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Insect Bites and Stings  

Insect bites and stings are common during summer and can be very bothersome and even dangerous. Learn how to recognize the symptoms associated with each type of bite and how to treat them.  

Why Do Insects Attack? 

Non venomous insects, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers, usually bite their victims when they are hungry. Once the skin is pierced, the insect sucks the blood of the host in order to feed. Venomous insects, such as bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets, only attack when they feel threatened to defend themselves.  

Types of Insects 

Mosquitoes are found worldwide and are most commonly seen between late spring and early fall at dusk and dawn. They prefer humid, warm climates and live and breed near moisture because their larvae can only live in water. Mosquitoes carry many diseases, such as malaria and West Nile virus, which are transmitted to humans and animals. Ticks transmit bacteria caused diseases, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They feed on their human and animal hosts by sucking blood. The bites of Chiggers, also known as redbugs cause intense itching. Bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets use a stinger to inject venom into their victims so the bee later dies. In contrast, wasp, hornet, and yellow jacket stingers do not detach, so they can continue stinging others.

How to Avoid Being Bitten or Stung?  

The most important thing anyone can to do avoid being bitten by any of these insects is to wear protective clothing. Pants, long-sleeved shirts, hats, and shoes covering the skin will make it more difficult for insects to penetrate the skin. Insect repellents may also prevent a bite from a mosquito, tick, or chigger but are not effective in repelling stinging insects. 

DEET, is the most effective insect repellent. It works by releasing vapors into the surrounding air that discourage the insect from approaching. DEET is available in many different products such as aerosol sprays, liquids, creams, and wristbands. When applied according to the directions, DEET is a safe repellent for use in adults and children as young as 2 months old. Apply DEET to exposed areas of skin any time you are outside, especially during the summer months when insects are the most abundant. It can also be applied to your clothing but should never be applied underneath clothing. Never apply to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin. An adult should apply it to the child, taking care to avoid eyes, mouth, ears, and hands.  

Treatment Options 

The main goals of treating insect bites and stings are to reduce the pain, swelling, and itching and to avoid secondary infections, which can result from scratching. If you get stung, try to remove the stinger by scraping the stung area with a credit card or fingernail. Never squeeze or rub the area because that can potentially release more venom. An ice pack applied to either a bite or a sting relieves the pain and irritation. If additional relief is needed, apply topical analgesics such as Lespain. Topical analgesics such as Lespain are used for symptomatic relief; however, if you are allergic to analgesics, use a counterirritant, topical antihistamine, or hydrocortisone.

When using these topical products, remember the following:  

• Do not use for longer than 7 days.
• Consult your physician if any significant reaction occurs on the skin or particularly if it occurs systemically.
• Do not use these products in children under 2 years old.
• Do not use with occlusive dressings.  

Allergic Reactions 

Insect stings often cause severe, allergic reactions, such as hives, facial swelling, a drop in blood pressure, light-headedness, difficulty breathing, or even loss of consciousness often referred to as an anaphylactic reaction. In this situation, emergency treatment is warranted to avoid complications and even death. Patients with severe allergic reactions to insect stings should consider wearing a medical ID bracelet and carrying an EpiPen allergy kit where appropriate. 

Conclusions 

Using insect repellents and avoiding contact with insects are the best methods to prevent bites and stings. If you fail to prevent an insect bite or sting, know how to treat it with the appropriate over-the-counter products for symptomatic relief such as Lespain. Be familiar with the different types of insect bites and stings so you can recognize secondary disease symptoms that could be dangerous. Being prepared for a serious incident, such as an allergic reaction, can help ensure a safe summer. More importantly, being able to recognize signs of serious infections and seeking the appropriate medical attention if necessary can save a life—maybe even your own.

When lidocaine is applied to the skin, it produces pain relief by blocking the signals at the nerve endings.

Apply topical LESPAIN^® sparingly for temporary relief from minor pain