a serious infection called cellulitis.

Here’s what to do depending on the severity of the reaction to the bite or sting. Mild reactions can typically be treated without a trip to your primary care provider.

Most bites and stings respond well to conservative treatments such as:

If you suffer a more severe reaction, such as excessive swelling or irritation, you may require a short course of prescription oral steroids and/or anti-itch medication.

Some insect bites can also lead to a skin infection called cellulitis. Clues of infection may include insect bites that:

• Respond poorly to conservative measures
• Begin to spread or develop red streaks
• Become increasingly red, firm, painful, warm to touch and/or drain pus
• Cause fever, fatigue and body aches

Unfortunately, there are insect bites and stings that can cause a very severe and life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. Symptoms may involve:

• Severe widespread rash and/or flushing of skin
• Swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting

Anaphylaxis requires prompt and immediate medical treatment. While insect bites can be a big nuisance this time of year, there are some small steps we can all take to help prevent them. Some practical, everyday tips include:

• Wearing shoes, long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks when going outdoors (especially in wooded areas where ticks are more common)
• Wearing gloves when working outdoors
• Staying indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are more active
• Avoiding areas of standing water, which can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes
• Removing areas of standing water in your yard
• Keeping your pets healthy and flea-free
• Applying bug spray/insect repellent to skin and clothing

Repellants containing DEET last longer depending on the concentration; for children, do not use one that contains more than 30% DEET.

Khalilah Babino, DO, is a family medicine physician at Loyola Medicine. Her clinical interests include immediate care.

Dr. Babino completed medical school at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific at Western University of Health Science. She completed a residency in family medicine at California Hospital Medical Center.

You can make an appointment to see Dr. Babino by calling 888-584-7888.

What Bit Me? How to Identify Common Bug Bites

A mosquito bite appears as an itchy, round red or pink skin bump. It’s usually a harmless bug bite but can sometimes cause a serious illness, such as the Zika virus (particularly harmful in pregnant women), West Nile virus, malaria, or eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). For most people, Zika causes a brief, flulike illness. But newborns of pregnant women infected with Zika have an alarming rate of microcephaly birth defects. Check out the CDC’s Zika Travel Information page to find out more about travel warnings and advisories.

For 2019 (the most recent year for which data is available), a total of 958 cases of the West Nile virus were reported across 47 states in the United States, according to the CDC. Symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after the bite and can include headaches, body aches, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and a skin rash. People with a more severe West Nile infection may develop meningitis or encephalitis, and have symptoms including neck stiffness, severe headache, disorientation, high fever, and convulsions.

The bite of a parasite-infected mosquito can cause malaria, a rare occurrence in the United States, with only about 2,000 cases diagnosed in the country each year (and the majority of those in people who recently traveled to parts of the world where malaria transmission is more common), according to CDC data. Symptoms are similar to the flu and can include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting from 10 days to four weeks after the bite. Malaria is serious, but it’s good to know it is preventable and treatable, according to the CDC.

Cases of EEE are rare but deadly. For people infected with EEE, 30 percent do not survive, and many who do develop neurological problems. As of mid-December 2019, 38 cases had been reported for the year in the United States, including 15 individuals who died from the condition, according to the CDC. But the numbers are concerning given that they’ve increased from the usual seven cases reported annually, according to CDC data. Most of the cases have been reported in the Northeast.

Another emerging concern is a species of mosquito just found in Florida, called Aedes scapularis. Previously found mostly in the Caribbean and Latin America, research indicates the mosquito is now well-established in Florida. The invasive species has been found in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, according to a report published in March 2021 in the Journal of Medical Entomology. It’s unclear if the Aedes scapularis mosquitos in Florida are spreading any types of disease, but elsewhere they have been shown to spread some viruses, including the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) and the one that causes yellow fever.

How to Know When You’ve Been Bitten by a Tick

Detecting tick bites can be tricky. Unlike the bites of mosquitoes and other insects, tick bites do not tend to cause itching or immediate skin irritation.

“Every blood-feeding arthropod and insect introduces saliva into the wound,” explains Jonathan Day, PhD, a professor of medical entomology at the University of Florida. In the case of mosquitoes and some other biting insects, this saliva contains proteins that prevent the bite wound from clotting, which would slow the outflow of blood and therefore disrupt feeding, Dr. Day explains.

Apart from preventing your blood from clotting, these proteins also trigger a reaction from your immune system. This reaction produces redness, swelling, itching, and all the other unpleasant skin irritations that come with bug bites, Day explains.

RELATED: How to Identify 11 Common Bug Bites

But tick bites are different. “Ticks suppress that reaction with immunosuppressants in their saliva,” Ostfeld explains.

Since you can’t feel a tick’s bite, you can detect it in one of two ways:

1. By spotting or feeling a tick on your skin
2. By identifying a bite once the tick has dropped off

If the Tick Is Still Attached .

..

Finding a tick on your skin can be quite difficult, Ostfeld says — especially during the spring and early-summer months when ticks are in their nymph stage, and so are roughly the size of a poppy seed. You have to closely examine your skin — and have a loved one scan the places you can’t see — in order to spot them. While adult ticks are a little larger, they’re still difficult to identify.

Running your hands over those parts of your body ticks tend to bite is another way to find them before they’ve dropped off. (They’ll feel like small, unfamiliar, hard nodules on your skin.)

If the Tick Has Dropped Off …

While tick bites don’t immediately itch like other bug bites, they can still cause a red welt or itchy lesion to rise on the skin after the tick has dropped away, Ostfeld says.

The size and quality of this lesion can vary a lot from person to person, he says, and so it may be impossible to differentiate a tick bite from a mosquito bite. Especially if the tick that bit you was not carrying Lyme disease or some other infection, the bite is likely to resemble a mosquito bite and quickly fade away.

RELATED: How to Identify These 11 Common Skin Rashes

But if you find a tick on your skin or notice an itchy lesion that doesn’t go away within a few days, that could indicate Lyme disease or some other kind of tick-borne infection. (3) The same is true of a large, bull’s-eye-shaped skin lesion — something that looks like a red welt surrounded by one or more outer rings of inflamed red skin. (3) This bull’s-eye rash is a hallmark of Lyme disease.

How to Treat a Spider Bite, Say Doctors

Getting bitten by an eight-legged creepy crawler isn’t high on anyone’s to-do list. But, while spider bites aren’t as common as people think, they can and do happen.

Your first step: Don’t panic. With the exception of the brown recluse and black widow, most spiders in the U.S. won’t do much harm at all. A bite from a less intense species—say a wolf spider or jumping spider—will likely cause a red bump that may be a little sore or even painful, says Gary Goldenberg, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. In most cases, you’ll be just fine.

Still, there are a few things you can do to ensure the area heals up quickly and without any problems. We consulted doctors for tips on what to do in the immediate aftermath of a spider bite—and how to make it better ASAP.

Back up: What does a spider bite look like?

In a perfect world, you wouldn’t be bitten by a spider in the first place. Spiders usually only bite people when they feel threatened, so doing your best to avoid the creatures and checking objects that are in spider-friendly places—like your garage, attic, and closets—before you use them can go a long way toward preventing bites.

If you do receive a bite, it can be hard to know for sure (even for pros) if a spider was the culprit—unless you found it on you, says Nancy Troyano, PhD, a board-certified medical entomologist with Ehrlich Pest Control.

But there is one telltale identifier: Since spiders have two fangs, you may see two tiny puncture holes in the center of your bite, says Howard Russell, MS, an entomologist at Michigan State University.

Redness and swelling around the bite site, mild pain (similar to a bee sting), and possible itching may also develop, depending on how you personally react to the bite. (Check out these spider bite pictures for visual examples.)

How can you tell if a spider bite is dangerous?

There are two spiders in the U.S. that cause more intense reactions: the brown recluse and black widow.

Schiz-ArtGetty Images

Brown recluse bites

The brown recluse has a very recognizable, violin-shaped marking along its torso and is known for its six (rather than eight) eyes. They’re a common house spider, and prefer to hang out in dark, undisturbed corners—say, a closet, basement, or shed. A brown recluse spider bite is extremely painful and can cause necrotic wounds or lesions (due to its hemotoxic venom) that may end up needing surgical repair, says Troyano. Look for a white or discolored blister and other body-wide symptoms, like muscle aches or a fever.

stephanie phillipsGetty Images

Black widow bites

The black widow has a jet black coloring and a red hourglass-shaped marking on its abdomen. You can also find it around the home, especially in garages, workplaces with lots of debris, and areas with corners or edges to build webs. While rare, a black widow bite can also be “extremely dangerous,” says Troyano. Watch out for two obvious puncture marks, redness, swelling, and a burning feeling around the bite site. The neurotoxic venom can also cause muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremors, and weakness.

🚨 If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a brown recluse or black widow spider, seek immediate medical attention.

How to treat a spider bite

If you’re unlucky enough to get a spider bite, there are a few things you can do to treat it at home if you suspect a relatively harmless spider was the offender.

1. Wash the wound.

Insects are dirty, and you don’t know where that spider’s mouth has been. But washing with soap and water is just good wound care to prevent infection, no matter what kind of bite or cut you get, says Nicholas Kman, MD, an emergency medicine physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. So, work up a good lather, rub it onto the wound, rinse it, and pat the area dry.

2. Grab some ice.

A spider may inject a little bit of venom into you when it bites, and the toxin can be inactivated by ice, says Dr. Kman. You can either make an ice bag and hold it over the bite for 10 minutes or so, or put a cube directly on the bite wound itself.

3. Take an anti-inflammatory medication.

If the area is uncomfortable or seems to be swelling a little, taking an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen can help, Dr. Kman says.

4. Apply an antibiotic ointment.

Neosporin Original Antibiotic Ointment

Again, insects = dirty. Not only that, having any kind of wound increases your risk of developing a skin infection. That’s why Dr. Goldenberg recommends using an antibiotic cream on the wound like bacitracin, which you can find in an OTC option like Neosporin. You’ll want to continue to apply it twice daily until the bump goes away.

5. Take an antihistamine, if needed.

Many times, a spider bite will cause your body to release histamines, which causes swelling and itching. If you notice that your bite is itchy and swollen, Dr. Kman recommends taking an antihistamine like Benadryl or Zyrtec to combat the reaction.

6. Get a tetanus shot.

Being bitten by a spider means you should get a tetanus booster, which helps prevent infections—just in case, Dr. Kman says. You don’t need to sprint to the nearest ER, but you do want to put it on your immediate to-do list.

How long does it take for a spider bite to heal?

Expect harmless bites to go away within a couple of days, says Troyano, as long as it does not show any signs of infection, like excessive swelling and feeling hot to the touch.

If you get bitten by a brown recluse or black widow, it may take weeks (sometimes months if serious) to properly heal, which depends on the severity of the bite or if an infection follows.

When to see a doctor for your spider bite

Most spider bites don’t get infected, Dr. Kman says. However, if you notice redness, warmth, swelling that won’t quit, or drainage or pus from the wound, see a doctor as soon as you can. That’s also true if the area becomes tender, you have a breakdown of your skin, or it develops a hard, black crust, Dr. Goldenberg adds.

Again, in most cases of a spider bite, you’ll be just fine to wash the area well, ice it, and use OTC medication as needed—but don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you develop more issues or if you have any questions.

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What Is the Bug Bite with White Ring Around It?

For anybody that spends any time outdoors, bug bites and stings are commonplace. From ticks, spiders, bees, wasps, and ants, to mosquitos, bug bites and stings are the result of a feeding, or a defence mechanism. Fortunately, most bites and stings are usually just uncomfortable, and heal on their own. However, those people who are sensitive to bug bites, or have a bug bite with white ring around it, can have severe or even life threatening reactions.

What does Bug Bite with White Ring Around It Indicate?

Skin necrosis is a complication that results in the death of the skin tissue. The white ring around a bug bite are dead lymphocytes, or white blood cells that have sacrificed themselves rushing to the scene to kill off the toxic saliva from a bite or sting. What’s important to distinguish is whether the white ring is the result of a secondary infection, or from necrotic venom.

1. Insect Bites

All biting insects produce local reactions and produce an itchy welt that can last a few hours to a few days. However, with some bites a skin wound or ulcer may result, creating a white ring of dead skin tissue around the ulceration. More importantly, some arachnids, like ticks and mosquitos, may cause infection or transmit disease through their bites.

• Mosquito Bite

Mosquito bites are the itchy welts that appear after they puncture your skin and feed on your blood. The bite-bump usually heals on its own in a couple of days. However, mosquitoes carrying certain viruses or parasites can also cause severe illness. Mosquito-borne infections include malaria, yellow fever, the Zika virus, and sometimes may cause a brain infection called encephalitis.

Aside from the intense itching and resulting ulceration from a tick bite, Lyme disease is a major concern. Ticks infected with Lyme disease carry a microorganism (spirochete), that is injected when they bite causing an illness similar to the flu in humans that may become chronic. A tick bite that results with a welt surrounded by red rings that radiate outward (Bulls- Eye), is the hallmark of a Lyme disease infection.

2. Spider Bite

Although any spider bite can be painful, a secondary infection may lead to a white ring of dead skin cells around an open sore. What does a bug bite with white ring around it indicate? It could be a brown recluse spider bite. This is because the brown recluse spider injects a necrotic venom that leads to skin cell death. It’s important to note that with a brown recluse spider bite, the wound ulcerates into a larger wound that includes a centred blister surrounded first by a red ring and then by a white ring.

Symptoms of an insect bite may include:

• Deep blue or purple area around the bite, surrounded by white and red outer rings
• Burning, itching, pain or redness that may develop within hours or days
• Ulcer or blister that turns black
• Fever
• Rash
• Nausea or vomiting

3. Insect Stings

The one thing many people know about insect stings is that they can be painful. Many people are sometimes surprised by how much pain a sting can produce.

Bees, Wasps, or Hornets	Bees, wasps and hornets can cause two reactions by their stings. The first most common reaction is to the venom from the sting. This typically includes localized intense pain, followed by redness and swelling at the sting site. Although uncomfortable, the pain and swelling diminishes over a couple of hours. However, for some people, this venom could trigger a life threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis (allergic reaction). If not treated immediately, the person could eventually go into anaphylactic shock resulting in death.
Scorpions	Scorpion stings can be painful, but most of them are harmless. However, some species can inflict potentially fatal stings. Stings are most serious with the elderly and in young children.
Fire Ants	Fire ants, imported from Mexico, deliver many bites that are painful and form ulcers at the sting site. Their venom also may cause serious and systemic reactions; however, death is very rare.

Symptoms of an insect sting may include:


• Burning, and itching
• Redness, and swelling of the sting area
• Circular shaped white and red rings (bull’s-eye) 
• Ulcer or blister
• Hives
• Trouble breathing
• A weak and rapid pulse
• Nausea, or vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting

Treatments for Bug Bite with White Ring Around It

1. Insect Bites

Many common spider and insect bites may be simply treated at home. However, bites by a brown recluse spider or a black widow require immediate medical care.

• For black widow bites that are observed to be affecting a person’s health, a vial or two of antivenin (equine) may be administered intravenously, which can save a life.
• For a brown recluse spider bite, medication, such as Dapsone, will stop the necrotic spread of lesions that develop into deep ulcerations.

2. Insect Stings

Identifying the insect can be a benefit when treating stings. Serious scorpion poisoning requires emergency treatment to support and monitor respiration, heart rhythm, and blood pressure. Commercially available antivenins are able to rapidly reverse much of the life threatening problems. Monitor for anaphylaxis, because it is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

3. Other Tips to Help

Fortunately, most insect bites and stings can be treated with a cold pack and pain medication. However, a bug bite with white ring around it indicates a more serious condition. If the bug bite or sting;

• Does not develop ulcers, treatment includes applying a cold pack while elevating and avoiding moving the bite area.
• Causes an ulcer and necrosis (white ring of dead skin), treatment includes removing the dead skin, and may require replacing the dead skin with skin grafts.

When You Should Worry about a Bug Bite

Get immediate medical attention if any of these conditions apply:

• Intense pain and stiffness
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Irregular heartbeat
• Rapid swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue, and throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Abdominal pain that develops a couple of hours after a spider bite
• Loss of consciousness

These are the signs of either anaphylactic shock (allergic reaction) or of a severe, non-allergic reaction to multiple stings. 

Mosquito Bite

Is this your child’s symptom?

• Bites from a mosquito
• Cause itchy, red bumps
• Often they look like a hive
• West Nile Virus (WNV) questions are also covered

Types of Reactions to Mosquito Bites

• Red Bumps. In North America, mosquito bites are mainly an annoyance. They cause itchy red skin bumps. Often, the bite looks like hives (either one large one or several small ones).
• When a mosquito bites, its secretions are injected into the skin. The red bumps are the body’s reaction to this process.
• Suspect mosquito bites if there are bites on other parts of the body. Most bites occur on exposed parts such as face and arms.
• Swelling. Bites of the upper face can cause severe swelling around the eye. This can last for several days. With bites, the swelling can be pink as well as large (especially age 1-5 years).
• Disease. Rarely, the mosquito can carry a serious blood-borne disease. In the US and Canada, this is mainly West Nile Virus (WNV). In Africa and South America, they also carry malaria and yellow fever.
• Prevention. Insect repellents can prevent mosquito bites. Use DEET (applied to skin) and permethrin (applied to clothing).

Cause of Mosquito Bite Reaction

• The skin bumps are the body’s reaction to the mosquito’s saliva.
• While it’s sucking blood, some of its secretions get mixed in.

Mosquito Life Cycle

• Only female mosquitoes bite. They need a blood meal to produce eggs. The female may bite 20 times before she finds a small blood vessel. She then sips blood for 90 seconds.
• Males eat flower nectar and plant juices.
• 170 species of mosquito are in North America.
• At a far distance, they are attracted by smell (breath odors, sweat and perfumes). They can smell up to 120 feet (36 meters). At a close distance, they are attracted by body heat and movement.

Risk Factors for Increased Mosquito Bites

• Warmer body temperature
• Male more than female
• Children more than adults
• Breath odors
• Sweating
• Perfumed soaps and shampoos

Complications of Insect Bites

• Impetigo. A local bacterial infection. Gives sores, soft scabs and pus. Caused by scratching or picking at the bites. More common in itchy bites.
• Cellulitis. The bacterial infection spreads into the skin. Gives redness spreading out from the bite. The red area is painful to the touch.
• Lymphangitis. The bacterial infection spreads up the lymph channels. Gives a red line that goes up the arm or leg. More serious because the infection can get into the bloodstream. (This is called sepsis.)

When to Call for Mosquito Bite

Call 911 Now

• Life-threatening allergic reaction suspected. Symptoms include sudden onset of trouble breathing or swallowing.
• Can’t wake up
• You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Spreading red area or streak with fever
• Your child looks or acts very sick
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Painful spreading redness started more than 24 hours after the bite. Note: any redness starting in the first 24 hours is a reaction to the bite.
• More than 48 hours since the bite and redness gets larger
• Unexplained fever and recent travel outside the country to high risk area
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• Pregnant and recently traveled to or lives in a place with a Zika outbreak
• Scab that looks infected (drains pus or gets bigger) not better with antibiotic ointment
• Severe itching not better after 24 hours of using steroid cream
• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Normal mosquito bite
• Questions about West Nile Virus
• Questions about insect repellents (such as DEET)

Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Care Advice

Treatment for Mosquito Bites

1. What You Should Know About Mosquito Bites:
   • In the United States and Canada, mosquito bites rarely carry any disease.
   • They cause itchy red skin bumps.
   • Most of the time, the bumps are less than ½ inch (12 mm) in size. In young children, they can be larger.
   • Some even have a small water blister in the center.
   • A large hive at the bite does not mean your child has an allergy.
   • The redness does not mean the bite is infected.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Steroid Cream for Itching:
   • To reduce the itching, use 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed. Put it on 3 times a day until the itch is gone. If you don’t have, use a baking soda paste until you can get some.
   • If neither is available, use ice in a wet washcloth for 20 minutes.
   • Also, you can put firm, sharp, direct, steady pressure on the bite. Do this for 10 seconds to reduce the itch. A fingernail, pen cap, or other object can be used.
3. Allergy Medicine for Itching:
   • If the bite is still itchy, try an allergy medicine (such as Benadryl). No prescription is needed.
   • Sometimes it helps, especially in allergic children.
4. Try Not to Scratch:
   • Cut the fingernails short.
   • Help your child not to scratch.
   • Reason: Prevent a skin infection at the bite site.
5. Antibiotic Ointment:
   • If the bite has a scab and looks infected, use an antibiotic ointment. An example is Polysporin.
   • No prescription is needed. Use 3 times per day. (Note: Usually infection caused by scratching bites with dirty fingers).
   • Cover the scab with a bandage (such as Band-Aid). This will help prevent scratching and spread.
   • Wash the sore and use the antibiotic ointment 3 times per day. Do this until healed.
6. What to Expect:
   • Most mosquito bites itch for 3 or 4 days.
   • Any pinkness or redness lasts 3 or 4 days.
   • The swelling may last 7 days.
   • Bites of the upper face can cause severe swelling around the eye. This does not hurt the vision and is harmless.
   • The swelling is often worse in the morning after lying down all night. It will improve after standing for a few hours.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Bite looks infected (redness gets larger after 48 hours)
   • Bite becomes painful
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

West Nile Virus Questions

1. West Nile Virus (WNV) – What You Should Know:
   • WNV is a disease carried by mosquitoes. It can be spread to humans through a mosquito bite.
   • About 1% of mosquitoes carry WNV.
   • Of people who get WNV, less than 1% get the serious kind.
   • Here are some facts that should help.
2. Symptoms of WNV:
   • No symptoms: 80% of WNV infections.
   • Mild symptoms: 20% of infections. Symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches. Some have a skin rash. These symptoms last 3-6 days. They go away without any treatment. This is called WNV fever.
   • Serious symptoms: less than 1% (1 out of 150) of WNV infections. Symptoms are high fever, stiff neck, confusion, coma, seizures, and muscle weakness. The muscle weakness is often just on one side. The cause is infection of the brain (encephalitis) or spinal cord (viral meningitis).
   • Death: 10% of those who need to be in the hospital.
   • Child cases are most often mild. Most serious cases occur in people over age 60.
3. Diagnosis of WNV:
   • Mild symptom cases do not need to see a doctor. They do not need any special tests.
   • Severe symptom cases (with encephalitis or viral meningitis) need to see a doctor right away. Special tests on the blood and spinal fluid will be done to confirm WNV.
   • Pregnant or nursing women need to see a doctor if they have WNV symptoms.
4. Treatment of WNV:
   • No special treatment is needed after a mosquito bite.
   • There is no special treatment or anti-viral drug for WNV symptoms.
   • People with serious symptoms often need to be in the hospital. They will be given IV fluids and airway support.
   • There is not yet a vaccine to prevent WNV in humans.
5. WNV – Spread by Mosquitoes:
   • WNV is spread by the bite of a mosquito. The mosquito gets the virus from biting infected birds.
   • Even in an area where WNV occurs, less than 1% of mosquitoes carry the virus.
   • Spread is mosquito-to-human.
   • Person-to-person spread does not occur. Kissing, touching, or sharing a glass with a person who has WNV is safe.
   • Mothers with mosquito bites can breastfeed (CDC 2003), unless they get symptoms of WNV.
   • It takes 3-14 days after the mosquito bite to get WNV.
   • In United States and Canada, the peak summers for WNV were 2002, 2003 and 2012.

Insect Repellent Questions

1. Prevention Tips:
   • Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a hat.
   • Avoid being outside when the bugs are most active. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Limit your child’s outdoor play during these times.
   • Get rid of any standing water. (Reason: It’s where they lay their eggs.)
   • Keep bugs out of your home by fixing any broken screens.
   • Insect repellents containing DEET are very good at preventing mosquito bites. Read the label carefully.
2. DEET Products – Use on the Skin:
   • DEET is a good mosquito repellent. It also repels ticks and other bugs.
   • The AAP approves DEET use over 2 months old. Use 30% DEET or less. Use 30% DEET if you need 6 hours of protection. Use 10% DEET if you only need protection for 2 hours.
   • Don’t put DEET on the hands if your child sucks their thumb or fingers. (Reason: Prevent swallowing DEET)
   • Warn older children who apply their own DEET to use less. A total of 3 or 4 drops can protect the whole body.
   • Put on exposed areas of skin. Do not use near eyes or mouth. Don’t use on skin that is covered by clothing. Don’t put DEET on sunburns or rashes. (Reason: DEET can be easily absorbed in these areas.)
   • Wash it off with soap and water when your child comes indoors.
   • Caution: DEET can damage clothing made of man-made fibers. It can also damage plastics (eye glasses) and leather. DEET can be used on cotton clothing.
3. Permethrin Product – Use on Clothing:
   • Products that contain permethrin (such as Duranon) work well to repel mosquitos and ticks.
   • Unlike DEET, these products are put on clothing instead of on the skin.
   • Put it on shirt cuffs, pant cuffs, shoes and hats. Can also put it on mosquito nets and sleeping bags.
   • Do not put permethrin on the skin. (Reason: Sweat changes it so it does not work).
4. Picaridin Products:
   • Picaridin is a repellent that is equal to 10% DEET.
   • It can safely be put on skin or clothing.

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 05/30/2021

Last Revised: 03/11/2021

Copyright 2000-2021. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Mosquito bites – Symptoms and causes

Overview

Mosquito bites are the itchy bumps that appear after mosquitoes use their mouthparts to puncture your skin and feed on your blood. The bump usually clears up on its own in a few days. Occasionally a mosquito bite causes a large area of swelling, soreness and redness. This type of reaction, most common in children, is sometimes referred to as skeeter syndrome.

Bites from mosquitoes carrying certain viruses or parasites can cause severe illness. Infected mosquitoes in many parts of the world transmit West Nile virus to humans. Other mosquito-borne infections include yellow fever, malaria and some types of brain infection (encephalitis).

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Symptoms

Mosquito bite signs include:

• A puffy, white and reddish bump that appears a few minutes after the bite
• A hard, itchy, reddish-brown bump, or multiple bumps, appearing a day or so after the bite or bites
• Small blisters instead of hard bumps
• Dark spots that look like bruises

More-severe reactions may be experienced by children, adults not previously exposed to the type of mosquito that bit them, and people with immune system disorders. In these people, mosquito bites sometimes trigger:

• A large area of swelling and redness
• Low-grade fever
• Hives
• Swollen lymph nodes

Children are more likely to develop a severe reaction than are adults, because many adults have had mosquito bites throughout their lives and become desensitized.

When to see a doctor

If mosquito bites seem to be associated with more-serious warning signs — such as fever, headache, body aches and signs of infection — contact your doctor.

Causes

Mosquito bites are caused by female mosquitoes feeding on your blood. Female mosquitoes have a mouthpart made to pierce skin and siphon off blood. Males lack this blood-sucking ability because they don’t produce eggs and so have no need for protein in blood.

As a biting mosquito fills itself with blood, it injects saliva into your skin. Proteins in the saliva trigger a mild immune system reaction that results in the characteristic itching and bump.

Mosquitoes select their victims by evaluating scent, exhaled carbon dioxide and the chemicals in a person’s sweat.

Complications

Scratching bites can lead to infection.

Mosquitoes can carry certain diseases, such as West Nile virus, malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever. The mosquito obtains a virus or parasite by biting an infected person or animal. Then, when biting you, the mosquito can transfer that virus or parasite to you through its saliva. West Nile and encephalitis viruses are found in the United States. Dengue fever has been reported in several southern states and Hawaii. Other diseases, such as malaria and yellow fever, are far more common in tropical areas of the world.

Prevention

You can take several steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Avoid and exclude mosquitoes

Limit exposure to mosquitoes by:

• Avoiding outdoor activities when they’re most active, dusk to dawn
• Repairing any tears in the screens on your windows, doors and camping gear
• Using mosquito netting over strollers and cribs or when sleeping outdoors

Use insect repellent

The most effective insect repellents in the United States include one of three active ingredients:

• DEET
• Icaridin (also called picaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (a plant-based compound)

These repellents temporarily repel mosquitoes and ticks. DEET may offer longer lasting protection. Whichever product you choose, read the label before you apply it. If you’re using a spray repellent, apply it outdoors and away from food.

If you’re also using sunscreen, put it on first, about 20 minutes before applying the repellent. Avoid products that combine sunscreen and repellent, because you’ll likely need to reapply sunscreen more often than repellent. And it’s better to use only as much repellent as you need.

Used according to package directions, these products are generally safe for children and adults, with a few exceptions:

• Don’t use DEET-containing products on infants younger than 2 months.
• Don’t let young children get DEET or icaridin-containing products on their hands or faces.
• Don’t use oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under age 3 years.
• Don’t apply repellent under clothing.
• Don’t apply repellent over sunburns, cuts, wounds or rashes.
• When you go indoors, wash with soap and water to remove any remaining repellent.

Treat clothing and outdoor gear

Permethrin is an insecticide and insect repellent used for additional protection. This product is applied to clothing and outdoor gear, not skin. Check the product label for specific application instructions. Some sporting goods stores sell clothing pretreated with permethrin.

Use protective clothing and gear

Weather permitting, wear:

• Long sleeves
• Socks and closed-toe shoes
• Long pants, possibly tucked into the tops of your socks
• Light colors
• A hat that protects your ears and neck or one with mosquito netting that covers your face

Take preventive medication

If you tend to have large or severe reactions to mosquito bites (skeeter syndrome), consider taking a nondrowsy, nonprescription antihistamine when you know you’ll be exposed to mosquitoes.

Reduce mosquitoes around your home

Eliminate standing water, which mosquitoes need to breed. To keep your house and yard free of mosquito pools:

• Unclog roof gutters.
• Empty children’s wading pools at least once a week, and preferably more often.
• Change water in birdbaths at least weekly.
• Get rid of old tires in your yard.
• Empty outdoor flower pots regularly or store them upside down so that they can’t collect water.
• Drain your fire pit if water collects there.


Sept. 15, 2020

90,000 First aid for insect bites

With the onset of summer, we and our children are in for such troubles as insect bites. How to protect children from the negative effects of bites? How to avoid allergic reactions?

Symptoms:

Insect bites – mosquitoes, bees, wasps, hornets, horseflies, fleas, ticks and spiders are especially common among children who are often outdoors. The bite usually causes a red spot with a small wound, sometimes bleeding, and a small swelling.

Lice are usually spread by close human contact. These are small insects, they move quickly and are often invisible to the naked eye. Their eggs look like white or gray crumbs on their clothes or hair. The bites themselves are not very painful, almost invisible, but they cause intense itching, and the child can scratch the skin when scratching. Pus appears at the site of the bites, the lymph nodes swell and soften. If there are many combed areas, the child may have a fever.

Fleas cause reddish bumps on the arms, legs, neck, or parts of the body that are in contact with rubbing clothing.

The bites of ticks often resemble large moles, and the insect is often kept on them. Elk mites are smaller than normal mites, they look like small dark bubbles. If the tick has already lagged behind the skin, then a red spot or swelling remains at the site where it entered. Sometimes, for example, with Lyme disease (transmitted through moose ticks and carried by moose or field mice), a spot with a red center may appear, with a white ring around the bite site, around which there is another red ring or just a red expanding area.

After being bitten by mosquitoes blisters appear, they itch a lot.

Bees , wasps , hornets sting painfully and burning, the bite is surrounded by a tumor. Usually, these insects leave a sting only on an open area of ​​the body.

In most cases, insect bites should not be of concern to parents, but they should watch for accompanying symptoms. Serious complications are sometimes observed. This includes allergic reactions: skin redness, itching in the ears, mouth, eyes, cough, and other allergic reactions.

Note

Children who react unusually to insect stings, such as bee stings, are often hypersensitive and their immune systems overreact to such stings.

Such children should be kept away from potentially dangerous places for them (forests, edges, ravines), where there are accumulations of insects.

Attention! Mosquito, ant, or horsefly bites can be treated at home by washing the affected area with soap and water, ice, or a cold compress to relieve pain and itching.

Stinging of a hornet, wasp, or bee can be more serious, especially when it comes to multiple stings or additional symptoms such as skin redness, severe swelling, hives, nausea or shortness of breath. In case of a single sting and the absence of additional symptoms, the lesion site should be washed with soap and water to neutralize the poison. It is helpful to apply ice to relieve itching and apply a bandage to prevent infection.

Special note on bee stings: sting with venom may remain in the skin.It must be removed with tweezers so as not to crush it, otherwise the poison will penetrate into the body.

Perhaps mosquitoes disturb a child most of all in summer. Mosquito bites cause severe itching, children constantly itch, become moody, and sleep poorly. How can you alleviate their suffering a little? To relieve itching, wipe the bite with rubbing alcohol or cologne. Prepare a cream, lotion, or other mosquito repellent before traveling out of town. Before going for a walk, lubricate the face, neck, arms, legs of the child with these liquids

Caution! The doctor should be informed as soon as possible if:

• significant swelling has developed around the bite site;
• high fever, headaches, drowsiness or other symptoms persist for a week after the bite;
• pus appeared at the site of the bite;
• There is swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck or other parts of the body;
• lice found in hair;
• flea bites detected;
• tick bites detected.

Urgently!

Tell the doctor right away if your child shows signs of loss of consciousness or is so weak that he cannot move.

If there is no doctor, don’t wait. Send your child to the hospital right away. All of these symptoms can be signs that the child is in shock.

Parental Actions:

In most cases, all that is required is washing the bite site with soap and water, applying ice or a cold compress, and finally covering the bite site with a clean bandage.

If we are talking about flea bites, then you should examine pets and destroy their insects.

Tick bites should be treated very carefully. If a doctor is nearby, then it is best to do all this with his help.

To what has been said, it is necessary to add: our doctors recommend, after removing the sting containing poison, to restrict ourselves to wiping the bite site with a solution of alcohol or iodine. Cold is applied to relieve pain and swelling. You cannot put earth on the site of a bee or wasp sting, as some traditional healers advise.The causative agent of purulent infection and tetanus can be brought in from the ground.

Prepared by Zhukova O.G.

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90,000 First aid for bites of mosquitoes, wasps, bees and other insects

“Oh, summer is red! I would love you, If not for the heat, yes dust, mosquitoes, and flies… “Very, very many Russians are in solidarity with Pushkin: insect invasions can drive you to a frenzy. But locking yourself in and not leaving the house until the fall is not an option. Therefore, it is very important to know what to do if a person – an adult or a child – is bitten by an insect.

The main two hazards posed by insect bites are infection of injured tissue and / or allergic reaction to poison. The main measures should be aimed at neutralizing them. Also, the actions depend on which insect has bitten.

Mosquitoes

At first glance, they are harmless, but itching and blisters that occur after their bites can still cause a lot of inconvenience. Therefore, immediately after detecting a bite, something cold must be applied (this will reduce the absorption of the poison into the blood). Then the affected area should be treated with antiallergic ointment.

If a person scratched the skin too hard and suppuration appeared in the wound, this area should be lubricated with brilliant green or “Fukortsin”, and then apply a complex ointment (for example, “Triderm”).

If the reaction is non-standard – there are suspiciously large blisters or a strange rash – the described actions cannot be avoided. You will have to go for a consultation with a specialist: ideally – to an allergist, if there is no such doctor nearby – to a dermatologist. As a last resort, a therapist or pediatrician will help.

Bees, wasps, hornets, bumblebees

The reaction to the bites of the above insects is more serious. In the event of an attack by any of these pests, you first need to get the sting (if the insect has left it), apply cold to the affected area, lubricate it with antiallergic ointment.If the bite is single and there is no allergy to the poison, then these actions can be limited to.

In case of multiple bites, or if a person has ever had an allergic reaction, then you need to call an ambulance: there is a high risk of laryngeal edema or anaphylaxis. Both of these conditions are life threatening.

Pliers

Ticks are carriers of borreliosis (aka Lyme disease), tick-borne encephalitis, as well as other bacterial and viral infections. Therefore, after spending time in nature, it is necessary to examine the whole body, paying special attention to the delicate areas of the skin: the neck, scalp, the place behind the ears, armpits, under the knees.

If a tick is found, ideally go to a medical facility: there they will get it according to all the rules (twisting with tweezers or a loop of thread). Then it would be nice to put the pulled out tick in a box and send it to the SES laboratory for research.

Important! If, after outdoor recreation, a person’s temperature rises (while there is no cough, sore throat or diarrhea), then it is necessary to look for the place of the tick bite. An alarming sign is the appearance of a spot on the skin in the form of a red ring with a diameter of 3 mm or more.

Spiders

Bites of “domestic” spiders are harmless. Usually, a small wound appears on the affected area, which will heal without additional influences. But if there is a suspicion that it was a poisonous spider (for example, karakurt) that attacked, then you need to apply a cold compress to the affected area and call an ambulance or go to the hospital yourself. Warning signs: sudden severe pain throughout the body, weakness.

Ants

Bites of these insects are characterized by a burning sensation, slight itching and / or swelling of the skin, redness.First aid consists in washing the affected area with soapy water and applying an antihistamine ointment.

If the case is severe (there are many bites or the victim is allergic to formic acid), then such alarming symptoms are possible: lowering blood pressure, headaches, nausea, swelling, itching all over the body, urticaria, Quincke’s edema. In this case, you will need professional medical attention. How much emergency measures are needed must be judged based on the severity of the condition.

In general, the bites of any insects (even harmless ladybugs) should be treated with caution, but do not panic. First aid in most cases consists of applying a cold compress and then applying an antihistamine ointment. If you experience more alarming symptoms, it is better to see a specialist.

Bites of insects – ticks, mosquitoes and midges, horseflies, fleas – what symptoms are observed in a person at the site of a bite, how the general reaction of the body after a bite is manifested, preventive measures and first aid.

With the onset of warm spring days, various insects become active. Some of them, when colliding with a person, bite him for 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 body’s reaction and be able to provide first aid for bites .

The reaction to a bite depends on the type of insect and the sensitivity of the person .Flea, tick and mosquito bites usually cause itching. An insect sting almost always causes severe pain. Depending on the type of insect, the body’s reaction to its bite can range from mild irritation to serious illness.

In the site of the bite , an infection can develop in the form of redness, skin tightening, a local increase in temperature, and the 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 of the skin. Sometimes the bite itself can be seen as a tiny dot. Sometimes inflammation develops around the area of ​​the bite.

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

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

With a repeated insect bite that previously caused an allergy, a more severe reaction may develop due to the increased sensitivity to saliva of this insect species.

With prolonged contact with insects, for example 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 (horseflies), midges, ticks.Next, we will tell you in detail about the bites of each of the listed insects.

Tick bites

tick bites usually resolve within three weeks. If parts of the insect’s mouth or head remain in the skin, which is often the case 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 develop 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 strip, vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis will not be superfluous.

If you see a sucked tick on your skin, remove it immediately. Grab it as close to the skin as possible with tweezers or a tick remover and gently pull it straight up so that no parts are left in the skin.After removing the tick, wash your hands and 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 research is chargeable.

If you feel unwell some time after tick bite (rash, muscle aches, fever, swelling of the groin and axillary lymph nodes), see your doctor for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease.

Bites Mosquitoes and midges

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. The bite site of the midge is distinguished by a large (up to 3 cm) red spot with a lighter area in the middle, rising above the skin surface.Sometimes we see an erythema annular spot at the site of the bite (red middle, white ring around, surrounded by a reddened area of ​​skin with blurred edges).

Flea bites

Flea bite is characterized by sharp pain. This is due to the fact that, compared to other parasites, fleas do not secrete a special substance that acts as a pain reliever during a bite. At the site of the bite , a slight swelling appears and unbearable itching is felt.Scratching the wound results in a drop of blood. This is due to the fact that the insect secretes a substance into the wound that prevents blood clotting.

Common sources of fleas are pets, populous communities with low hygiene standards, and bird nests. Moving to a new home that has been empty for a while can activate sleeping fleas.

Fleas can transmit diseases such as typhus and plague. Currently, no outbreaks of such diseases have been registered in Russia.

Horsefly bites

Horsefly bite can be very painful. It heals for a long time, because 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.







Help with insect bites

Usually, the manifestations of insect bites go away on their own.In case of prolonged healing, accession of an infection, the occurrence of an allergic reaction, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

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

Prevention of insect bites

To prevent insect bites, use the following prevention measures :

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

• when driving in woodland and grassy areas, periodically inspect yourself and each other for ticks. The mite does not stick right away, but for some time selects a suitable area of ​​the skin;

• when going out of town, 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;

• when you are out of town, use repellents in a wide variety offered in pharmacies and supermarkets.Please be aware that some are intended to be applied to clothing only and may cause toxic reactions when applied to the skin. Read the instructions and accompanying documents for repellents carefully, especially if you are choosing them for children. Many of them have age restrictions.

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

Health protection

In the summer, we and our little ones face such troubles as insect bites.How to protect children from the negative effects of bites? How to avoid allergic reactions?

Symptoms

Insect bites – mosquitoes, bees, wasps, hornets, horseflies, fleas, ticks and spiders are especially common among children who are often outdoors. The bite usually causes a red spot with a small wound, sometimes bleeding, and a small swelling.

Lice are usually spread by close human contact.These are small insects, they move quickly and are often invisible to the naked eye. Their eggs look like white or gray crumbs on their clothes or hair. The bites themselves are not very painful, almost invisible, but they cause intense itching, and the child can scratch the skin when scratching. Pus appears at the site of the bites, the lymph nodes swell and soften. If there are many combed areas, the child may have a fever.

Fleas cause reddish bumps on the arms, legs, neck, or parts of the body that are in contact with rubbing clothing.

Tick bites often resemble large moles, and the insect is often kept on them. Elk mites are smaller than normal mites, they look like small dark bubbles. If the tick has already lagged behind the skin, then a red spot or swelling remains at the site where it entered. Sometimes, for example, in Lyme disease (transmitted through moose ticks and carried by moose or field mice), a spot with a red center may appear, with a white ring around the bite site, around which there is another red ring or just a red expanding area.

Mosquito bite. Usually, mosquitoes and their bites are not taken seriously by parents and remain untreated, but in vain! Mosquitoes can carry pathogens of infectious diseases, so if you notice a mosquito bite in your baby, rather treat it with brilliant green or alcohol. It is not uncommon for young children to have severe allergic reactions to mosquito bites. The bite site in babies itches and swells more than in adults. For example, if a mosquito has bitten a child on the eyebrow, it is quite possible that in a couple of hours the child’s entire eye will swell.In this case, antihistamines (fenistil, zyrtec) will come to our aid, which must always be at hand. To relieve itching, you can use a baking soda solution (1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water), antihistamine ointments, for example, fenistil gel, also help a lot.

Bees, wasps, hornets sting painfully and burning, the bite is surrounded by a tumor. Usually, these insects leave a sting only on an open area of ​​the body.

In most cases, insect bites should not be of concern to parents, but they should watch for accompanying symptoms.Serious complications are sometimes observed. This includes allergic reactions: skin redness, itching in the ears, mouth, eyes, cough, and other allergic reactions.

Children who react unusually to insect bites, such as bee stings, are often hypersensitive and their immune systems overreact to such bites or stings. Such children should be kept away from potentially dangerous places for them (forests, edges, ravines), where there are accumulations of insects.

Any insect can bite, leaving a red spot, blister or swelling on the skin. But the degree of reaction will depend on the child’s natural allergic defenses. The most aggressive insects are bees, hornets, wasps, mosquitoes, stinging ants, horseflies, fleas, and ticks.

Flea bites are most likely to occur when there are pets in the vicinity. Lice are especially common in kindergartens, schools, when one child carries them to his comrades.

Hazard level

WARNING: Mosquito, ant or horsefly bites can be treated at home by washing the affected area with soap and water, ice or a cold compress to relieve pain and itching.

Hornet, wasp, and bee stings can be more severe, especially when multiple stings are involved or additional symptoms such as skin redness, severe swelling, hives, nausea or shortness of breath are observed.With a single sting and no additional symptoms, the lesion site is covered with a paste of water and powder used to soften meat to neutralize the poison. Then you should wash the area with soap and water. It is helpful to apply ice to relieve itching and apply a bandage to prevent infection.

Special note on bee stings: sting with venom may remain in the skin. It must be removed with tweezers so as not to crush it, otherwise the poison will penetrate into the body.

Perhaps mosquitoes disturb a child most of all in summer. Mosquito bites cause severe itching, children constantly itch, become moody, and sleep poorly. How can you alleviate their suffering a little? To relieve itching, wipe the bite with rubbing alcohol or cologne. Prepare mosquito repellents before traveling out of town. Before going for a walk, lubricate the face, neck, arms, legs of the child with these liquids. Maybe this time the child will be lucky and the mosquitoes will fly around him,

CAUTION:

The doctor should be informed as soon as possible if:

significant swelling has developed around the bite site;

fever, headaches, drowsiness or other symptoms persist for a week after the bite;

pus appeared in the bite;

there is swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck or other parts of the body;

found lice in the hair;

flea bites detected;

tick bites detected.

URGENT! Inform the doctor right away if your child shows signs of loss of consciousness or is so weak that he cannot move. If there is no doctor, don’t wait. Send your child to the hospital right away.

All of these symptoms can be signs that the child is in shock, which occurs in some people who are hypersensitive to stings (especially bees). Call your doctor right away if you have other symptoms — itching around the head, hives, cough, skin redness, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.

Parental actions

In most cases, all that is required is rinsing the bite with soap and water, applying ice or a cold compress, and finally covering the bite with a clean bandage.

When it comes to flea bites, you should examine pets and destroy their insects. In any case, the incident must be reported to the doctor.

Tick bites should be treated very carefully.If a doctor is not around, you can remove many of the ticks yourself by carefully pulling them out of your skin with tweezers. Then you should examine the site of the bite, make sure that the head of the tick does not remain in the skin. If it is still there, it should be removed as well. Grab the head with tweezers and pull it straight. If necessary, first use a sterile needle to release the head from the skin. You need to act carefully so as not to crush the tick.

There is still such an effective way.You have found a tick stuck to the skin. It usually looks like a yellowish green bubble. Apply a few drops of vegetable oil to the bubble. At the same time, the oil closes the pores and the mite has nothing to breathe. After one to two minutes, take the tick body gently (so as not to crush) and slowly rotate the bubble counterclockwise. So that a head with a red antennae appears. If they are visible and at the same time move, then the mite is completely removed from the skin. After removing the tick, lubricate the bite site with iodine, alcohol or brilliant green.If a doctor is nearby, then it is best to do all this with his help.

If symptoms other than a direct bite are present, you should inform your doctor. If the child loses consciousness or their reaction to the bite seems serious, take them to the doctor right away.

To what has been said, we must add: our doctors recommend, after removing the sting containing the poison, to restrict ourselves to wiping the bite site with a solution of alcohol or iodine. Cold is applied to relieve pain and swelling.You cannot put earth on the site of a bee or wasp sting, as some traditional healers advise. The causative agent of purulent infection and tetanus can be brought in from the ground.

90,000 What to do with insect bites

Mosquito bite

A mosquito bite itself is usually not dangerous.But after a while, the bite site can become very red and itchy. In this case, itching can be relieved by applying antiallergic gels (fenistil or psilo-balm gel (from 6 months). But if there are a lot of bites, they are red and swollen, which often happens in children suffering from allergic diseases, then you need to consult a doctor , who can prescribe antiallergic drugs inside (fenistil, suprastin, zirtek or others, depending on age).

Wasp or bee sting


The bites of these insects are more dangerous than mosquitoes, as they can cause a more severe allergic reaction. If one of these insects has settled on a child, in no case try to kill it on the child, otherwise the bite is inevitable. A light breeze can be created and the insect is likely to fly away.

If a bee has bitten it, it is imperative to remove the sting, since for some time “poison” enters the wound from it. The wasp does not leave a sting in the wound. Then apply cold for 10-15 minutes, it will relieve pain and slow down the spread of the “poison”. Then repeat everything as with a mosquito bite.If you notice that the bite site is severely swollen, the swelling spreads quickly, or, regardless of the bite site, there is swelling of the eyelids or lips, or the entire face (Quincke’s edema), and / or the child has lost consciousness, then be sure to call an ambulance or emergency room. In the future, be sure to consult an allergist to determine the scope of recovery measures and an action plan in case of a recurrence of such situations.

Tick ​​bite

If you find a sucked tick on a child, is best to contact the medical department to remove it .If this is not possible, help can be provided on your own. Do not try to tear it off or force it to come out by pouring oil on it. The insect must be carefully twisted (entirely, rotating it counterclockwise). Then treat the wound with an antiseptic, for example, “green”, 3% hydrogen peroxide, etc. A tick (better than a live one) is recommended to be referred for examination to a specialized institution to clarify whether this insect is a carrier of dangerous diseases (tick-borne encephalitis, borreliosis, etc.).). If the tick is a carrier of these diseases, urgent medical attention is needed. Of course, the most reliable protection against tick-borne encephalitis is timely vaccination, especially in areas endemic for this disease.

Pediatrician consultations and appointments at the Family Doctor clinic are carried out by appointment. We work on weekends and holidays. Make an appointment by calling the contact center +7 (495) 775 75 66, through the on-line registration form and at the clinic’s registry.

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