Bites & Stings, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Which insects typically bite?

These are the common insects that typically cause bites and stings:

Mosquitoes
Bees
Wasps
Fleas
Bedbugs
Hornets
Pubic or head lice
Horse or black flies

Insects typically bite humans only when they are provoked or disturbed. However, some insects still purposefully and readily bite humans to gain something from them.

Most insect bites do not cause extreme harm to humans. But each bite or sting can leave marks typically irritating, itchy, and uncomfortable, especially in its early stages.

How will I know if I’ve been bitten?

General symptoms of a bite or sting from an insect include the following:

Fluid-filled or swollen skin blisters
Rashes or lumps on the bite/sting site
Itchiness
Bruising

Such minor symptoms typically subside after a few hours or days.

More severe reactions to stings and bites include:

Fever of 38 degrees Celsius and above
Dizziness
Generalized weakness
Joint pains
Difficulty in swallowing
Wheezing

Such symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction to the sting or bite and require prompt medical attention. They may also point out other deeper issues regarding the sting or bite.

Call an ambulance or head to your nearest hospital’s ER if you experience difficulty breathing due to the insect sting or bite.

What should I do if I’ve been bitten?

Here are some interventions you can do when you’ve been stung or bitten by an insect:

Remove the tick or sting from your skin if there is any.
Wash the stung or bitten area with soap and running water.
Place a cold compress for 10 minutes, if possible, while raising the affected area.
Avoid scratching the bite marks or stung area.
Do not apply vinegar or bicarbonate of soda to the affected area.

Pain, itching, and swelling may continue for several days despite your interventions. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to learn which painkillers, antihistamine medications, or creams you need to help ease up the symptoms a little.

How can I avoid insect bites?

Suggestions for you to avoid insect bites include:

Avoid exposing your bare skin by wearing long clothes such as long-sleeved shirts, socks, and long trousers.
Wear light-coloured clothes and fragrances. Avoid dark clothing and strong perfume, which can attract insects like mosquitoes.
Apply insect repellant on your skin when outside.
Wear footwear that covers your entire feet when going outside. Avoid slippers, exposing your skin and predisposing you to insect bites and stings.
Do not approach insect nests or hives as much as possible.
Do not panic when hornets, bees, or wasps approach you. Please resist the urge to bat them away, as they will likely hover around you all the more.

What types of insect bites are there?

Here are the most common insect bite types prevalent in public today.

How are insect bites and stings diagnosed?

Generally, anyone bitten or stung by an insect will become instantly aware of the situation. People often recognize the insects that bite or sting them right after the attack.

If you don’t know or are unsure of the insect type who bit you, quickly snap a photo with your phone. Knowing its physical appearance will help you. Your doctor identifies the insect culprit and your specific condition, especially if your bite or sting gets worse in the long run.

How are insect bites and stings treated?

Most insect bites and stings are easily treatable at home. Depending on the insect that bites or stings you, you’ll only need over-the-counter creams, sprays, painkillers, and antihistamines to manage your condition.

Immediately seek emergency help or call an ambulance if you experience difficulty breathing following an insect bite.

See your doctor as soon as possible if you develop symptoms like dizziness, weakness, or difficulty swallowing. These symptoms might mean an allergic reaction is taking place.

What is the outlook for people with insect bites and stings?

A generally favourable prognosis and outlook exist for people suffering from insect bites and stings. They are often not severe and will subside after a few days.