Bug bites and stings, when not diagnosed and treated on time, can lead to severe health complications. In most cases, these bites show up as rashes or blisters on the skin. You may notice itching, redness, and swelling of the affected areas within 24 hours of being bitten by the bugs.
Since most bites look the same, the most difficult challenge in this case is to identify the insect that has bitten you. Deciding on the treatment becomes easier once the insect is identified. We have compiled the symptoms and treatment methodologies for different types of insect bites in the following sections for your understanding.
Identifying Mosquito Bites & Treatment
When a female mosquito bites you, its saliva is injected into your skin, triggering an allergic reaction.
Symptoms
- Redness
- Itching sensation
- Swelling
- Red bumps resembling blisters or sores
Treatment
- Over-the-counter antihistamine pills
- Topical applications of hydrocortisone gels or ointments
- Gentle massage of the affected areas using a cotton cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol
Identifying Tick Bites & Treatment
Ticks are carriers of Lyme disease. Hence, it is important to identify these bites as quickly as possible.
Symptoms
- Redness and itching, in some cases
- A presence of a tick
- Huge red rashes, in the case of Lyme-disease-carrying germs, are transmitted to your skin.
- Pain in the joints and muscles
- Nausea
- Symptoms similar to flu
Treatment
- Careful removal of the tick using tweezers
- Antibiotics
Identifying Mite and Flea Bites & Treatment
Though both are of different categories, mites and fleas are always considered similar due to their small size.
Symptoms
- Mites
- Small red bumps, similar to pimples
- Itchy rashes
- Fleas
- Small red rashes in groups of 3 or more
- Rashes, mostly found in the ankles and legs
Treatment
- Over-the-counter topical creams to control itching
- Ice packs to control the itching and redness
Identifying Chigger Bites & Treatment
Chiggers are small mites that don’t suck the blood but feed on the cells and tissues of mammals. They are mostly found in areas with a lot of vegetation.
Symptoms
- Red bumps or welts on the skin (usually found in clusters)
- Itching sensation and inflammation
- Rashes are mostly found on parts of the skin prone to sweating (armpits, back of your knees, inside the socks, etc.)
Treatment
- Thorough cleansing of the affected areas using a mild soap
- Over-the-counter anti-itching creams
- Ice packs to reduce inflammation
Identifying Ant Bites & Treatment
Many types of ants sting you when they bite, but the most painful and irritating sting is from the bite of a fire ant.
Symptoms
- Painful sting immediately after the bite
- Red welts, which become white, painful puss-filled blisters within 1 or 2 days
- Itching sensation
- Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, joint pain, swelling in the limbs, difficulty swallowing, etc.) if ant bites result in the transmission of infections
Treatment
- Washing the affected areas thoroughly
- Application of over-the-counter anti-itch creams and lotions
- Medications in case of flu-like symptoms
Identifying Hornet Stings & Treatment
The symptoms of hornet stings are almost similar to what you might see in the case of bee stings. However, the only difference between the two is that hornets are way bigger than bees or wasps.
Symptoms
- Painful red bumps
- Itching sensation
- Swelling of the affected areas
- Bumps that are very warm to the touch
- Severe symptoms of allergic reactions include trouble breathing, palpitations, nausea, dizziness, swelling of the throat, lips & eyes, confusion, vomiting, cramps, hives, etc.
Treatment
- Washing the affected areas thoroughly using a mild soap and water
- Ice packs
- Over-the-counter hydrocortisone topical applications
- Antihistamine oral medications
- Medical intervention is mandatory for severe symptoms
Identifying Wasp Stings & Treatment
Though there are many types of wasps, not all varieties are known to sting humans. These don’t cause serious issues unless you have serious allergic reactions.
Symptoms
- Painful red bumps
- Swelling in the affected areas
- Itching
- Serious symptoms include dizziness, palpitations, reduced blood pressure, breathing difficulties, abdominal cramps, and swelling in the throat or air passage
Treatment
- Washing thoroughly with mild soap and water
- Ice compresses
- Antihistamine or calamine topical applications to reduce itching and inflammation
Identifying Bee Stings & Treatment
Bees and wasps may look similar, but they are not. Bees have more hair than wasps.
Symptoms
- Acute pain immediately after the bite
- Redness, swelling, and inflammation
- Severe symptoms for people prone to allergies include hives, palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, nausea and more
Treatment
- Careful removal of the stinger using gauze or fingernails
- Washing the stung area with a mild soap and water
- Antihistamine or calamine topical applications
- Ice compresses
Conclusion
As you can see, bug bites treatment are generally similar for all types of bites and stings. In most cases, the red bumps from bites will disappear within a week. However, if you're prone to allergies, you may experience more severe symptoms from insect bites. In these situations, get medical help right away to ensure you get the care you need.
Medical costs for severe allergic reactions can be quite high, but if you have health insurance, you won’t need to worry about the financial burden.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.