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DESCRIPTION
Skin eruptions and other symptoms caused by insect bites or stings. The victim often doesn't remember being bitten or stung.
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Skin reactions:
- Red lumps in the skin. The lumps usually appear within minutes after the bit or sting, but some don't appear for 6 to 12 hours.
- A toxic reaction with pain, such as from bee stings.
- A toxic reaction with itching due to the body's release of histamine at the bite size, such as from mosquitoes.
Systemic reactions:
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Headache.
- Fever.
- Dizziness; lightheadedness.
- Swelling.
- Convulsions.
Allergic reactions:
- Itching eyes.
- Facial flushing.
- Dry cough; wheezing.
- Chest/throat constriction
CAUSES
Bites or stings from mosquitoes, fleas, chiggers, bedbugs, ants, spiders, bees, scorpions and other insects.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Areas with heavy insect infestations.
Warm weather in spring and summer.
Lack of protective measures.
Perfumes, colognes.
Previous sensitization.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
After identifying the cause, remove it if possible. Treat animals for fleas and exterminate the house or kennel.
If you cannot avoid exposure, apply insect repellents with diethyltoluamide (DEET).
Wear protective clothing.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Most troublesome symptoms disappear in 2 to 3 days, but scratching may prolong symptoms for several weeks. 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 (life-threatening allergic reaction) for hypersensitive persons).
Scarring.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
First-aid measures and emergency services in severe reactions.
Remove stinger (scrape it out. Don't use tweezers).
For bee, wasp, yellow-jacket or hornet stings rub a paste of meat tenderizer and water into the site.
For ant bits rub bite with ammonia; repeat as often as necessary.
For spider or scorpion bites, capture the insect if possible, and seek medical attention.
For ticks and mites, apply a petroleum product until the animal withdraws.
Clean wound. Apply ice pack.
Elevate and rest the affected body part.
Use immersion or wrapped soaks to relieve itching and hasten healing. Warm-water soaks are usually more soothing for pain or inflammation. Cool-water soaks feel better for itching.
If you have had anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) following an insect bite, carry an anaphylaxis kit to treat it in the future.
MEDICATION
For minor discomfort, you may use:
Non-prescription oral antihistamines to decrease itching.
Non-prescription topical steroid 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, you may be prescribed: Stronger topical steroids or oral steroids if the reaction is severe. Injection of epinephrine or cortisone to prevent or diminish anaphylaxis symptoms.
Tetanus prophylaxis is needed.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions.
DIET
No special diet.
NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF
You or a family member has 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 101°F (38.3°C)
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