Insect Bites Stings - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Insect bites and stings are among the most common traumatic complaints. Most insect and spider bites are harmless, though they feel unpleasant. Insects can also transmit diseases, such as yellow fever and malaria. The non-emergency symptoms vary according to the type of insect and the individual. Most people have localized pain, redness, swelling, or itching. You may also feel burning, numbness, or tingling. Emergencies develop when a number of stings occur at one time or when the patient develops an allergic response to the protein substances in the insect venom. Without prompt treatment, signs and symptoms may progress to cyanosis, coma, and death. If a person is allergic to the venom of a stinging insect, or if a bite is from a poisonous spider, emergency medical attention is needed right away. Treatment for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease includes such antibiotics as tetracycline, erythromycin and penicillin. For bee, wasp, yellow jacket, or fire ant stings, treatment of local reactions includes applying ice to the affected area.

Causes of Insect Bites Stings

The common causes and risk factor's of Insect Bites Stings:

• The toxic effects of the injected venom or a hyper­sensitivity response to it cause reactions to insect bites and stings.

Symptoms of Insect Bites Stings

Some sign and symptoms related to Insect Bites Stings are as follows:

• Localized pain.
• Skin redness.
• Swelling, or itching.
• Burning.
• Numbness, or tingling.

Treatment of Insect Bites Stings

• For a tick bite, treatment involves removing the tick, applying antipruritics for itching, and providing symptomatic therapy for severe symptoms, such as assisted ventilation for respiratory failure.
• Treatment for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease includes such antibiotics as tetracycline, erythromycin and penicillin.
• Antihistamines may be recommended for itching and swelling.
• Symptomatic treatment may include calcium gluconate I.V for muscle spasm and phenobarbital I.M. for seizures.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed by your health care provider if infection is present.
• For a scorpion sting, antivenin may be used if available.