Avoid Insect Bites And Stings During Summer

Insect Bites And Stings

Warm weather has arrived and with it comes the expected nuisance of insect bites and stings.

Insect stings usually result in a local skin reaction as a result of venom injected by the stinger. A reddened, painful area with an itchy sensation may develop that can last up to five days. Scratching can cause the area to become infected. Multiple stings can result in a more generalized reaction that includes vomiting, diarrhea, swelling and collapse. Stings in the mouth and throat are of special concern because swelling may block the breathing passages.

The most dangerous reaction to a sting is a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Signs of anaphalaxis include hives, flushing, itching, swelling, nausea, fever and trouble breathing. Anyone with suspected anaphylaxis should call 911 to be taken to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Insect bites are usually less painful than stings with skin reactions that don't last long. Transmission of disease is more of a concern with insect bites. Mosquitoes bite more people than any other blood-sucking insect. Most fly bites are painful, but short-lived. Inflammation and itching is similar to that associated with mosquito bites.

Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Their bite is usually painless with little or no local reaction. The tick will remain attached until it becomes filled with blood and falls off the host, which can take up to 10 days. Two diseases that can be spread by ticks are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) and Lyme disease Symptoms include high fever, headache, rash, fatigue and muscle aches. Symptoms can start up to a few weeks after the tick bite.

Chiggers are really mites, which are more closely related to spiders. The adult usually attaches at the base of a hair follicle. Bites resemble those of a mosquito, but are usually found underneath clothing. While many possible spider bites are attributed to the Brown Recluse Spider, few cases can actually be attributed to this particular spider. The Brown Recluse prefers to live in dark, dry, quiet places and comes into contact with humans only when disturbed.

Prevention and Treatment of Stings and Bites