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Insect bites and stingsThis factsheet is for people who would like information on how to prevent and treat insect bites and stings. In the UK, insect bites and stings are usually harmless and only cause a few red itchy spots or lumps. However, in some people they can cause allergic reactions, so it's important to know what to do if this happens.
Which insects bite and sting?
Why can insect bites and stings cause problems?Bites from insects that feed on your blood (eg mosquitoes) usually result in itchy spots or lumps that don't normally need any treatment, and clear up within a day or so. The same usually applies for insect stings. Sometimes bites and stings can cause allergic reactions. This happens if you are allergic to the insect's saliva (for a bite) or venom (for a sting). These allergic reactions are usually around the area of the bite or sting. This is called a localised reaction. Occasionally, the effects of the allergic reaction can cause other symptoms, such as fever, joint pain, vomiting and headaches. Rarely, a bite or sting can cause a dangerous allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, so it's important to know what to do if it happens (see Anaphylaxis below). What is an allergic reaction?An allergic reaction happens when your body mistakes a harmless substance for a harmful one. Whatever causes the reaction is called an allergen. For example, if you're allergic to insect bites or stings, the allergen will be the saliva from the bite or the venom from the sting. Your immune system protects your body from infection, but when you come into contact with an allergen it makes an immune response. During this immune response, a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E (or IgE for short) is produced to attack the allergen. IgE antibodies signal other nearby cells to release chemicals into the bloodstream. It is these chemicals, which include a substance called histamine, that cause the allergic reaction and causes the symptoms such as itching and swelling. How to treat insect bites and stingsIf a sting is still visible in the wound, you should remove it as soon as possible. You can pluck it out with tweezers, or scrape it out with a fingernail or something blunt like a piece of plastic. Don't try to grab the sting between your fingers, as this can cause the venom sac to squeeze its contents into your skin. Insect bites and stings can be painful. You can relieve the pain by applying a cold compress (a cloth soaked in iced water), or a cream or gel containing a local anaesthetic such as benzocaine, which is contained in products like Lanacane and Waspeze. A cream or ointment containing hydrocortisone can help reduce swelling. Sucking ice or sipping cold water can help reduce swelling in the mouth or throat. Antihistamine tablets can also be useful if you get a lot of bites and stings, as they can relieve the itchiness and swelling. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness, so it's important to read the patient information leaflet before taking the medicine. Don't drive or operate machinery if the medicine is making you feel drowsy. A sting is usually very painful and causes swelling, but it's not normally dangerous unless you are allergic to the venom. Urgent medical attention is needed for anyone who:
Tick bitesTicks are tiny spider-like creatures that attach to the skin and feed on blood. They usually feed on animals such as sheep and horses. If you find a tick attached to your skin, you should remove it as soon as possible with tweezers by grasping as close as possible to the skin so you don't leave the head or mouthparts behind. In some areas, ticks may carry a bacterial infection (the bacterium is called Borrelia burgdorferi) that can cause a condition called Lyme disease. If you develop flu-like symptoms or a rash within a few weeks of a tick bite, it's important that you see a doctor. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. If untreated, it can cause more serious symptoms affecting the nervous system, joints and heart. AnaphylaxisAnyone who is developing a serious allergic reaction needs urgent medical attention. This serious allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. A person having a reaction will have some or all of these symptoms:
You need urgent medical attention if you have this sort of allergic reaction. If you've had a serious allergic reaction before, it's wise to carry some identification (eg a bracelet with details of your allergy inscribed on it - a Medic Alert bracelet for example) so that the doctor treating you will be aware. Your doctor may recommend that you carry an adrenaline injection device around with you to use in case you have a reaction, if you have had several of these allergic reactions before. Infected bitesIf a bite becomes red, swollen and painful, and this doesn't go within a day or so, it might be infected. Flu-like symptoms or swollen glands could indicate a general infection from the bite. You should seek medical advice if the bite seems to be infected and is getting worse. PreventionYou can reduce your risk of insect bites and stings by:
Bites and stings abroadIn the UK, the threat to health from animal bites and stings is relatively low. This is not always the case abroad, and it's important for travellers to be aware of the hazards that exist in other countries they visit. Your GP can give up to date advice about appropriate preventive treatments. You should also take care not to be bitten by using an insect repellent containing the chemical DEET and by covering up at the key biting times (usually dusk and dawn). Further information
Sources
Related Bupa factsheetsPublished by Bupa's health information team, healthinfo@bupa.com, June 2007.
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