Bites and Stings




Insect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets are usually painful. Bites caused by mosquitoes, fleas, and mites are more likely to cause itching than pain.

This lesion was produced by the bite of a brown recluse spider. The brown recluse is one of two common spiders in the United States considered poisonous. (The other is the black widow.) However, the hobo spider, wolf spider, and jumping spider can also produce bites that require medical attention.

Fleas are blood-feeding insects. Pain and itching results from an allergic reaction to the materials that the fleas inject into the skin at the time of the bite.

Considerations

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.



Note the red "hour glass" on the abdomen in black widow spider. The bite of the black widow can produce severe symptoms but is seldom fatal, especially in young children and older adults.

Flies carry disease by transporting infectious agents on their feet. They may spread salmonellosis, typhoid, and other diseases.

Triatomid, the kissing bug, can carry Chagas' disease (American trypanosomiasis).

Bed bugs don't carry disease, but their bites can leave a colorless welt along with an itching or burning sensation.



Dust mites are carriers (vectors) of many important diseases including typhus (scrub and murine) and rickettsialpox.

Wasps are not known to carry human diseases, but allergic reactions to their sting can be fatal.

The female black widow is easily recognized by her shiny black body and red hourglass marking underneath her round abdomen. Although black widows can be found in nearly every state they are most common in the southern areas of the United States. The black widow makes her home in wood piles, under eaves, and other undisturbed places. The bite of a black widow can be serious and require medical attention. Symptoms include pain radiating from the site of the bite, nausea, overall aching of the body, profuse sweating, and labored breathing.

The brown recluse is a poisonous spider most commonly found in midwestern and southern states of the United States. It is about one-half inch overall and has long skinny legs. The brown recluse is brown with a characteristic dark violin-shaped marking on its head. It is most commonly found outside in wood, leaves, or in piles of rocks. If a brown recluse wanders indoors they will go to dark closets, shoes, or attics. The brown recluse is a non-aggressive spider and will only bite when it is disturbed.

Symptoms

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.

First Aid

For emergencies (severe reactions):
  • Check the person's airway and breathing. If necessary, call 911 and begin rescue breathing and CPR.
  • Reassure the person. Try to keep him or her calm.
  • Remove nearby rings and constricting items because the affected area may swell.
  • 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.)
  • If appropriate, treat the person for signs of shock. Remain with the person until medical help arrives.
General steps for most bites and stings:
  • 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.
  • Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth) on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process.
  • If necessary, take an antihistamine or apply creams that reduce itching.
  • Over the next several days, watch for signs of infection (such as increasing redness, swelling, or pain).
Do Not
  • DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
  • DO NOT give the person stimulants, aspirin, or other pain medication unless prescribed by the doctor.
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

Call 911 if the person is having a severe reaction:
  • Trouble breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath
  • Swelling anywhere on the face
  • Throat feels tight
  • Feeling weak
  • Turning blue
Prevention
  • Avoid provoking insects whenever possible.
  • Avoid rapid, jerky movements around insect hives or nests.
  • Avoid perfumes and floral-patterned or dark clothing.
  • Use appropriate insect repellants and protective clothing.
  • Use caution when eating outdoors, especially with sweetened beverages or in areas around garbage cans, which often attract bees.
  • 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.
Informations obtained from National Institute of Health.
Library | Products | Service | Affiliates | Home