Insect bites: characteristics, main symptoms and remedies
Insect bites are not all the same
They depend primarily on the insect that causes them but also on the individual who is stung, because the reaction when stung varies according to allergies and the body. A bite from the same insect can in fact trigger very different reactions in different people, based on their individual sensitivity.
The bite is not always painful (like that of the bee) to make us realize that we have been stung. The pain depends on the type of sting present in the insect and any venom. Sometimes it's just the subsequent itching or swelling or making us realize the sting. In the second case, it is possible to observe the sign left by the insect to understand quite easily which insect it was. It is necessary to observe the size of the wheal, the possible presence of groups of wheals or vesicles.
Find out how to recognize at first sight the insect that has stung you!
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Many insects, many types of stings
The mosquito bite is certainly the most widespread: it is easy to recognize because when it bites the mosquito it leaves a reddened wheal that causes a lot of discomfort, sometimes even for several days.
The tick bite, on the other hand, is one of the most painless, so much so that we usually do not even notice that we have been stung. Ticks remain attached to the skin and begin to suck blood: it is only at that moment that, causing redness and swelling, we realize the discomfort. The first thing to do in this case is to remove the tick stuck in the skin and then proceed to treat the wound.
Stings from bees, wasps and hornets cause great redness and swelling. The painful area usually extends for 2 or 3cm, if it reaches to extend for about 10cm it means that a more important allergic reaction is in progress, but not serious. In the most serious cases, in fact, the stings of poisonous insects (bees, wasps and hornets) can also cause vomiting, skin rash, dizziness, loss of consciousness and lack of breath. These are typical symptoms of anaphylactic shock that requires prompt medical intervention.
Equally intense and dangerous are the bites of female gadflies (males feed only on pollen nectar): the bite of the gadfly can generate important allergic reactions in the patient.
Sand flies bites give effects similar to mosquito bites, slightly more intense in terms of discomfort, redness and duration of symptoms.
Flea bites usually focus on the feet and ankles: they can be distinguished by red, itchy marks and the classic cluster distribution of the marks.
Ant bites (yes, ants bite!) Are painful: obviously their sting is very small, thinner than a human hair but it is able to inject a very strong poison that creates transparent blisters surrounded by a painful area.
Bed bug bites, also called bed bugs due to their habit of nesting in bedrooms, cause red and widespread wheals all over the body: never a single sign, the wheals caused by bed bugs are always in groups.
Among the most dangerous and painful insect bites, but fortunately also rarer, we must insert the spider bites which are characterized by a typical wound with two entrance holes that becomes more and more red and swollen with the passage of time and can cause also muscle cramps, sweating, chills, nausea and headaches and of course the bites of scorpions, which in addition to itching and swelling can cause tingling in the affected area and increased skin temperature. In Italy there are no poisonous specimens, however the scorpion sting is very painful!
If an insect has stung you
Feeling itchy, burning skin and a little swelling is completely normal. If what you notice is the classic "bubble", the reaction will disappear even on its own in 3 or 4 days, but you can intervene immediately to reduce the discomfort.
If the sting is still present on the skin, it must first be removed to prevent the venom from continuing to spread. It is important to resist the temptation to scratch at any cost: tearing the skin will facilitate the spread of the infection and the proliferation of bacteria. This is even more true for the health of children: prevention is essential and in the event of a sting you must be very careful so that they do not scratch! After washing the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress. A natural remedy can also be applied to the affected area, aloe famous for its anti-inflammatory properties will prove to be precious both in gel and pulp. Alternatively, a calendula ointment can be applied to the area with a decongestant and soothing effect.
If the red area is very extensive
In this case it is necessary to make a cold compress. A good tip is to wrap some ice cubes in a towel and keep it on the affected area. The pack should be kept for 10 to 20 minutes to be effective and to help reduce symptoms.
If it hurts you can apply a cream containing hydrocortisone or lidocaine. In case of persistent pain, it is good to contact a doctor who can administer an oral painkiller (the most used painkillers in case of insect bites are paracetamol and ibruprofen).
More serious cases
If following an insect bite you experience more severe disease symptoms such as vomiting, skin rash, widespread itching, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, anaphylactic shock, muscle cramps, sweating, chills, nausea, fever or headache go to the emergency room promptly.
Infectious diseases transmitted by insects
In rarer cases, insects can be carriers of infectious diseases, such as malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Other diseases that can be spread through insects are
- yellow fever
- Nile fever
- Chagas disease
- Chikunguya fever
- Japanese encephalitis.
Anaphylactic shock
The main complication that an insect bite can cause is anaphylactic shock which requires immediate medical treatment. The patient in anaphylactic shock complains
- breathing difficulties and choking
- low pressure
- increased heart rate
- possible loss of knowledge
The drugs most used by medical and hospital staff in these circumstances are adrenaline, antihistamines and bronchodilators to restore the upper airways.
After an anaphylactic shock, prevention will be very important for the patient's health, avoiding the risk of coming into contact with the same poison again, taking antihistamines beforehand and in severe cases, taking the adrenaline auto-injector with you for a timely intervention.
However, not everyone is afraid of insects!
