Insects are common on all continents of our planet, except Antarctica.
They are numerous, have adapted to external climatic conditions, including rather severe ones.
Not all of them are dangerous, but there are species that have a potent, toxic poison and can cause great harm to health.
Understanding the types of insects
Insects, like many other animals, mostly sting humans in order to protect themselves. There are also species that feed on blood and bite humans in order to satisfy their hunger. They are dangerous from the point of view that they contain special substances in their saliva. Once in human blood, they can cause an allergic reaction. In addition, they can carry on themselves dangerous viruses and bacteria that enter the body through the resulting wound and provoke the development of diseases.
Poisonous
Those individuals who use this mechanism to protect themselves or their colony are endowed with poison. Knows how to release toxins into the victim's body wasp, bee, hornet. Water bugs and some species of ants (mainly from the hot regions of the planet) are known for their poisonousness.
The action of the poison is accompanied by:
- swelling;
- severe pain;
- redness;
- sometimes allergies;
- long-lasting itching.
With a high individual intolerance, the toxins that have entered the body may be enough to start anaphylactic shock.
Bloodsucking
Horseflies, flies, mosquitoes bite their victims in order to get enough blood. These members of the class were dubbed bloodsucking.
With poor body care, you can become infected with head lice - the spread of lice throughout the body. They live mainly on the hairy areas of the body. They are even found on the eyebrows.
Caution - danger
The two biggest dangers that are fraught with are possible infection in the wound and allergy to toxic substances.
Each organism reacts to exposure in a different way. In turn, the more poisonous the individual, the more serious the response will be. In some cases, a person may feel local pain or symptoms of general weakness and worsening of the condition.
Many representatives can cause serious deterioration in well-being. Their poison lasts a long time and requires immediate action to alleviate the allergic reaction.
Lice
They are passed from person to person quite easily. As soon as one member of the team does not follow the basic rules of hygiene, he becomes an ideal target for lice. They can go to others through clothing, bedding, and tactile contact.
If you have lice, you may notice spots on the head. Their origin is explained by the fact that the saliva of bloodsuckers provokes hemoglobin breakdown. Children and some adults may scratch the skin vigorously so that ulcers form at the bite site.
If you delay with treatment, an infection penetrates into the wound that is combed to blood, which harms the entire body.
It is important to know who has bitten. Photo of lice bites:
Mosquitoes and flies
In central Russia, damage from or flies rarely pose a serious danger. Rather, it’s just discomfort.
However, these blood-sucking bacteria can carry with them bacteria and viruses, which, entering the bloodstream, lead to the development of serious diseases. A particularly difficult situation with the spread of infections is observed in Africa and countries with hot climates. Few have not heard the expression "malaria mosquito".
Mosquitoes can carry:
- tularemia;
- Dengue fever;
- yellow fever;
- lymphatic filariasis.
In our country, mosquitoes cause allergies in some.
Mosquitoes and flies bite differently. Photos of domestic insect bites:
Mosquito footprint
Mosquito attack
Miaz because of the fly
Fly bite in children:
Bees, wasps
When attacked by bees, wasps, hornets, gadflies, there is a strong burning sensation in the affected area, itching, redness and swelling. As a rule, a stronger reaction is manifested only in those who have an individual intolerance to the venom of these insects.
A bee attack is also dangerous because their venom contains peptides, amino acids, norepinephrine and peptin. The poisons of these two varieties differ in some components. If a person develops an allergy, they are more likely to develop severe symptoms that can be life threatening.
Bee and wasp stings:
Bee
What does a wasp bite look like in a child:
Considering the place of damage
In healthy people, damage after flies is almost not manifested in any way. Mosquitoes leave behind small blisters that itch a lot. More noticeable blisters are left behind by the gadfly. Wasps, bees, hornets also bite noticeably. On the body, swelling, redness lasts for a long time, the wound burns. Let's see the pictures of gadfly bites on human skin:
Lice rarely leave traces, skin lesions. But if a red spot appears and more than one, this may indicate lice.
Let's look at the photo of traces of insect bites and what a wound looks like on human skin:
Horsefly
Bee
Three-point bite from bedbugs:
The wounds can be confused with injuries from other creatures, for example, red spots are similar to the marks after spiders. Often it is after them that such spots remain. Red spider bite:
To distinguish damage from on the human body, you need to know what it looks like. A few examples:
Some creatures bite like a burn. If you want to know who bites like that, you can remember the sensations from the attack of bees and other poisonous creatures.
Lesions with blisters and watery center:
A large red spot with a white center or dot is also a trace of wounds on the body:
If you want to know who causes severe edema, it is important to remember that the attack of many creatures can lead to this development. Severe swelling is often a sign of allergies.
Identifying allergies
An allergy to an insect bite in the form of edema, itching, redness is manifested in many. For some, it passes quickly and almost imperceptibly, while others tolerate the ingestion of poison more difficultly.
It is believed that men react more easily to poison than women and children. For most people, close contact with a stinging insect results in mild local symptoms that last from one day to a week.
Swelling and redness:
Approximately 1–2% of people are highly susceptible to developing a serious allergic reaction. Moreover, the amount of toxic substances that enter the blood does not play a big role.
If a person has an allergic response, then an attack by one individual will lead to symptoms.
It is important to know the symptoms and treatment of allergies, you can see some of the signs in the photo. Extensive spots appear on the body, but the worst thing is the development of edema. They can appear on the face, neck, ears, and affected areas of the skin. The most difficult thing to cope with is swelling of the larynx or tongue (urgent medical attention is required).
Allergies from insect bites:
From mosquitoes, midges
Mosquito
From the bee
A severe allergic reaction causes anaphylactic shock. This is very rare, but really deadly. Shock is accompanied by rapid breathing, increased heart rate. If you do not provide a person with qualified assistance, then he can lose consciousness (up to several hours). With anaphylactic shock, the work of the most important systems of the body is disrupted: cardiovascular, nervous. Respiratory arrest, paralysis is possible.
If a person has at least once in his life an allergy to stings (for example, widespread wasps, bees), then the attending physician must issue him an allergic passport. In the warm season, you need to have this document with you. The passport contains the personal and contact information of the owner, as well as the methods of providing first aid. It can really save lives.
What to do after an attack
Everyone should know what to do after being bitten by different insects. If the stinging attacked, then you need to follow the following rules:
- If a sting remains in the wound, try to get it., since toxins are released from it within about 5 minutes. Then it is advised to suck the poison out of the wound. And you should not be afraid of this. Even if there are microdamages in the mouth, almost all poisons are neutralized by saliva. The popularly known method is when sugar is applied to the wound: it draws poison from the affected area.
- Prevent the spread of poison into body tissues. To do this, it is advised to apply something cold to the place of damage: ice is best, but metal, stone can be used - everything that has a temperature lower than that of the human body.
- Allergy sufferers should take medications as soon as possible..
- In case of anaphylactic shock, take the victim to the hospital. If breathing or heart stops, give an artificial heart massage.
When any insect attacks, the damaged area must be treated with an antiseptic, which can be hydrogen peroxide, calendula tincture. This measure will help prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
Cold compresses, diluted baking soda, hydrocortisone ointment, and other treatments are used to relieve itching and pain.
Correct treatment is the key to health and tranquility
The most important thing is to calm down and not panic. Let's see what tools you can use. It is important to remember that many of them have contraindications and should be used after consultation with your doctor. Let's see what to do with swelling and redness, as well as other symptoms. It is important to know how to treat problems in a child and an adult.
Each person should understand which doctor treats the bites of different insects. You can contact a therapist or allergist. If necessary, they will refer you to an infectious disease specialist. The medicine for the bite is selected individually, depending on the symptoms and condition of the person.
Treatment for edema and redness:
External remedies
The site of damage must be soothed with something cold. Ice, a cold water bottle, a knife, or other metal objects will do. This method helps to calm the tissues, reduce blood flow and the spread of toxins throughout the body.
If you have modern pharmaceutical insect bite remedies on hand, great. Gardeks, Moskitol and others are good at reducing itching, redness, pain. Deep rubbing of Fenistil gel helps to relieve an allergic reaction. The wound itself and 4-5 cm from it are lubricated with gel and rubbed over the skin with vigorous movements.
Pills
If there are obvious signs of allergy, you need to take an antihistamine. Suprastin or Loratadin are some of the most common and affordable pills.
It is very important to remember one rule: you should not resort to pills just like that, for prevention. If you have not previously had a predisposition to allergies or have not experienced any symptoms of a severe course of the bite, you do not need to take medicine.
Parents want to know how to treat an allergy in a child, edema. It is necessary to act in the same way as with an adult, but it is important to carefully monitor the dosages. You need to constantly monitor the child. The normal reaction is when he is naughty. If the activity clearly falls, drowsiness is noticeable, then you need to seek medical help. In some cases, doctors prescribe antibiotics or injections.
Traditional methods
In case of mosquito bites, people are advised to simply wash the skin area with cool water and soap. If the itching persists, then it is advised to wipe the bitten area with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Here are some simple recipes:
- A sugar cube draws the poison out of the wound well: this is important for bee, wasp, hornet bites.
- Swelling can be relieved with plantain or dandelion leaves.
- A slice of apple or tomato applied to the wound will help.
- Garlic and its juice have a good effect.
Effective protective measures
Many insects are attracted to the smell of human sweat and blood. Mosquitoes can smell sweat from miles away. Therefore, many repellents act in such a way that they mask a person from blood-sucking insects with the help of the smell of herbs and oils.
As for the bees, it is best not to attract their attention with dark, inconspicuous clothing. Do not provoke bees and wasps. If they are brushed aside, they can regard it as a danger and an attack, so they will try to sting.
It is impossible to completely prevent the occurrence of allergies. If a person has an allergic response to certain irritants, then you need to keep this in mind and always take medications with you.
If you use an antihistamine on time, you can do without any complications. And, of course, you must always take care of the strength of your immune system.
Do you sleep poorly, toss and turn restlessly and are constantly half asleep? And in the morning your skin itches, itches and incomprehensible ones appear on it. Be sure that unexpected guests - bed bugs - will settle in your apartment. The phenomenon is unpleasant, but, fortunately, it can be eliminated. What bites does a bed bug leave (photo)? How to get rid of the trouble and cure the rash that appears? You will learn all this from the article below.
What is this insect?
The bug is a little vampire. The body shape of a blood-sucking insect is oval, body length is about 8 millimeters. Usually, the value depends on the degree of saturation of the insect. The same factor affects its color. But, as a rule, the color scale of an adult individual varies from light brown to brown. After a hearty meal, the bug can turn burgundy or even black. The average life span of insects is one and a half years, during which they feed not only on the blood of people, but also on animals and birds.
A bed bug bite, a photo of which can be found in any medical encyclopedia, can appear in any person. Nobody is immune from an unpleasant neighborhood. Indeed, today the myth that insects can live only in unsanitary conditions has long been debunked. Far from it. In addition, the connection between insect bites and the ingestion of various infections has not been officially proven. Despite this, bedbugs are great at poisoning our lives, interfering with normal sleep. As a result, performance is impaired, severe anxiety, anxiety and even depression occur.
Even during deep sleep, you can feel a bed bug bite: symptoms - frequent waking up, anxiety and even nightmares. All this awaits you at first. While you sleep, insects eat peacefully on your body. With their proboscis, they pierce the skin, reaching small capillaries. When the epidermis is punctured, the insects inject a secret that has an analgesic effect, so you do not feel the bite itself. Painful sensations arise only when young animals are "in charge" of the skin, in whose saliva there is no anesthetic substance.
What does a bite look like?
To get enough, insects need to bite several times. There are usually three of them, so doctors jokingly call them "breakfast, lunch and dinner." What does a bed bug bite look like? Photos presented in any specialized literature demonstrate that this is a slight redness, in the center of which there is a pronounced scarlet dot. The spots form a so-called track, the distance between them can reach as much as 2 centimeters. The bites are very itchy, itchy. It seems to a person that he was bitten by mosquitoes. Inspect the ceiling to rule out the presence of buzzing and flying insects. If there are no mosquitoes on it, then this is the work of the hands (or, more precisely, the proboscis) of bed bugs.
In no case should you comb the spots, even if you are completely unbearable. The fact is that during this process you injure the skin: microscopic wounds form. They are not visible to you, but the bugs, thanks to their excellent scent, perfectly feel the closeness of blood. Therefore, they begin to attack your body even more actively.
Symptoms
How to spot a bed bug bite? Symptoms that you have been bitten by these insects are as follows:
- The appearance of spots in the morning with their complete absence in the evening on the eve of falling asleep.
- Multiple bites, the trajectory of which is located along one line.
- The presence of wounds on open areas of the skin: face, neck, shoulders, legs and arms. Sometimes insects crawl under pajamas, then their mark remains on the stomach and back.
- The spots that appear have a round shape, they are slightly swollen.
Other signs
How do you know that a colony of bloodthirsty insects has settled in your bedroom? First, suspecting something was wrong, carefully examine the bedding in the morning. Usually, after a raid and a meal of insects, pale stains of blood remain on the sheets. Second, move the sofa or bed away from the wall and examine the baseboards. Bedbugs, if they are bred indoors, leave behind traces of vital activity: their droppings look like black dots on the surface. No, this is not dirt. All "breasts" are almost the same size and shape.
A few more features have a bed bug bite. An enlarged photo of a bloodthirsty insect indicates the presence of holes on the insect's chest and abdomen. These are the outputs of the so-called scent glands, which emit a specific odor. Some of the people who are in trouble say that raspberry amber is spreading around the room. Others claim that it smells like cognac, while others feel almond notes.
The difference between a bug bite and allergies
These two phenomena manifest themselves in different ways. Bed bug bite marks differ from allergic reactions primarily in their static nature. The former retain their shape and color for a very long time, the external signs of others often and quickly change. In addition, an allergy rash usually spreads over the entire surface of the body, without clear contours and edges. Instead, bug bites are located only on exposed skin in a straight line in the form of a path. Another difference is the condition of the epidermis of other family members. If your spouse who sleeps next to you does not have a single trace on your skin, you are most likely allergic.
As for the bites of other insects, it is a little more difficult to distinguish the bug track from them. Again, it is worth paying attention to the shape of the spots: after bed bloodsuckers, they are clearly delineated, located in one line. Instead, flea bites are chaotic, usually around the lower legs. After contact with the midge, the pain is much stronger, the wound itself is smaller, and caked blood can be seen in its middle. located unevenly, in their center there is a small formation in the form of a pimple.
Who do the bugs bite first of all?
Adult men and the elderly are less likely to be attacked by bloodsuckers. They are also less sensitive to bites, so they do not immediately notice that they have become a victim of insects. But the rumors that bedbugs love people with a specific blood type are not true. They bite everyone, only the spots appear on the skin in different ways.
Treatment
Action should be taken as soon as you discover a problem. bedding involves primarily the use of such medical devices:
- Taking antihistamines. For example, "Claritin", "Telfast", "Zirtek" are very effective. They will protect you from a severe allergic reaction that can occur after being bitten. Some people even have anaphylactic shock, so it is better to protect yourself from the consequences. Moreover, these drugs are third generation drugs, so they can be used for a long period without any side effects.
- An ointment should be applied to the bite site, which will reduce swelling and relieve itching. Usually the doctor prescribes a remedy with anesthetic effect: "Akriderm", "Afloderm" or "Psilo-balm".
- You can stick a medical drugstore patch containing pain relievers to the bite site.
All these methods will help you get rid of the discomfort that gluttonous bugs have left on your skin.
Folk remedies
In addition to traditional medicines, there are other remedies that can help reduce the negative effects of insects, which are bed bugs. Bites ... How to get rid of them with traditional medicine? Everything is very simple. For these purposes, you need to use:
- Garlic: rubbed and applied to the wound.
- Pink Lotion: It dries out bites.
- Potato. It is also crushed and evenly distributed over the affected area of the skin.
- Aloe juice, a decoction of chamomile and St. John's wort. Cotton wool is impregnated with these liquids and a compress is applied.
Plantain leaves and baking soda solution also help with bedbug bites. They are also applied to the stains that remained after the bloodsuckers. In addition, be sure to attach a piece of ice to the wound - it will relieve swelling and swelling. Treat it with alcohol, it will dry the bite and help it heal quickly. All of the above methods of traditional medicine will relieve the symptoms of itching and scabies within one, maximum two days.
How to protect yourself?
As you can see, the bite of a bed bug is not such a disaster for a person. Symptoms can be very easily relieved with the help of available tools. It is much more difficult to protect yourself from new raids of the bloodthirsty colony. To drive insects out of the apartment, you can go in two ways:
- Invite a special service to the home that deals with pest control. It is expensive but effective. Experts spray the room with insecticides, treating every corner and even the smallest crack.
- Carry out the full processing yourself. This is a cheap method that requires maximum effort and time. You need to purchase insecticides from the store and spray them on the apartment in accordance with the instructions.
Remember, home remedies come in any form. The most effective and convenient to use are concentrated emulsions. They are diluted with water in the right proportions and applied to surfaces using a spray bottle or brush. Also, chemicals are released in the form of aerosols and powders.
If the bugs are bitten on vacation ...
The most terrible consequences of a bed bug bite are severe allergic reactions that cause in the history of medicine there are many such cases. In addition, close contact with insects sometimes provokes the development of skin infections, causes nausea, fainting and hyperemia - overflow of capillaries in the area of the bite. Sufferers may complain of shortness of breath, muscle spasms in the bronchi, and severe edema. But these cases are usually isolated.
In general, bedbug bites are no more scary than mosquito bites. Insects are not carriers of dangerous infections, so they cannot infect you. The only nuisance from such a neighborhood is an always itchy rash. In addition, people who are bitten by bedbugs at night do not sleep well. As a result, they have low labor productivity, at the same time - increased nervousness and irritability. Sometimes the bite festers - in that case, you need to see a doctor immediately.
If you notice red spots that look like bites, you should not panic. However, these red bumps can be very uncomfortable, causing itching and pain. In rare cases, red bumps can also mean that serious changes are taking place in the body.
Red bumps can be triggered by food allergies, contact dermatitis, insect bites and certain skin conditions. They are distinguished by age category and general condition of a person.
Very often, an allergic reaction is the cause of the appearance of red spots that look like an insect bite. She can manifest herself in different ways. It depends on the allergen and the human immune response to it. One of the common symptoms of allergies is the appearance of skin rashes in the form of small bumps. Such bumps may resemble a normal insect bite, but the difference is that in addition to the rash, a person will also be bothered by other symptoms.
Recurring allergic reactions should be treated with a good allergist and immunologist.
One type of allergy is urticaria. It appears as red, raised bumps that closely resemble insect bites. The size of the spots can be different, which can make it difficult to self-diagnose. Larger buds can indicate allergies, while smaller buds can indicate allergies and insect bites.
Contact dermatitis caused by direct contact with an allergen can develop as spots that look like insect bites. In addition, it is accompanied by other skin symptoms, such as excessive dryness and flaking.
The appearance of such bumps is mainly associated with the intake of drugs and certain foods. Other causes of the rash are associated with intolerance to certain cosmetics and harmful compounds, such as mercury and nickel.
How do red spots on the skin look like bites?
In allergic reactions, bite-like spots can take on different shapes and sizes. The color is usually bright red or slightly pink. The place of localization is the face, arms, legs. In younger children, spots may appear on the genitals.
With real insect bites, the spots take on a bright red color with a characteristic dot in the middle (the bite site). The spot has a convex shape, itches a lot and bothers a person.
Red spots on the baby's body like bites
In children, an allergic reaction in the form of urticaria is very common. The spots are red and when pressed, they turn white. This type of rash can affect all parts of the body.
Such spots in a child may appear in response to the following stimuli:
- excessive exposure to sunlight;
- eating foods that cause allergies;
- the use of medications;
- some types of pollen;
- synthetic materials;
- insect bites;
- overheating or hypothermia;
In addition, red bumps can appear as a result of:
- colds;
- sinusitis;
- mononucleosis;
- hepatitis A;
- autoimmune diseases.
Insects that provoke the appearance of strong bumps on the child's body:
- mosquitoes;
- fleas;
- mite;
- bed bugs;
- midges.
How to remove red spots on the body after a bite?
In case of severe itching and swelling of the lesion site, consult a doctor. It will help determine the exact cause of these spots.
If it's an insect bite, consider using a cooling lotion that quickly relieves unpleasant itching. Also, with severe edema, it is worth taking an antihistamine.
You can also make lotions with the addition of soothing herbs to the affected areas. Chamomile is a good antiseptic and has a healing and soothing effect. After brewing chamomile tea, squeeze the bag and attach to the bite site.
The best way to prevent insect bites is to follow some rules:
- Avoid contact with insects. Go out for a walk during their quiet period, i.e. if they are mosquitoes, then try to walk during the day.
- Wear protective clothing that covers arms and legs. Clothing should be made from natural fabrics and not hinder movement.
- Use repellents that will repel them.
- Limit the use of foods that might attract insects by smell.
- Don't wear sweet fragrances.
If the cause of the appearance of such bumps is an allergy, then a complex treatment, selected by a specialist, is necessary. He will prescribe a number of antihistamines, topical ointments to soften the skin.
Bite on hand, red spot
An insect bite can be very painful and cause a lot of problems, especially if the source of the bite is not known. The main thing is not to panic. In most cases, insect bites do not pose a particular danger and disappear after a couple of days.
However, some species of insects can be potentially dangerous, such as wasps, hornets and bees. After their bite, a person experiences severe pain and allergies.
Basically, an insect bite manifests itself in the form of swelling of the affected area, which itches and hurts. In rare cases, severe scars may remain after the bite.
What to do if a red spot like a bite appears on your hand?
If a bite-like stain appears on the hands, the doctor may prescribe a course of an antihistamine. It will help relieve puffiness and itching. If you scratch the buds hard, you can get an infection. In this case, the doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotic therapy.
Topical treatment with corticosteroid ointments may be required to relieve inflammation of the affected area.
You need to reconsider your lifestyle, try not to sweat and often take cool baths.
Of course, the most effective way to get rid of allergies is to avoid irritants. To determine them, it is worth conducting an allergy test and finding out what exactly provokes the immune response.
Have you ever seen a bite on your body and wondered who bit you?
Or maybe you are sure that this is a mosquito bite, but after a couple of hours strange symptoms appear that are difficult to attribute to such a bite.
The better you understand the insects that have chosen you as a "snack", the better you can navigate the treatment plan.
Another reason why it is important to know which insect has bitten you is that some of them can transmit life-threatening infections.
Mites
These cunning pests have a way to find their "food" unnoticed and suck blood from it for hours.
Their bites cause redness that spreads a few centimeters around a black or red dot.
If you are bitten, make sure to remove the entire tick immediately before it infects you with a life-threatening illness such as encephalitis or Lyme disease.
Mosquitoes
A mosquito bite looks like a red lump on the skin. Most likely, the swelling will have a circle or drop shape.
The most important thing in this case is not to scratch it. As the affected area of skin becomes even more irritated and the redness increases.
A wasp sting is painful, but often they sting so quickly and fly away that you might not understand what happened.
Wasp bites are usually very itchy and cause redness and swelling.
The bite area will be slightly wider than a mosquito, and you can clearly see where the sting penetrates under the skin.
Bees
Honey bees lose their lives if they sting a person.
After the sting penetrates the skin, it stays inside. The problem is that along with the sting, the bees leave part of the abdomen and digestive tract, so they quickly die.
Because of this, their bites are easy to recognize.
As part of first aid, remove the sting immediately to prevent poison from entering the bloodstream.
Hornets
You may not be able to tell the difference between a wasp and a hornet externally, but you will recognize this immediately after being bitten. Hornets are poisonous insects.
A hornet bite causes the area to turn red and swell. Sometimes the bite will cause blisters.
If you experience other symptoms, such as blue skin or numbness, see your doctor immediately.
Fleas
You may find them biting on your feet, unlike other areas of your body.
The reason flea bites are easy to spot is because these pests bite multiple times.
Their bites are more itchy than a common mosquito bite, and they will look like little red balls on the skin.
Red ant
Most ants are non-venomous and the worst thing they can do is irritate them. But if you see a red ant, remove it from your body immediately!
A toxin is present in ants' saliva, which can cause an allergic reaction in humans.
The area of the bite becomes pinkish, outwardly something like a flea bite. But the difference in the sensitivity of the bite, the ant will not go unnoticed.
Lice are usually found on the scalp, but they can also appear on other hairy parts of the body.
Apart from the unbearable itching they cause, their bites leave small red dots.
Horsefly
Horseflies have a strong bite, so you will definitely notice it.
The bite leaves a large mark around which swelling forms, sometimes blistering. This painful bite can cause dizziness and, in rare cases, infection.
If you are bitten by horsefly, cleanse the area and apply an ice pack to soothe it.
Bed bugs
Bed bugs are a headache. If you have been bitten at home, then you have a difficult task to get rid of them.
Bed bug bites are often mistaken for mosquito bites, but they are usually arranged in a zigzag pattern.
Other symptoms include redness and swelling.
Deer bloodsucker
Most flies cause damage only by their annoying buzzing around, but some can transmit diseases. These include the deer bloodsucker.
Their bite is very painful, so you will feel it. A red bump remains at the site of the bite.
Deer bloodsuckers can transmit a disease known as tularemia. If the skin sores, the temperature rises to high values, or a headache develops, see a doctor immediately.
Brown recluse spider
Spiders are not technically insects, but it is important to know some of the most common spiders.
The brown recluse spider is found in warm regions. They usually hide in the dark and do not want contact with people. But if you stumble upon a spider, it can bite in defense.
A few hours after the bite, you will feel itchy, but if you scratch it, the situation will get worse.
The bite will turn into a red or purple ring that looks like a bull's eye.
You will likely need professional treatment for the bite if you develop blisters or high fever. Headaches or chills should also be taken as bad symptoms.
What insect bites do you most often encounter?
Health
No matter where you are - on the beach, in the mountains, in the forest, in the park, by the pool or even at home - you are not immune to the insect bites that inhabit your area. Insects such as ants, wasps, bees, mosquitoes, flies, spiders or fleas can sting or bite.
Contact with an insect itself is often painful, but if it is poisonous, or you have an allergy, the bite can lead to irreversible consequences. In this case, everyone needs to know the signs of a bite of this or that creature and be able to provide first aid to the victim.
In this article, we will tell you how to understand who exactly bit or stung you, as well as how to react in this case and whether to worry. Study the photographs and signs carefully to be able to identify the insect that attacked you.
Insect bites
Mosquito
How to distinguish: A mosquito bite is a small, most often round, swelling that appears a few seconds after contact with the jaws. Over time, it will become hard, redden, itchy and a little swelling will appear around. Bites can be either all over the body separately or on a small area of the skin.
First aid: If you don't have a special ointment or cream on hand, and the itching prevents you from concentrating, ice can help relieve it for a while. To do this, you need to take a bag or piece of cloth, wrap some ice in it and apply it to the bite for a short time. Also, if you grow aloe at home, cut a piece of the plant so that the juice appears on the surface. Apply it to the bite area and let dry.
Alternatively, you can dilute one tablespoon of baking soda with a little water to create a paste and apply it to the bite. Another home remedy for mosquito bite relief is apple cider vinegar. Put some vinegar on the affected area of your skin.
Fire ant
A fire ant bite is considered hazardous to human health and should seek medical attention if received.
How to distinguish: Fire ants are small aggressive red creatures. Their bites look like small red dots with a small blister on the surface. The fire ant bite burns, itches and may not go away for about a week. These insects can cause severe allergic reactions in humans, followed by swelling, itching, and breathing problems.
First aid: First of all, if you notice signs of an allergic reaction and feeling unwell, immediately contact a specialist. If the only problem is the bite itself, gently wash the damaged area with soap and water and cover with a plaster or bandage. Ice can be used to relieve pain. Remember that the bite site should never be scratched or scratched. In this case, you can get an infection. The medical method of treatment includes antihistamines and various creams and ointments.
Read also: 10 deadly insects of the planet
How to recognize insect bites
Flea
How to distinguish: Flea bites are usually located in clusters, close to each other, and can be found most often on the feet and legs. They are small swellings - itchy red spots. Symptoms appear immediately after the bite. Fleas can attack in groups, so if you find them in your home, treat it with a special product to get rid of them.
First aid: Usually, flea bites, although unpleasant, do not pose a particular threat to humans. They will go away on their own, without special treatment. If fleas are bred in your home, in this case it is necessary to fight not with the symptoms, but with the cause, i.e. get rid of insects as soon as possible. If you have a pet - first of all, it is necessary to periodically process it with special means, after consulting a veterinarian.
If you do not have pets, this does not mean that you are insured against an infestation of fleas. They are turned on by those who do not keep animals in the house. In any case, you need to treat the apartment or house with special insect repellents, leaving your home after processing for several hours. Itching ointments and antihistamines can be used against symptoms. If you notice signs of infection after combing the bites - white blisters or a rash - see your doctor.
Bug
How to distinguish: Bedbug bites cause an allergic reaction in a person, which is manifested by an itchy rash and irritation on the skin. The rash looks like a small, swollen bump with dark red spots in the center. They are located either in a line, one after the other, or in small groups, and are located on any parts of the body that are not covered by clothing. Even blisters may appear on the bite sites.
First aid: In fact, bed bugs themselves are not carriers of disease, but scratching the bites can cause serious infection. If you find allergy symptoms - a sharp redness and swelling of the bite, painful swelling and burning - see your doctor. If you are not allergic, your symptoms will go away within two weeks.
You can use anti-itch creams and ointments, antihistamines, and ice to relieve them. If you notice signs of infection, use antiseptic ointments and rush to see a specialist.
Read also: 10 most important insects on the planet
What to do if bitten by an insect
Fly
How to distinguish: Fly bites cause unpleasant inflammation - red, painful, intensely itchy spots. Unlike mosquito and flea bites, fly bites are painful. They are generally not dangerous, but in many cases they can cause allergies or insect-borne diseases. That is why, if you are bitten by a fly, you should see a doctor. If you are traveling in hot or least developed countries, take care of protection. Wear long sleeves, pants and insect spray whenever possible.
First aid: The consequences depend on the type of fly, if you could not identify - see a doctor and describe the symptoms. If you cannot see a doctor right away, use hydrocortisone or calamine to apply to the bites. Oatmeal baths and aloe vera can help relieve itching and pain.
In addition, ice can be used to eliminate symptoms, and the affected skin should be washed with clean water and soap. In no case should you scratch and scratch the bite site. If symptoms persist for a long time and you do not feel relief, see a specialist.
Lice
First aid: Lice by themselves do not tolerate diseases, but they are unpleasant and should be eliminated. Body lice generally breed in unsanitary conditions. In order to get rid of pubic or head lice, nowadays there are a huge variety of shampoos and preparations. However, you cannot get rid of them completely just by using shampoo. Adults will die from it, and the eggs will have to be combed out for a long time and persistently.
Biting insects
Mite
How to distinguish: Identifying a tick bite is not difficult at all. In most cases, they can be easily noticed, because they remain partially under the skin of a person until they drink enough blood for themselves. In this case, the bite site is quite painful. A tick bite is a painful and incredibly itchy dark red spot. They hardly appear in groups. Difficulty breathing is also among the symptoms.
A small dark crust may appear on the surface of the rash as the bite heals. They are usually found in folds of the skin, in the hair, behind the ears, or near the places where clothing fits snugly around the body. But they can be anywhere. If you notice a piece of the little body that is firmly embedded in the skin, it is definitely a mite.
First aid: Ticks can carry serious diseases and cause infections, so if you see a tick on yourself, go to the hospital and get the necessary tests. The bites disappear within 1-3 weeks. It often happens that the tick bites and leaves the body. In this case, you do not need to extract it, however, having found out the origin of the bites, take tests for diseases.
If you notice a tick bite on your body, or just came from a picnic in the forest, immediately take a shower with soap and water - this will help get rid of the remaining ticks. If one or more of them have not left your body, do not try to remove it yourself, if you have not previously encountered this, because part of his body may remain under the skin and cause an infection. If it is not possible to visit a doctor urgently, pour vegetable or olive oil over the tick. It will begin to choke and leave the skin.
Scabies mite
How to distinguish: Unlike ordinary mites, itch mites do not linger long under the human skin. Symptoms usually do not appear immediately, but within 4-6 weeks after infection. A red, scaly rash appears on the skin that is severely itchy and flaky. In some places, the skin may flake off.
First aid: If you notice such symptoms in yourself and you know that you have a weak immune system, consult a doctor and in no case self-medicate. The doctor, in most cases, first prescribes various ointments, creams, lotions and oral medications - this helps to get rid of the infection.
For prevention, do not contact people with scabies. Do general cleaning and personal hygiene at home from time to time. If you are confident in your doctor, and after a week after starting treatment, it seems to you that the symptoms have only gotten worse - do not be alarmed, this is normal. Continue the treatment and you will soon feel relief.
How to cure insect bites
Spider
How to distinguish: In our climate, spiders live, most often they do not pose a danger to humans, and their bite is no more painful than a bee sting. So, when you see a spider in your bathroom, do not rush to get scared. However, if biting spiders are found in your area, you should be aware of the symptoms. A blister or pustule may appear at the site of the bite. You will clearly see the jaw marks on the skin - two punctures.
This may also be followed by allergies and swelling, as well as weakness, nausea. Among poisonous spiders, the most dangerous are the following: brown recluse spider, black widow, vagrant spider, tarantula, wolf spider.
First aid: In some cases, if you are sure that the spider that bit you was not poisonous, you can heal at home. To do this, it is necessary to apply ice to the affected skin area for 10 minutes with short breaks. Lift the affected limb to avoid swelling and take an antihistamine.
Cleanse the skin at the site of the bite to avoid infection. If a blister appears, apply an antiseptic ointment to it. If you are sure that the spider is poisonous, or if symptoms persist for a long time, see your doctor immediately.
Black Widow
How to distinguish: A black widow bite is deadly. That is why it is worth knowing the symptoms, especially if you are planning to visit the country where they are found. By themselves, these spiders are not aggressive, they attack only when they sense danger from a person. The bite appears as a red spot with a white and sometimes yellowish center. A person feels weakness, muscle cramps and pain in the legs, arms, back, abdomen. Those affected also experience tremors, sweating, headache and nausea.
