Insect bites season: Symptoms and treatment advice
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Insect bites or stings minimally damage the skin. The reaction occurs in response to the insect's saliva, which contains anticoagulants, factor Xa inhibitors, digestive enzymes - amylases and esterases, agglutinins, and mucopolysaccharides.
Evidence Medical Center shared about the symptoms of insect bites and what to do afterward.
Symptoms of insect bites
Local reaction occurs within 30 minutes or more after the bite - in the form of dense papules with redness, itching, and pain. The bite site enlarges and reaches its peak in 2-3 days, then disappears within 7-10 days, weeks.
Allergies and specific reactions occur in children and adults with atopic skin.
With severe swelling of the bite site, vesicles, large blisters may appear, bacterial infection may occur, eosinophilic cellulitis may develop.
What to do if bitten by an insect:
- Wash the area with water and soap;
- Follow hygiene rules, avoid scratching, touching the bite area;
- Apply cold to the bite site;
- Use local creams, gels/lotions containing calamine, diphenhydramine hydrochloride;
- H1 antihistamine drugs - second generation;
- By doctor's prescription, a topical cream with moderately acting corticosteroids, oral glucocorticoids can be used.
Prevention of insect bites:
- Avoid swampy areas, stagnant water bodies;
- Use mosquito screens on windows/doors;
- Use repellents: DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, or other active ingredients.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
