How do you recognize Lyme disease rashes. What are common bug bite rashes that mimic Lyme disease. How can you differentiate between various insect bite reactions. What are the key signs of Lyme disease to watch for.

Understanding Lyme Disease and Its Characteristic Rash

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. One of the most recognizable early signs of Lyme disease is a distinctive rash called erythema migrans (EM). This rash typically appears 3-30 days after a tick bite and occurs in about 70-80% of infected individuals.

The classic EM rash associated with Lyme disease has several key characteristics:

• Begins as a small red spot at the site of the tick bite
• Gradually expands over several days, reaching up to 12 inches or more
• Often clears in the center as it enlarges, creating a bull’s-eye or target appearance
• May feel warm to the touch but is usually not painful or itchy
• Can appear on any area of the body

While the bull’s-eye rash is considered a hallmark sign of Lyme disease, it’s important to note that the appearance can vary. Some EM rashes may be uniformly red without the classic central clearing. Others may have a more irregular shape or multiple rashes on different body parts.

Common Bug Bites That May Resemble Lyme Disease Rashes

Several other insect bites and skin conditions can produce rashes or reactions that may be mistaken for the Lyme disease EM rash. Understanding these look-alikes can help differentiate between potentially serious Lyme disease and more benign causes.

Spider Bites

Spider bites can sometimes produce red, circular lesions that expand over time. However, spider bites typically cause more localized pain and swelling compared to Lyme disease rashes.

Mosquito Bites

In some individuals, mosquito bites can cause larger areas of redness and swelling. These reactions are usually intensely itchy, unlike Lyme rashes.

Flea Bites

Flea bites often appear in clusters and can cause red, itchy bumps. While they may form a circular pattern, they lack the expanding nature of EM rashes.

Ringworm

This fungal infection creates circular, red patches on the skin that can resemble the bull’s-eye appearance of Lyme rashes. However, ringworm is typically scaly and itchy.

Key Differences Between Lyme Disease Rashes and Other Skin Reactions

To distinguish Lyme disease rashes from other bug bites or skin conditions, consider these factors:

1. Expansion: Lyme rashes typically grow larger over days or weeks, while most other insect bites remain relatively stable in size.
2. Lack of itching or pain: EM rashes are usually painless and don’t itch, unlike many other bug bites.
3. Timing: Lyme rashes appear 3-30 days after a tick bite, whereas most other insect bite reactions occur more quickly.
4. Appearance: The classic bull’s-eye pattern, though not always present, is highly suggestive of Lyme disease when it does occur.
5. Associated symptoms: Lyme disease may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, which are less common with simple bug bites.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Suspicious Rashes

If you develop a rash that you suspect might be related to Lyme disease, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease can prevent more serious complications.

Seek medical attention if:

• You develop an expanding rash after a known or suspected tick bite
• You have a rash accompanied by fever, chills, fatigue, or joint pain
• The rash persists for more than a few days and continues to expand
• You live in or have recently visited an area where Lyme disease is common

Remember, not all individuals with Lyme disease develop the characteristic rash. If you’ve been bitten by a tick and experience flu-like symptoms, even without a rash, it’s wise to consult a doctor.

Prevention Strategies for Tick Bites and Lyme Disease

Preventing tick bites is the most effective way to avoid Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Here are some key strategies to reduce your risk:

1. Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors
2. Wear long sleeves and pants in tick-prone areas, tucking pants into socks
3. Treat clothing and gear with permethrin for added protection
4. Stay on cleared trails when hiking and avoid walking through tall grass or brush
5. Perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas
6. Shower within two hours of coming indoors to wash off unattached ticks
7. Put clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any ticks on clothing

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your chances of encountering ticks and potentially contracting Lyme disease.

Other Tick-Borne Diseases and Their Symptoms

While Lyme disease is the most well-known tick-borne illness, ticks can transmit several other diseases that may present with different rashes or symptoms. Being aware of these can help in early recognition and treatment.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

This bacterial infection can cause a rash that begins as small, flat, pink, non-itchy spots on the wrists, forearms, and ankles, spreading to the trunk. Unlike Lyme disease, the rash typically appears 2-4 days after the onset of fever.

Ehrlichiosis

This bacterial infection may cause a rash in about 30% of patients, typically appearing 5 days after fever onset. The rash is often described as red, flat spots or pinpoint dots.

Anaplasmosis

While less common, some patients with anaplasmosis may develop a rash. However, the absence of a rash doesn’t rule out the infection.

Babesiosis

This parasitic infection rarely causes a rash but can lead to flu-like symptoms and potentially severe complications, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

If you develop any unusual symptoms after a tick bite, regardless of whether a rash is present, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.

Diagnostic Approaches for Suspected Lyme Disease

Diagnosing Lyme disease can be challenging, especially in the absence of the characteristic EM rash. Healthcare providers typically use a combination of methods to determine if a patient has Lyme disease:

1. Clinical evaluation: Assessing symptoms, physical findings, and the likelihood of exposure to infected ticks
2. Serological tests: Blood tests to detect antibodies against the Lyme disease bacteria
3. Two-tiered testing: A standardized approach using an initial ELISA test followed by a Western blot if the first test is positive
4. PCR testing: In some cases, polymerase chain reaction tests may be used to detect bacterial DNA in joint fluid or other tissues

It’s important to note that blood tests for Lyme disease can be negative in the early stages of infection. If Lyme disease is suspected based on symptoms and potential exposure, treatment may be started before test results are available.

Treatment Options for Lyme Disease and Look-alike Conditions

The approach to treatment varies depending on whether a patient has Lyme disease or another condition causing similar symptoms:

Lyme Disease Treatment

Lyme disease is typically treated with antibiotics. The specific antibiotic, dosage, and duration depend on the stage of the disease and the patient’s individual factors:

• Early localized Lyme disease: Usually treated with oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime for 10-14 days
• Early disseminated or late Lyme disease: May require longer courses of antibiotics or intravenous treatment in some cases

Treatment for Look-alike Conditions

For other conditions that may resemble Lyme disease:

• Spider bites: Usually require only symptomatic treatment, such as pain relief and wound care
• Mosquito or flea bites: Typically managed with over-the-counter antihistamines and topical anti-itch creams
• Ringworm: Treated with topical or oral antifungal medications
• Other tick-borne diseases: May require specific antibiotic treatments depending on the causative organism

Proper identification of the underlying cause is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment approach. This underscores the importance of seeking medical evaluation for persistent or concerning rashes and symptoms.

Long-term Outlook and Potential Complications of Lyme Disease

While most cases of Lyme disease resolve completely with appropriate antibiotic treatment, some patients may experience lingering symptoms or develop complications:

Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS)

A small percentage of patients treated for Lyme disease continue to experience symptoms such as fatigue, pain, or cognitive difficulties for more than 6 months after completing treatment. The exact cause of PTLDS is not fully understood, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms.

Potential Complications

If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more serious health issues affecting various body systems:

• Joint problems: Chronic inflammation in joints, particularly the knees
• Neurological issues: Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, causing cognitive difficulties or nerve pain
• Heart problems: Lyme carditis, which can affect heart rhythm

These potential complications highlight the importance of early recognition and treatment of Lyme disease. Individuals who have been treated for Lyme disease should follow up with their healthcare providers to ensure complete resolution of symptoms and address any persistent issues.

Understanding the characteristic rash of Lyme disease, as well as common look-alikes, can aid in early detection and prompt treatment. However, it’s crucial to remember that not all cases of Lyme disease present with a rash. Awareness of other symptoms, preventive measures, and the importance of seeking medical attention for tick bites or unexplained symptoms are key components in managing the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Carolina Pest | What Bug Bit Me? Identify & Treat Bug Bites

September 9, 2022Kristin Dodd

How to Identify and Treat Common Bug Bites

Although most bug bites are relatively harmless, some types of bites and/or stings can be significantly serious. Never ignore the distinctions between minor discomfort and serious physical complications. In essence:

• Define aggravation as a harmless itch
• Define serious as a demand for advanced medical attention
• Never forget that some bites can include exposure to various dangerous diseases.

In this article, the Charlotte pest control specialists at Carolina Pest Management help you respond to the sometimes critical question of “What bug bit me?”

Biting Bugs Most Common To North Carolina

Some Charlotte-regional pests are native. Others are immigrants. A few such as the recluse spider listed above show up only rarely. In fact, only four critters dominate the top of the NC biters and stinging lists:

Paper Wasps

Typically reddish-brown to black in color, paper wasps are most aggressive during spring hatching. With spindle-shaped abdomens, and long thin legs, they are rather easy to identify.

What bug bit me? Paper wasps…

• Sharp pain that soon switches to a burning sensation
• Involves minor swelling accompanied by redness and itching
• Can sting more than once, but may also involve a lodged stinger.

To treat paper wasp stings, remove the stinger with tweezers and wash the area with mild soap and warm water to remove as much venom as possible. Towel dry and then use a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort. Apply hydrocortisone cream to manage any itching.

If you see signs of an allergic reaction such as wheezing, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or vomiting, you should see a doctor immediately. Individuals with allergies are at risk for anaphylactic shock and may need immediate treatment with epinephrine.

You can help prevent wasps from being nearby your home by keeping yards free of trash and debris. Never leave out leftover food or standing water. If you find any hives or nests on your property, contact a professional about removal.

Imported Red Fire Ant

Common through the state, this reddish to dark brown native of Brazil ranges from 1/8 to 1/3 inches in length. Bites from swarming fire ants can be fatal to children and others if allergies come into play.

What bug bit me? Fire ants…

• Stings appear as swollen red spots that typically blister on top
• It hurts
• It itches
• It appears in groups.

Blisters at the site of the fire ant stings are normal. Blisters usually form within 12 hours and there can be significant swelling. Put ice on the area for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off to get quick relief. Severe allergic reactions to fire ant stings are rare, but can occur. Get immediate help if you have any symptoms that include difficulty breathing, dizziness, vomiting, and confusion.

Unfortunately, large areas with multiple fire ant mounds can be challenging to control. Pest control specialists find that baits broadcast bi-annually work best for reducing fire ant colony sizes drastically. Contact a pest control provider if you notice fire ant mounts on your property.

Mosquitoes

Known to carry deadly diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, west Nile virus and yellow fever, mosquitoes thrive in the warm, moist North Carolina climate.

What bug bit me? Mosquitoes…

• Immediately after the bite, you will experience a round, puffy bump
• Shortly, the bump becomes hard, red and swollen
• Often the bites are multiple and in the same area.

To treat any itchiness and discomfort caused by mosquito bites, use calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. You can also soothe the bite by applying a paste made from baking soda and a small amount of water. Place cool compresses for more relief. If you experience prolonged itching and discomfort at the bite site, contact a physician. Also, if you have any symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and fatigue, let your doctor know. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases and your doctor may want to evaluate your symptoms.

You can reduce your likelihood of encountering mosquitos by treating your yard seasonally. Mosquito control products reduce mosquito populations and therefore put you at a reduced risk for bites.

Biting Flies

Both black flies and midgets are known to swarm in the thousands. Whereas midgets are most common to coastal regions, black flies breed in all North Carolina streams.

What bug bit me? Biting flies…

• Reactions differ
• Bites of black flies range from small punctures to swelling as large as a golf ball
• May also induce fever, headache, nausea and swelling in the lymph nodes
• Bites from Sand Flies typically cause red bumps and blisters.

If you’re bitten by a black fly or midget, wash the affected area with soap and water to reduce your risk of infection. Then, apply ice to the affected area in 10 to 15 minute intervals to reduce the swelling. If you have itching or other disruptive symptoms, apply cortisone or a topical steroid. If bites don’t heal or stop itching after several days, see your doctor. They can prescribe stronger topical steroids to treat the bites and evaluate whether or not you have an infection.

Like other outdoor pests, it’s difficult to completely control biting flies. However, you can reduce your risk by covering up exposed skin, using insect repellent, and using fans to circulate the air and make it more difficult for biting flies to get to you.

Other Local Biting Arachnids, Bugs and Insects

Bed Bug Bites

Symptoms: Bed bug bites are typically grouped together and have a swollen red area with dark red center. They often blister and are known for causing hives.

First Aid Treatment: Clean beg bug bites with antiseptic soap and warm water, then apply a topical antibiotic cream. Use topical or oral antihistamines to alleviate any itching.

When to See a Doctor: Contact a doctor if the bed bug bites turn into hives, since this indicates an allergy that may require more advanced treatment.

Prevention: Prevent bed bug bites by taking precautions while traveling. Check bedding for live bed bugs, larvae, or blood spots and select different accommodations if you notice any. If you notice a bed bug infestation in your own home, you should treat the bed bugs aggressively and immediately with a professional service at the earliest signs of the pests.

Chigger Bites

Symptoms: Chigger bites typically appear in groups and show up as blisters, hives, pimples and welts located in skin folds.

First Aid Treatment: Chigger first aid includes stopping the itching associated with the bites. These bug bites start itching a few hours after the attack with symptoms continuing for up to a week. Start off by showering immediately after exposure to chiggers. Use hydrocortisone cream to alleviate itching on the skin and an antihistamine for other allergy symptoms.

When to See a Doctor: Bug bites that don’t heal after a few days may require medical assistance. Your doctor may need to administer a steroid shot or give you a course of antibiotics to relieve symptoms.

Prevention: Wear protective clothing with long sleeves and pants to avoid exposure to chigger bites. Use insect repellent sprays while outdoors and shower after hiking. Home chigger infestations will likely require outside assistance to deal with properly.

Flea Bites

Symptoms: Red bumps. Itchy. Surrounded by red halo. Typically located on feet and lower legs.

First Aid Treatment: Clean the bite area with antiseptic soap and warm water. If you experience any swelling, use an ice pack for 10-minute intervals. For any itching, apply calamine lotion to the affected skin.

When to See a Doctor: If a flea bite looks infected and has not healed after several days, notify your doctor. You may notice pus draining from the wound, which is another sign that you should see a physician for more advanced treatment. Tapeworm is transmitted through flea bites and your doctor may want to test you for the disease.

Prevention: Use flea collars and topical flea control drops on all household pets. Keep pet bedding clean and sanitize kennels regularly.

Lice Bites

Symptoms: Lice affect the scalp, but also other body regions extreme in hair, causing extreme itchiness. The bites appear as small red bumps and the lice themselves will remain on your body until forcibly eliminated.

First Aid Treatment: Purchase over-the-counter lice medication to kill lice and their eggs. Apply the topical solution as directed and use a specialty comb to manually remove eggs from the hair. Discard any brushes and hair accessories after use, as they could re-infect you with lice later on. Clean all clothing, linens, and carpets to remove lice completely from the home.

When to See a Doctor: Contact a doctor if the lice bites are bleeding or show visible pus, as this may indicate you need more advanced treatment methods.

Prevention: Limit head-to-head contact between children and encourage them to not share combs or brushes. Use your own bedding since lice can easily travel between people.

Spider Bites 

Symptoms: Spider bites cause itching, redness and pain. They may induce red/purple blistering or open deep ulcer in victim’s skin. In some cases, spider bites can be extremely serious, causing cramping, sweating, headache and muscle pains.

First Aid Treatment: Clean the bite area immediately with mild soap and water. Towel dry and then apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the wound. To reduce swelling from spider bites, hold an ice pack to the area. Leave ice in place for 10-minute intervals. If the spider bite is on an arm or leg, elevate it to reduce pain and swelling.

When to See a Doctor: Spider bites are an emergency if you were bitten by a poisonous species such as the black widow or brown recluse. If unsure of the type, it is best to contact your physician for advice. Any severe pain at the bite site is also considered a medical emergency.

Prevention: Check attics and basements for live spiders and spider webs frequently. Store firewood outdoors since spiders tend to enter homes on firewood. In case of suspected spider infestations, contact a pest control specialist for advice.

Tick Bites

Symptoms: Tick bites are sometimes not noticeable until tick has been fully engaged for a long time. They can cause blisters, burning sensation, rash, and swelling; and transmit illnesses such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Tick bites are also known to occasionally cause victim to have difficulty in breathing.

First Aid Treatment: Remove the tick from the skin using tweezers and grabbing the bug by its head. Wash the bite site with a mild soap and warm water once the bug is removed. Swab the area with cotton soaked in rubbing alcohol.

When to See a Doctor: Contact a doctor if you’re unable to remove the tick completely from the skin or if the tick has been embedded into the skin for more than 24 hours. Flu-like symptoms and rashes could be signs of a disease transmitted through bites.

Prevention: Check the skin and all clothing items after being outdoors in wooded areas. Cover the skin completely while in the woods and use bug repellents generously.

Notes On Bug Bites

At any time, a bite or a sting can cause symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. If you experience difficulty in breathing, dizziness, extreme swelling or if the irritation spreads or worsens, contact your local health center.

Arachnids, Insects and Other Dangerous Bugs – Avoid Panic

Issues pertaining to dangerous arachnid and other critter bites typically spur visual images of brown recluse spiders, toxic scorpions, and raging yellow jackets. But worries over some of these animals should not be exaggerated by Charlotte regional residents.

For example: In 2013, Matt Bertone with the NC State Entomology Extension reported only two known North Carolina cases of brown recluse spider bites. Both events involved near fatal consequences. However, the attending physicians listed unfamiliarity with dangerous arachnid as a primary cause of the extended complications.

Misidentifying a brown spider as a recluse can cause unnecessary fear. However, failure to rightly identify a recluse can cause serious complications. Eliminate unlikely culprits, but if error is to occur, err on the side of safety.

Preventing and Treating Insect Stings and Bites

Getting stung by an insect can run the gamut of being an annoyance to posing a severe risk to your health. During warm weather months, all types of pests come out of hiding and wreak a little havoc to communities across Charlotte. Although there’s no foolproof method to stop bug bites, you can take steps to prevent attracting insects while outdoors.

1. Watch What You Wear

Certain articles of clothing will attract more insects to your person. Bright colors and floral patterns may make you appealing to flying insects. Wearing close-toed shoes can protect your feet from bug bites. Although the spring weather makes you want to wear less clothing, ideally cover your skin with long-sleeve shirts and pants. This is especially important while gardening. Insects also tend to flock to those who use fragrances. Avoid hair products, perfumes, aftershaves, makeup, and lotions with strong floral or fruity scents.

2. Beware of Nests

In many cases, if you don’t bother bugs, they won’t bug you. You never know when you may inadvertently mow over or trim nearby a beehive. Check all branches, under gutters, and in the corners of doorways during the springtime for evidence of nests. While eating outdoors, be careful around trash cans and nearby bodies of water. If you do eat or drink outside, keep everything covered and dispose all items as soon as you’re finished.

3. Insect Repellant

Insect repellant can be purchased at any drugstore and protects against many outdoor pests. Insect repellant is especially important if you are going into the woods and have a chance of being exposed to ticks. Read all labels to see what insects the spray protects against.

4. Don’t Freak Out

Staying calm is hard to do when a bee or wasp is flying in your direction, but this is an important rule to follow. Avoid flailing your arms or making rapid movements since this increases your likelihood of getting stung.

Bug Bite Characteristics

Bugs That Can Bite Inside

• Bed bugs
• Fleas
• Mosquitoes
• Cockroaches
• Spiders

Bugs That Can Bite Outdoors

• Mosquitoes
• Ticks
• Chiggers
• Fire ants
• Wasps

Bug Bites That Can Itch

• Mosquitoes
• Bed bugs
• Fleas
• Ticks
• Ants
• Spiders
• Chiggers

Bug Bites That Can Leave a Ring

• Ticks
• Spiders
• Bed bugs
• Fleas
• Mosquitos

Which Bugs Tend to Bite Inside the Home in Charlotte, NC?

There are several types of bugs that are commonly found inside homes in Charlotte, NC, and some of these bugs may bite humans. Here are a few examples:

• Bed bugs: Bed bugs can be found in bedding, mattresses, and other furniture.
• Fleas: Fleas are often brought into homes by dogs and cats.
• Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes can fly into homes through open windows or doors and can bite humans.
• Cockroaches: While cockroaches don’t typically bite humans, they can cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Spiders: Some types of spiders, such as brown recluse spiders and black widow spiders, can be found inside homes.

Which Bugs Tend to Bite Outside in Charlotte, NC?

There are many types of insects that can bite or sting humans when they are outdoors in Charlotte, NC. Here are a few examples:

• Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are probably the most common biting insect outdoors in Charlotte. They are most active during dawn and dusk. Mosquito season spans from late spring, through summer, and into early fall when the climate is warm and humid.
• Ticks: Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grasses, and other outdoor environments. Ticks can be found all year long, but most bites occur when people are active outdoors in the spring, summer, and fall.
• Chiggers: Chiggers are tiny mites that are often found in grassy areas. They live throughout the seasons but are more active during the spring and summer.
• Fire ants: Fire ant bites are more common in the spring and summer when these ants begin to work on their colonies.
• Wasps: Wasps are most active in June and July when the weather is warm.

Bug Bites That Itch

When a bug bit causes itching, it’s usually due to the bug’s saliva. When bugs bite, they inject saliva into the skin causing the body’s immune system to react by releasing histamine. Bugs that have the itchiest bites include:

• Mosquitos
• Bed bugs
• Fleas
• Ticks
• Ants
• Spiders
• Chiggers

Not all bug bites cause itching. While many insect bites can cause an itchy reaction, some may not produce any noticeable symptoms at all. In addition, individual responses to bug bites can vary, and some people may be more sensitive to certain types of bites than others.

Bug Bites That Leave a Red Ring

Some insect bites can cause a red ring or a red rash around the site of the bite. Here are some of the most common types of bug bites that can cause a red ring:

• Tick bites: Tick bites can cause a red ring around the bite site, which is often a sign of Lyme disease. The ring may be circular or shaped like a bull’s eye.
• Spider bites: Some spider bites, such as brown recluse spider bites or black widow spider bites, can cause a red ring or red rash around the bite site.
• Bed bug bites: Bed bug bites may cause a red, itchy rash that can sometimes develop into a ring-shaped pattern.
• Flea bites: Flea bites can cause a red, raised bump that may have a red ring around it.
• Mosquito bites: While mosquito bites typically don’t cause a ring-shaped rash, some people may develop a reaction that includes a red ring around the bite site.

A red ring around a bug bite can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as Lyme disease or a bacterial infection. If you experience a red ring or other concerning symptoms, such as fever or muscle aches, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Charlotte-Area Resource for Prevention of Bug Bites

When suffering from a pest infestation and the associated bites and stings, call us for professional pest treatment in Charlotte. We can safely remove nests or hives from your property, helping you reduce your risk of getting bitten or stung by bugs. At Carolina Pest Management, we focus on methods best suited to safer, greener, and more effective pest control. Contact us today to schedule your Carolina Pest inspection.

Insect bites in children: Types of bug bites and what to do about them

Bug bites in children are common, mostly harmless, and often preventable with the right precautions. Many bites result in raised, itchy red bumps, though some cause pain. Washing the area and applying a cold pack can reduce infection risk and swelling; over-the-counter medication may help ease itching or discomfort. Though rare, some kids may have a serious allergic reaction to being bitten. In these cases, you should seek medical help immediately.

What types of bug bites might my child get?

The bad news: No matter how hard you try to prevent them, bug bites are part of childhood.

The good news: While they can be annoying, itchy, and occasionally painful, most bites are pretty harmless.

The following bugs are known for their bites:

• Bed bugs
• Chiggers
• Fleas
• Deer flies and horse flies
• Lice
• Mosquitoes
• Scabies
• Spiders
• Ticks

Bees, hornets, yellow jackets, and wasps sting rather than bite. Fire ants bite first and sting later. (The sting is far more painful.) Scabies bite, then burrow into skin.

Some bugs are widespread across the United States, like mosquitoes and spiders. Certain bugs, while they can be found anywhere, are more common to particular regions. For example, ticks are pervasive in the Northeast, while chiggers are often found in the South, Southeast, and Midwest. Knowing what bugs are common in your area may help you identify bites.

How do I treat an insect bite at home?

When someone is bitten by a bug, they frequently develop a small, red bump. Some bugs, like fleas and bedbugs, may bite a few times around the same area. When scabies burrow, they often leave bumps that appear in a line.

The bump(s) may itch or be painful. Occasionally, a tiny blister appears in the middle. You may even see a near-microscopic dot where the bug pierced the skin.

To treat a bite at home, many experts recommend the following:

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• Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
• Use a cold pack to relieve any swelling or itching.
• For itchy bites, apply hydrocortisone cream, antihistamine cream, calamine lotion, or a paste made from baking soda and water several times a day. (Don’t use calamine or baking soda paste if the bite is close to your child’s eye or genitals.) Keep your child’s nails short to prevent scratching.
• For painful bites, rubbing an alcohol-soaked cotton ball on the area may help.

Most bites will typically stop itching within a few days, and then disappear within a week.

If you believe your child’s irritation is being caused by scabies, lice or bed bugs, it’s important to confirm your suspicions and then act quickly to address the issue before it worsens. Remember that these infestations can happen to anyone, don’t indicate you have a dirty home, and are not your child’s fault.

How will I know if my child is having an allergic reaction to an insect bite?

In rare cases, a child will have a severe allergic reaction to an insect bite. (This reaction is more common with stings. ) This is called anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis, and it can be deadly. Call 911 immediately if you notice any of these signs of an allergic reaction within a few minutes of a bite or sting:

• Swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or face
• Wheezing or severe breathing problems
• Rapid or weak pulse, or irregular heartbeat
• Hives
• Dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea
• Extremely pale skin, sweating, or blue skin color
• Confusion or slurred speech

Some children have known allergies to bug bites and stings and carry an epinephrine injector. If your child has been diagnosed, make sure at least one injector is always available, wherever you are. It’s also a good idea to check your child’s epi injector occasionally to make sure it hasn’t expired.

When should I call my child’s provider about their insect bite?

If your child seems very uncomfortable, ask a healthcare provider about an oral antihistamine to relieve the itching. The provider may also suggest giving your child acetaminophen or (if they’re at least 6 months old), ibuprofen to relieve itching or pain. Pain that is extreme and lasts more than two hours also merits a phone call.

A bite can become infected after a couple of days, especially if your child scratches it. When a bite is infected, antibiotics may be necessary. Contact a provider if you notice any of these signs of infection arising more than 48 hours after the initial bite:

• Increased swelling and pain in the affected area
• Spreading warmth or redness
• Red streak up the arm or leg
• Drainage of whitish yellow fluid
• Bite that develops into an open sore
• Fever

Though confirmed reports are rare, the bites of widow and recluse spiders can sometimes produce these symptoms, as well as intense cramping and pain. Seek medical care immediately if your child is experiencing any severe symptoms, or you have reason to believe they were bitten by a venomous spider.

Another reason to call a healthcare provider: noticing a circular rash or ring three days to a month after a bite. This is a sign of a tick bite that could lead to Lyme disease.

Finally, a provider should be notified if you suspect scabies; an infestation can only be treated with prescription medication.

Are there any ways to prevent my child from getting bug bites?

For their mental and physical health, it’s good for kids to spend time running, jumping, and playing outdoors. And while some bug bites are inevitable when they’re out and about, many can be prevented.

Follow these steps to reduce your child’s risk of being bitten:

• Use an insect repellent and apply it on top of your child’s clothing and to exposed skin rather than beneath the clothing. Check to make sure that the product you choose is safe to use on children. If you need help finding a repellent, check out the EPA’s search toolOpens a new window. Get product advice based on the insects you want to avoid and the amount of time you’ll need protection.
• Dress your child in clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Avoid bright colors and flowery prints. In wooded areas or tall grass, wear long pants and tuck the ends into socks.
• Don’t let your child run around outside barefoot. Closed-toe shoes are safest.
• Don’t use scented soaps or lotions because these can attract some bugs.
• Avoid insect hangouts, such as stagnant water, high grass or weeds, flower gardens, uncovered food, and open garbage cans.
• Keep dishes of food covered when you’re eating outside.
• Teach your child not to swat at flying insects. Show her how to move away slowly.
• Repair any torn screens in your windows and doors at home.
• Consider using mosquito netting around your child’s crib or bed if insects are finding their way indoors, and over your child’s infant seat, playpen, backpack, or stroller when you have her outdoors during bug season.
• Keep pets free of fleas.
• Hire someone to destroy insect hives and nests around your home.
• Empty standing water from containers such as gutters, flowerpots, and pails. Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes regularly.

To help prevent the spread of lice and bed bugs, do the following:

• Let your child know not to share combs, brushes, hair accessories, hats, helmets, or outdoor gear (scarves, coats, etc.) with other kids.
• Vacuum floors and wash towels and sheets regularly.
• Use a mattress cover.
• Check for bedbugs in hotel rooms; use provided luggage racks and hang up clothes when possible.

When can my child start wearing bug repellent?

When your child is 2 months old, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) say you can start using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, 2-undecanone, or IR3535.

For children age 3 years and older, you can also use products that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE or para-menthane-diol, PMD).

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends not using products with a DEET concentration greater than 30 percent on children.

You may want to try a natural insect repellent, such as an EPA-registered citronella product, but read the label first to make sure it’s safe to use on babies. (Repellent products must state any age restrictions.) Natural repellents generally don’t last as long as chemical repellents, so you may need to reapply frequently.

Learn more about which bug repellents are safe for children.

We plan to travel outside the country. Should I be concerned about insects?

In some countries, mosquitoes, flies, fleas, and other insects carry serious diseases. These illnesses may include:

• Chikungunya
• Dengue fever
• Malaria
• Yellow Fever
• Zika

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel websiteOpens a new window to look up your destination and get information on local insect outbreaks, health alerts, and vaccine recommendations. If you’re traveling to parts of the world where there are outbreaks, learn about how they can affect your child. About three months before your trip, you should also ask your child’s doctor if shots or prescription medications are necessary to prevent these diseases while traveling.

Learn more:

• Bee and wasp stings
• Tick bites
• Spider and scorpion bites
• Sun safety

Where do bed bugs hide? Table of symptoms.

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How to find bed bugs in an apartment: identify signs and habitats

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Suppose that bedbugs live in your apartment, and in the morning you found a bite on your body. Do not panic, for starters, you must be 100% sure that these are exactly the bites of bed bugs, and not other insects, and only then look for them. Therefore, let’s figure out who bit you and how to find bedbugs in the apartment.

Determining the signs of bedbugs

The most important signs of bedbugs in the apartment are bites on your body. When bitten, the bloodsucker injects an anesthetic, so you can only understand that you were bitten by a bug in the morning, when you feel itching from a bug bite and see redness. The insect does not suck blood in one place, but bites in 3-5 places in a row, so often the bites are located side by side in the form of a path.

But another insect, such as a mosquito or a flea, could have bitten you.

To help identify who it was, we developed a comparison chart of bed bug bite symptoms versus other insect bites.

You can also find bedbugs in the apartment by other signs:

• Blood stains on bed linen. After the insect has drunk blood, it becomes slow and runs the risk of being pinned down by your body. A trace of the blood of a crushed bloodsucker will give it away.

• Waste, that is, its feces. Bed bug “poop” are black dots that the insect always leaves in its habitat.

• Pale yellow grub skins. The bed bug nymph sheds its skin with each subsequent stage of its development.

• Eggs with bug larvae and shell. Eggs and shells from hatched larvae are tiny white in color, 1mm in size, so it is difficult to detect them with the naked eye, but you can use a magnifying glass.

Where and how to find bedbugs in the apartment

The sooner you find the pest, the easier it will be to fight it before it has time to breed in your apartment. Surely you already know what bed bugs look like, so let’s start looking for them. In order to find bedbugs, you need to arm yourself with everything you need:

1. A flashlight that will help you find bedbugs in dark places, crevices;
2. Loupe for finding eggs and black fecal spots;
3. A small glass or other container with alcohol at the bottom, or at least water, in which you will place the caught insects;
4. Tweezers and adhesive tape (scotch tape) for grasping adults, nymphs or eggs;
5. Rubber or latex gloves;
6. Knife, plastic card for extracting insects and their eggs from cracks and crevices;
7. Garbage bags, plastic bags and adhesive tape, for packing small items “infested” with bugs, clothes.
8. Vacuum cleaner only if you have found a large group of bed bugs. When using it, live insects will remain in the bag and can easily crawl out of it. Therefore, the bag from the vacuum cleaner will need to be immediately removed, packed in a plastic bag, sealed with tape and thrown away.

When bed bugs enter the apartment, they will seek to hide in inconspicuous hard-to-reach places: in furniture, under wallpaper, skirting boards, moldings, under carpets, in paintings, rosettes and other cracks and crevices. They settle in objects made of any material: wood, plastic, paper, fabric and even metal.

Studies have shown that in 85% of cases you can find bedbugs in an apartment in beds and sofas – this is their most favorite habitat, next to a person’s sleeping place. Indeed, why go far in search of blood when you can settle near a source of food. Therefore, you should start your search from here. You need to look not only for adults, but also for nymphs (larvae) and eggs, and black dots of feces will help indicate their habitat. A lot of time will have to be spent on this.

Start by inspecting your bed. Using a flashlight and a magnifying glass, carefully check all the seams of the mattress or sofa material. Found small eggs in the seams will be evidence that bed bugs have settled in the bed. Next, inspect the frame, springs, legs and junctions of the elements. Using a knife, try to check the gaps in the joints of the bed structure. You may need to disassemble the bed.

If bedbugs are not found in the bed, then move on to other upholstered furniture: armchairs, chairs, etc. Then inspect the cabinet and chest of drawers in all slots and joints. After that, go to the walls of the room. Check under loose pieces of wallpaper, in the crevices of baseboards and moldings, under sockets, and inspect the crevices of the door frame.

Bed bugs don’t want to make the long journey to your sleeping place every night, it’s easier for them to settle somewhere near the bed. Keep this in mind and carefully inspect your sleeping place and all the places around it first.

If you still haven’t found traces of bed bugs in the places listed above, then you will have to move on to the most difficult thing – examining things. Check everything on the floor: boxes, bags, clothes. Then move on to the bed linen storage area, to checking clothes and shoes in closets and chests of drawers.

Collect all found bugs, larvae and their eggs with tweezers and adhesive tape, place in a cup with alcohol. If you find a large group of pests, use a vacuum cleaner, just immediately wrap the dust bag in a bag and throw it away.

If you still could not find traces of the pest’s vital activity, and by all the signs of bites you are sure that it is they, then you can use special traps installed under the legs of the bed or try to catch them during the night feeding. To do this, set an alarm for the middle of the night and go to bed. As soon as the alarm goes off, jump out of bed abruptly, turn on the light, and quickly inspect the sheet, blanket, and pillow. When you catch at least one small pest, you will already be sure of their presence in your home. You can immediately begin planning methods of struggle, in particular contacting a special service for the destruction of bedbugs, to save time, effort, nerves and money.

“DisCenter Tyumen” © 2019

0000 The best remedies for itching after bites of mosquitoes and other insects – July 6, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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