Insect bites and stings cause skin reactions. They can include itching, rashes, and sometimes swelling. Most bites and stings can be safely treated at home. Those that cause allergic reactions may require prompt medical attention. If you think that you are having a severe allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately.
Insect bites and stings are caused by:
The following factors increase your chances of being bitten or stung by an insect:
If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is only because of an insect bite. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
The most common symptoms of insect bites and stings include:
If you experience a severe allergic reaction, get medical help immediately. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
If the insect bite requires medical attention, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms. The doctor will determine if you are having an allergic reaction or other medical problem caused by the bite or sting. You will be asked about the type of insect that bit or stung you. If possible, try to obtain a sample of the insect responsible for the bite or sting.
If you were bitten by a spider and were able to safely kill it, take the spider to the doctor with you. Some spider bites may require blood tests such as:
Most insect bites and stings can be safely treated at home. If this is the case, take the following steps:
If you were bitten by a brown recluse or black widow spider, or are unsure and you feel sick, get medical treatment quickly. Treatment may include:
If you or someone you know is having a severe allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately. Once you arrive at the hospital, treatment may include:
If you are diagnosed with an insect bite of sting, follow your doctor's instructions.
To help reduce your chances of getting an insect bite or sting, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
http://www.acaai.org/
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/
Nemours Foundation
http://kidshealth.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Allergy/Asthma Information Association
http://www.aaia.ca/
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
http://www.ccohs.ca/
References:
The buzz on insect bites and stings. Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/safety/first_aid/bug_bites.html . Accessed October 5, 2006.
Clark S, Camargo CA Jr. Emergency treatment and prevention of insect-sting anaphylaxis. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol . 2006;6:279-83.
Foex BA, Lee C: Oral antihistamines for insect bites. Emergency Med J . 2006:23:721-22.
Graft DF. Insect sting allergy. Med Clin North Am . 2006;90:211-32.
Insect stings. Medem website. Available at: http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZMO0FIA9C&sub_cat=530 . Accessed October 5, 2006.
Lewis FS, Smith LJ: What’s eating you?Bees, part 1: characteristics, reactions, and management. Cutis . 2007:78:439-44
Lewis FS, smith LJ: What’s eating you? Bees. Part 2: Venom immunotherapy and mastocytosis. Cutis . 2007:80:33-7
Moffitt JE, Golden DB, Reisman RE, et al. Stinging insect hypersensitivity :a practice parameter update. J Allergy Clin Immunol . 2004; 114:869-86.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Ross Zeltser, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.