INSECT BITES & STINGS |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Skin eruptions and other symptoms caused by insect bites or stings from mosquitoes, fleas, chiggers, bedbugs, ants, spiders, bees and other insects. The victim often doesn't remember being bitten or stung.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMSRed lumps in the skin. The lumps usually appear within minutes after the bite or sting, but some don't appear for 6 to 12 hours. Skin reactions fall into 2 categories:
A toxic reaction with pain and sometimes fever, such as from bee stings.
A toxic reaction with itching due to the body's release of histamine at the bite site, such as from mosquitoes.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSBites or stings are most likely in areas with heavy insect infestations, and during outdoor activity in the warm weather of spring and summer.
HOW TO PREVENT
Recent evidence indicates that vitamins in the B-vitamin group may be a deterrent to mosquito and other insect bites. Try 50mg thiamine orally once a day (unless your doctor advises otherwise) if you expect insects where you exercise or compete.
Apply an insect repellent with diethyltoluamide (DEET) before exposure.
Treat animals for fleas and exterminate the house or kennel.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
SURGERYNot necessary nor useful for this problem.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSMost troublesome symptoms disappear in 2 to 3 days, but scratching may prolong symptoms for several weeks or introduce a bacterial infection. Treatment helps, but it doesn't cure quickly.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Secondary bacterial infection at the site of the bite. This may cause swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpit, groin or elbow.
Anaphylaxis (severe allergic response in hypersensitive persons).
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTIf you have had anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) following an insect bite, ask your doctor for an anaphylaxis kit to treat any future recurrences.
HOME TREATMENT
If anaphylaxis occurs, give CPR if the victim is not breathing and has no heartbeat. Ask someone to get emergency medical help.
For less severe cases, apply compresses to the bite or sting to relieve itching and hasten healing. Warm-water compresses are usually more soothing for pain or inflammation. Cool-water compresses feel better for itching.
MEDICATION
For minor discomfort, you may use:
Non-prescription oral antihistamines to decrease itching.
Non-prescription topical corticosteroid preparations to reduce inflammation and decrease itching. Use according to label directions. For face and groin, use only low-potency steroid products without fluorine.
For serious symptoms, your doctor may prescribe:
Stronger topical or oral corticosteroids if the reaction is severe.
Epinephrine or corticosteroids (orally or by injection) to prevent or diminish anaphylaxis symptoms.
ACTIVITYNo restrictions.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of anaphylaxis. This is an emergency!
Self-care does not relieve symptoms, or symptoms don't improve after 2 to 3 days of medical treatment.
A bitten area becomes red, swollen, warm and tender, indicating infection.
Temperature rises to 101F (38.3C).
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