Insect Bite Symptoms

Overview

Insect bites are difficult to predict. Spiders, ants, and bees bite as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened, and mosquitoes, fleas, mites, and ticks actually feed on mammalian blood. Insect bites can cause pain, or they can cause itchiness, inflammation, and swelling. You may end up with a single insect bite or a concentration of many bites.

Swelling and redness occurs from formic acid, which an insect secretes when biting. The swelling, rash, itchiness, and pain will vary based on what type of insect bites you. Insects may also inject proteins and other substances into you when they bite. Some of these substances may cause you to develop a life threatening allergic reaction. If you are at risk for an insect injury, make sure that you consult with a doctor to take adequate precautions. You may need to carry an EpiPen to counteract anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that causes you to have trouble breathing. During anaphylaxis, you'll develop uncontrollable hives, and your throat and tongue will swell to the point where you cannot breathe. If you suspect that you are allergic to insect bites, make sure that you are prepared to treat yourself accordingly.

When Insects Bite and Make You Sick

In general, insects will only bite when they feel that they are in danger. Stay away from an insect and its nest, and it will leave you alone. Do not tease or excite an insect, and it will not attack. Other insects will feed on human blood. You might have woken up with an itchy rash, or you might have noticed a red spot after a camping trip.

In most situations, insect bites do not cause illness. The swelling and itchiness will subside after several hours or days. Your bite might drain a liquid and might become very red. No matter the case, you should not scratch your bite. The rash might spread, and your symptoms might become more itchy and painful.

Some insect bites cause serious illnesses. Insects can carry bacterial or viral infections, especially in unsanitary living conditions. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, and fleas can spread the bubonic plague. Mosquitoes can transmit malaria and yellow fever. Some spiders, like black widows, can produce poisonous venom that kills small children and pets.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you start to develop a fever, and if your fever does not subside, you should see a doctor to rule out serious medical conditions. You should also see a doctor if you feel that a dangerous insect has bitten you, or if you feel that you have been exposed to a serious illness. You should also see a doctor if you receive a bug bite in a foreign country, while camping, or in unsanitary conditions. Sometimes, you may not know what bit you. If you're unsure of where your bite came from, continue exploring the surrounding area to identify what insects are common. Rule out all medical dangers before your symptoms show up. If you start to develop symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, visit your nearest emergency room. Symptoms of a severe reaction include wheezing, trouble breathing, weakness, and excessive swelling.

Treatment

Treatment will vary based on the severity of your insect bite and condition. Some infections will require antibiotics, and other reactions might require steroid injections. If you are experiencing a severe allergy, you might need an epinephrine injection or antihistamine. You might also need an oral steroid or steroid injection.

Mild reactions do not require medical attention, hospital visits, or extensive treatment. Wash the site of the bite with soap and water, and use a cream or lotion to relieve itch. You can also take over-the-counter anti-allergy pills.