Insect Bites
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Medical Encyclopedia
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Other encyclopedia topics:
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Insect bites and stings
Illustrations
Bedbug bite; Bee sting; Bites - insects, bees, and
spiders; Black widow spider bite; Brown recluse bite; Flea bite; Honey bee or
hornet sting; Lice bites; Mite bite; Scorpion bite; Spider bite; Wasp sting;
Yellow jacket sting
The bite from fire ants and the sting from
bees, wasps, and hornets usually cause an immediate painful skin reaction.
Mosquitoes, fleas, mites, and spiders have bites that are more likely to cause
itching than pain.
In most cases, bites and stings can be easily
treated at home. However, some people have a severe allergic reaction to insect
bites and stings. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis,
and it requires urgent emergency care. Severe reactions can affect the whole
body and may occur very quickly, often within minutes. These severe reactions
can be rapidly fatal if untreated. Call 911 if you are with someone who has
trouble breathing or goes into shock.
Some spider bites, like those of the black
widow or brown recluse, are also serious and can be life-threatening. Most
spider bites, however, are harmless. If bitten by an insect or spider, bring it
for identification if this can be done quickly and safely.
The non-emergency symptoms vary according to
the type of insect and the individual. Most people have localized pain, redness,
swelling, or itching. You may also feel burning, numbness, or tingling.
For emergencies (severe reactions):
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Check the person's airway and breathing. If necessary, call 911 and
begin rescue breathing and CPR.
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Reassure the person. Try to keep him or her calm.
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Remove nearby rings and constricting items because the affected area may
swell.
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Use the person's Epi-pen or other emergency kit, if they have one. (Some
people who have serious insect reactions carry it with them.)
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If appropriate, treat the person for signs of shock.
Remain with the person until medical help arrives.
General steps for most bites and stings:
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Remove the stinger if still present by scraping the back of a credit
card or other straight-edged object across the stinger. Do not use tweezers
-- these may squeeze the venom sac and increase the amount of venom
released.
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Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water.
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Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth) on the site of the sting for 10
minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process.
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If necessary, take an antihistamine or apply creams that reduce itching.
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Over the next several days, watch for signs of infection (such as
increasing redness, swelling, or pain).
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DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
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DO NOT give the person stimulants, aspirin, or other pain
medication unless prescribed by the doctor.
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Call immediately for emergency medical
assistance if Return
to top
Call 911 if the person is having a severe
reaction:
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Trouble breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath
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Swelling anywhere on the face
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Throat feels tight
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Feeling weak
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Turning blue
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Avoid provoking insects whenever possible.
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Avoid rapid, jerky movements around insect hives or nests.
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Avoid perfumes and floral-patterned or dark clothing.
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Use appropriate insect repellants and protective clothing.
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Use caution when eating outdoors, especially with sweetened beverages or
in areas around garbage cans, which often attract bees.
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For those who have a serious allergy to insect bites or stings, carry an
emergency epinephrine kit (which requires a prescription). Friends and
family should be taught how to use it if you have a reaction. Wear a medical
ID bracelet.
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Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook
of Medicine, 22nd Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2004:1617-1619,
2126-2128.
Noble J, ed. Textbook of Primary Care
Medicine. 3rd Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2001:805-813.
Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4th
Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2001.
Update Date: 5/28/2004
Updated by: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of
Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, MA.
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