Bug bites - what to do?

Insect allergy is an allergic reaction that occurs due to contact with insects or their byproducts (bites, inhalation of insect body particles, ingestion). Proteins present in insect venom can trigger a skin allergic reaction characterized by skin redness, swelling, and itching. Insect body particles, their metabolites, saliva, and other components of insect origin can act as allergens.
By the method of introducing allergens into the human body, all types of insects are conventionally divided into two major groups: stinging insects and non-stinging insects.

Stinging Insects

The sting is usually an attack from a venomous insect that injects toxic and painful venom through its sting as a defensive mechanism. Venomous insects include:

• Bee;
• Wasp;
• Hornet;
• Fire ant;
• Venomous spiders.

Non-venomous insects

Non-venomous insects pierce the skin to feed on blood, typically resulting in intense itching. Non-venomous biting insects include:

• Mosquito;
• Flea;
• Bedbug;
• Louse;
• Chigger mite.

Clinical signs of insect bites

• Burning, pain with redness and swelling of the affected area, a large localized allergic reaction causing wider swelling over several hours.
• Anaphylaxis leads to immediate angioedema, hives, and bronchospasm.

Recommendations for insect bites

The main goal of treating insect bites is to prevent itching. Here are some general recommendations:

• Apply cold to the affected area;
• Apply calamine lotion or a local anesthetic topically;
• Oral antihistamines reduce itching and redness;
• Use topical corticosteroids moderately for papular urticaria or persistent reactions.

If the insect bite requires special antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of the disease or if it is venomous and triggers a serious allergic reaction and anaphylaxis, seek immediate medical help.

Author: Dermatovenereologist Doctor Sofiya Serhiivna Pavlyshyn