Insect Bites

Most of us see insect bites as simply a warm weather nuisance. But insect stings and bites can also be very serious.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) says most people will have a reaction to an insect bite or sting. The most common reaction is pain, redness and swelling at the site. ACAAI recommends that you apply ice to help control the swelling and disinfect the area. A large local reaction could result in your arm swelling up to twice its normal size. It may be alarming but it is usually treated the same way with ice and disinfectant. If it lasts for a couple of days, antihistamines and steroids are sometimes used to help with the discomfort.

Allergic reactions

It's important however, to know the difference between a local reaction and an allergic reaction, which is much more serious. Over two million Americans are allergic (Read about "Allergies") to stinging insects. Some of the signs of an allergic reaction according to ACAAI are:

• hives, itching, and swelling in areas other than the sting site (Read about "Hives")
• tightness in the chest and difficulty in breathing (Read about "Respiratory System")
• hoarse voice or swelling of the tongue

A more dangerous reaction is anaphylaxis (Read about "Anaphylaxis") which can involve the above symptoms plus:

• dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure
• unconsciousness
• cardiac arrest (Read about "Cardiac Arrest")

Anaphylaxis usually involves various parts of the body and if severe enough, it can be fatal. The allergic reaction can be halted by the use of epinephrine, so someone who is sensitive to insect stings may want to keep an emergency kit containing this prescription medication on hand, in case they are stung. Emergency medical help should also be sought.

Disease transmission

Insects and other arthropods can also carry serious disease. (Read about "Animal & Insect Borne Diseases")

Mosquitoes, for example, can transmit West Nile virus and other arboviruses (Read about "West Nile Virus" "Arboviral Encephalitides") that can lead to encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain. (Read about "Encephalitis and Meningitis" "The Brain"). And it's not just insects. Other arthropods such as ticks can be dangerous too. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. (Read about "Lyme Disease" "Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever" "Microorganisms")

Taking precautions

For this reason, it's a good idea for everyone to avoid unnecessary exposure to insects and ticks by taking some simple precautions:

• Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening.
• Avoid sweet fragrances, which tend to attract insects, such as perfumes, colognes and hair sprays.
• Keep food and open beverage containers covered as much as possible when eating outdoors.
• Don't let standing water remain on your property.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when possible, tucking pants into boots or socks when hiking.

If you must be outdoors in areas where Lyme disease or tick-borne illnesses are a serious risk, take additional precautions. Regularly inspect yourself and family members for the small ticks that harbor disease. Also, be aware of rashes (Read about "Skin Rash") that might develop. The first sign of Lyme disease is a red, expanding sore at the site of the tick bite, so if you notice such a sore, seek help right away.

Repellents

Insect repellents are available in different forms and concentrations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend three types of repellents. They are:

• DEET
• picaridin
• oil of lemon eucalyptus

All three have been shown to offer long-lasting protection against mosquito bites, according to CDC.

Products containing DEET have been on the market for many years. CDC says they are a highly effective repellent option. Picaridin, also known as KBR 3023, is an ingredient found in many mosquito repellents used in Europe, Australia, Latin America and Asia for some time. CDC says evidence indicates that it works very well, often comparable with DEET products of similar concentration. One product, containing 7 percent picaridin, is relatively new to the market in the United States. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (also known as p-menthane 3,8-diol or PMD), is a plant-based mosquito repellent that provided protection time similar to low concentration DEET products in two recent studies, according to CDC. It is available in a variety of formulations throughout the United States. CDC says DEET may be effective against ticks as well.

If you must use a repellent, it's important to remember that repellents contain powerful chemicals that must be used cautiously.

Some suggestions from the US Environmental Protection Agency:

• Never use repellents on open cuts or irritated skin.
• Consult your pediatrician about using repellents on very young children.
• Do not let children handle repellents.
• Avoid spraying repellents directly on children's hands when they're likely to be handling food or if they have a tendency to put their fingers in their mouths.
• Do not spray in an enclosed area.
• Do not use excessively or at higher concentrations than necessary.
• After returning inside, wash treated skin with soap and water.

If, in spite of precautions, you get stung, be alert for signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, excessive itchiness or problems breathing, and seek medical help right away if worrisome signs develop.

Related Information:

    Bed Bugs

    Animal & Insect Borne Diseases