Recognizing and treating insect bites

With the summer, it is much more frequent the presence of insects of all kinds that can sting us

Who, during the summer season, has not happened to have to deal with insect bites? With the summer, in fact, it is much more frequent the presence of insects of all kinds that can sting us causing annoying and painful vesicles and skin reactions.

The privileged places from these annoying creatures are hot and humid environments, but also woods, country meadows, city parks and swimming pools. In short, all those outdoor places where you are more vulnerable and exposed.

However, most bites and stings cause nothing but mild discomfort, unless they are sensitive areas such as eyes, lips and throat.

But in some cases stings can also lead to allergic reactions, very dangerous in both children and adults.

There are different types of stings, so let’s see how to recognize them and how to intervene effectively.

Types of insect bites

Among the animals that frequently sting and bite humans, the most common are:

  • Horseflies;
  • Fleas;
  • Mosquitoes;
  • Bees and Wasps;
  • Spiders;
  • Fruit flies;
  • Hornets;
  • Ticks;
  • Bed bugs;
  • Flies;
  • Ants;
  • Pappataci;
  • Scorpion.

Some sting humans simply to feed, as in the case of bloodsucks, those that feed on blood (including tiger mosquito, gadfly, parrot and flea).

Others, on the other hand, sting to defend themselves if they feel a danger to themselves, as in the case of the bee, the wasp or the hornet, which can cause a very painful sting.

How to recognize insect bites

Stings are very different from each other. Knowing how to recognize them makes the difference to intervene immediately and effectively.

  1. Mosquito, the most widespread: it looks like a more or less reddened subcutaneous bump that itches a lot. In some cases, its stings can lead to the transmission of dangerous infectious diseases;
  2. Pappatacio: its bites are harmless pinches that however itch a lot, with an intensity even greater than that felt for a mosquito bite;
  3. Bed bug: causes small red bubbles, which often appear in groups, in rows of two or three. They are very stinging due to the irritant substance contained in the saliva of the insect;
  4. Flea: often stings on the feet and ankles leaving red marks “in clusters” which, in very sensitive subjects, also cause papular urticaria;
  5. Tick: The tip area begins to swell and itch when the tick begins to suck. When the tick is removed, the affected area swells a little more and a small crust forms;
  6. Bee: leaves a red pustule with a small white spot corresponding to the point where the spine entered the skin;
  7. Vespa, Hornet: their stings cause a lot of burning and the affected area is swollen and reddened, in a space of about 2 or 3 cm;
  8. Horsefly: its sting is more painful than that of a bee and the lesions caused by the bite very deep;
  9. Red ant: the sting has the appearance of a small red sore, followed by a transparent bladder that contains pus;
  10. Spider: its sting has two entry holes or in the case of the dangerous violin species, a wound appears “on target that becomes increasingly red and swollen;
  11. Scorpio: the species present in Italy are practically harmless, but their stings are very painful and can cause numbness and increased skin temperature of the affected part.

What causes stings?

The symptoms of an insect bite can vary both depending on the type of insect that causes it, and depending on subjective sensitivity.

However, the most common consequences of a sting are:

  • Swelling or wheal in the affected area;
  • Rash;
  • Reddening;
  • Intense itching;
  • Painful sensation.

These are the mildest manifestations of a sting. But as mentioned, reactions can vary from person to person. In the case of an allergic person, the venom inoculated through the sting by some species can cause anaphylactic shock.

It is a decompensation of the circulatory and respiratory system that manifests itself with pallor, sweating, nausea, vomiting and breathing difficulties, and which requires immediate medical intervention.

We must not forget that stings can be the vehicle of entry into the body of various pathogens and therefore cause infections or other serious diseases due to parasites, viruses or bacteria.

What to do when you are stung by an insect

There are some behaviors to implement and small tips to keep in mind when being stung by an insect:

  1. Remove parts of the insect’s body if it is still in the skin (the same applies to the tick, to be detached as soon as possible);
  2. Soak the affected area in cold water or make a compress with ice, wrapped in a sterile cloth, for at least 10 minutes;
  3. Wash the affected area with soap and water and disinfect with hydrogen peroxide;
  4. Lift the affected area and hold it in place, as much as possible, to facilitate venous return and reduce swelling;
  5. Absolutely avoid scratching the tip area, to limit the risk of infection.

How to treat insect bites

Immediately recognize which insect has stung you and important to know what is the most suitable way to treat the problem and reduce its symptoms.

Among the recommended drugs are:

  • Stick after puncture based on ammonia;
  • Cream based on cortisone or corticosteroids for inflammation, always to be used under medical supervision.

If you are allergic, always carry life-saving medicines with you. The emergency kit should include: antihistamines, adrenaline and cortisone.

If you are not aware of being allergic or in any case in all those cases in which the reactions to the sting seem to worsen in a short time, causing fever, dizziness and widespread malaise, it is necessary to go immediately to the emergency room.

Natural remedies for stings

In addition to resorting to creams and drugs of various kinds, there are also several natural solutions to relieve pain and itching that can cause the bite of an insect.

These solutions are as simple as they are effective, made with substances and ingredients that are easily available or almost always already present at home.

These include:

  • Aloe vera: has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and promotes skin regeneration;
  • Calendula: has anti-inflammatory and healing properties;
  • Honey: it is a natural disinfectant and helps to treat the skin reaction;
  • Lavender: has calming and soothing properties;
  • Tea tree oil: anti-inflammatory and antiseptic helps to refresh, deflate and reduce the sensation of itching.

How to defend yourself from stings

Prevention is always the best cure, even in case of the bite caused by an insect. There are in fact some domestic measures and behaviors to be adopted to effectively defend themselves from these small animals.

In particular, the tips to keep in mind are:

  1. Equip the windows of the house with mosquito nets;
  2. Use insecticidal zampironi, platelets and citronella candles;
  3. Use the essential oil of lemongrass, basil or geranium as a natural repellent;
  4. Wear clothes and fabrics of light colors;
  5. Prefer long trousers and long sleeves, if the heat does not prevent it;
  6. Do not make sharp movements if you encounter a bee, gadfly, hornet or wasp;
  7. Do not stay for a long time near places where there is stagnant water;
  8. In case of outdoor dining, immediately eliminate the remains of food that can attract these animals.

For the local symptomatic treatment of particularly itchy rashes due to insect bites, the use of over-the-counter medications, such as antiallergic medicines and topical antihistamines, can be used. These types of products work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions. In this way it favors the alleviation of the discomfort that the skin reaction to a puncture can cause.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

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