Insect Bites and Stings
Overview
Causes
Insect bites and stings are caused by:
- Biting insects, such as mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks
- Stinging insects, such as bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and fire ants
Mosquito Bite |
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SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Most insect bites and stings cause a skin reaction around the bite. The most common ones are:
- Mild swelling
- Redness
- Pain
- Heat
- Itching
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include:
- Swelling, redness, or hives
- Headache, muscle aches, or cramps
- Belly pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Weakness
- Fever, chills, or sweating
- A throat that feels like it is closing
- Problems breathing or wheezing
Treatments
Treatment
Treatment often depends on how severe the reaction is to the sting or bite. Most insect bites or stings can be treated at home. People who have allergic reactions to certain insects need medical care.
Options may be:
- Safe removal of the stinger or tick
- Washing the area to prevent infection
- Applying cold compresses to ease swelling
- Pain medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease swelling and pain
- Antihistamines, lotions, and steroid pills or creams to ease itching
Medical Attention
Severe allergic reactions need medical care right away. This may include:
- Emergency treatment for life threatening symptoms
- Medicines to ease swelling and other allergic reactions
- IV fluids
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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