First aid for insect bites, how to treat itching, swelling?
Sometimes insect bites go unnoticed, leaving no negative consequences. But it also happens that they become the cause of severe complications or even death. Therefore, it is very important to take into account the possible subtleties and mechanisms of the development of reactions of the human body to insect bites. This will help to identify in time threatening situations and take appropriate measures.
Insect bites are a type of combined traumatic and allergic injuries, as well as toxic reactions caused by the effect of foreign components of saliva on the human body. You can get bites almost everywhere, due to the wide distribution of a wide variety of insect species. Some of them are poisonous. Depending on the prevailing pathological changes provoked by insects, a classification of dangerous bites can be formulated.
Content:
- Swelling and redness from the bite
- Lump or swelling from the bite
- Itching after a bite
- Allergic reaction to the bite
- Poisonous insect bites
- First aid for bites
- How to treat insect bites?
| Preferential reactions | Who is calling |
| Allergic reactions |
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| Toxic reactions |
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| Local changes in the skin and soft tissues (edema, black scabs, wounds, redness, blistering, hemorrhage, necrosis, suppuration) |
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Other reactions in the form of systemic infectious processes or a combination of the above symptoms can be caused by the bites of any insect in specific people, which depends on many factors. |
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If we characterize the problem of insect bites in general terms, then it lies in the variety and unpredictability of the consequences. After all, if you simulate the situation of a bite of the same insect in different people, the reaction can be completely different. This suggests that, in addition to the characteristics of the insect, the immune reactivity of the body of a particular person and his tendency to allergies play an important role in the formation of the manifestations of a bite. That is why insect bites, seemingly harmless at first glance, can become a problem that will take a lot of effort to solve.
Swelling and redness from an insect bite
Symptoms such as swelling and redness of the skin after a bite can be caused by contact with any insect. Of course, it is better if the specific species is known. Then there is an opportunity to use specific measures designed to eliminate the consequences of the bites of these particular insects. If the bite is received imperceptibly, and it is impossible to establish its origin, it is necessary to observe the course of clinical manifestations. The characteristic symptoms can presumably identify the culprit.
| Probable insects | |
| Slight swelling and redness around the bite. Usually accompanied by itching. |
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| Severe edema without redness. At the time of the bite and after it, severe pain and burning sensation occurs. |
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| Redness without swelling | The most common culprits are ticks. If the redness has a ring-shaped appearance with a bite in the center, they speak of tick-borne borreliosis. |
But for a person with these unpleasant symptoms, it is no longer so important which insect he was bitten. Much more relevant is the question of how you can help in this situation. The most important thing to worry about is assessing not only local manifestations, but also the general condition. If the state of health is not disturbed, and the swelling against the background of redness is not accompanied by a temperature reaction and is of a local nature, then the problem can be easily dealt with on your own at home. Otherwise, you should seek help from a specialist.
How can you help:
- Local application of cold. Under its action, vasoconstriction occurs, which slows down the absorption of toxic substances into the systemic circulation and the progression of puffiness;
- Pressing on the bite site and surrounding tissue. Has the same goals as cooling treatments;
- Rubbing or lotions from a semi-alcohol solution (alcohol with water 1: 1);
- Soda solution. Concentration is not critical. Better that there was as much soda as possible. You can cook a mushy mass and lay it on the swollen place;
- Compresses with Dimexidum. They can be either mono-component or combined. It is important to remember that Dimexide can cause allergies. It must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 3-1: 4. Antibiotics, hydrocortisone, heparin are added to the mixture;
- Ointment preparations. It is better if they contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory components. Such medicines include hyoxysone, trimistin, kremgen, triderm, “Rescuer” cream.
A bump or swelling from an insect bite
Some insect bites are accompanied by the formation of inflammatory infiltrates around the bitten wound. The presence of a cone indicates that the components of saliva or insect secretions are so persistent that the body is not able to quickly eliminate them. Therefore, a kind of spacesuit is formed around the affected area, which is a shell with non-neutralized particles inside. From a medical point of view, this is a manifestation of incomplete immunity.
Most often, such processes are the result of contact with blood-sucking insects. These are, first of all, gadflies. Bumps can be caused by the bites of some species of flies and mosquitoes. Among other insects that bite a person not for nutritional needs, only hornets can cause the formation of tumor-like formations. It is characteristic that such a lump can persist for a long time, without showing itself in any way or causing minor discomfort.
The main reason for the formation of limited seals at the sites of insect bites is the introduction of infection deep into the skin. Moreover, some of the gadfly species lay their larvae in the tissues of the victim. Then, in the cone, maturation and nutrition of the offspring occurs. Fortunately, people rarely suffer from gadfly bites due to the large size of this insect and its limited geographic distribution. Its bite is extremely painful, and it is impossible not to notice this, which cannot be said about the bites of infected mosquitoes.
Also, sometimes there is a reaction of lymphoid tissue to insect bites. Clinically, this manifests itself in the form of tumor-like formations in places remote from the bite. As a rule, these are enlarged regional lymph nodes, which are a natural barrier to the spread of infection.
Treatment activities:
- Treatment of foci of pathogenesis with antiseptics. Alcohol and iodine are ideal for these purposes. Aqueous solutions are ineffective;
- Hygienic bath or thorough washing of the skin with laundry soap;
- Lotions or compresses based on a semi-alcohol solution or diluted (1: 4) dimexide. Can be used in the form of wet-drying dressings or oilcloth compresses for 1.5-2 hours. You cannot leave them all night, since you can cause a chemical burn to the skin;
- Ointment lotions. They are much more effective than simply lubricating the skin with anti-inflammatory ointments. Hormonal gels and ointments are used: sinaflan, cremegen, trimistin, hydrocortisone. The duration of the lotion is 2-3 hours. After the procedure, the skin is washed and rubbed with alcohol;
- In cases of widespread multiple cones or large single formations, it becomes necessary to administer systemic antihistamines and antibacterial drugs (tavegil, loratadine, azithromycin, amoxiclav, ciprofloxacin).
Do not expect the bumps to disappear quickly with any treatment. This is a gradual process that takes a long time.
Itching after an insect bite: how to remove it?
Most insect bites cause a variety of complaints, among which the itching of the bitten area and surrounding areas is common. In its origin, the main role belongs to allergenic mechanisms. In the time immediately after the bite, there is a massive release of inflammatory and allergy mediators in response to substances foreign to the body. The result of the reactions taking place is the appearance of redness and swelling of the skin, accompanied by severe itching. Another cause of itching of the skin after a bite can be the extinction of inflammation. In the process of its reverse development, the stretched tissues return the temporarily lost structure, which causes itching sensations.
It can help relieve itching:
- Cold, squeezing, or washing the affected area with cool water and laundry soap;
- Pieces of onion and its juice. Applying thin strips of onion or its grated mass to the bitten places;
- Boric alcohol. This remedy is used to rub itchy areas. Ordinary alcohol is also used with the same success;
- Lotions based on soda solution. Its optimal concentration is considered a full teaspoon, diluted in a glass of water;
- Rubbing with vinegar solution. Apple cider vinegar has worked well;
- Ointments, pastes and solutions containing menthol and other cooling agents. They cause reflex excitation of nerve receptors, which significantly reduces their sensitivity. As a result, itching is reduced;
- Menovazine. Medication for external use. Well removes not only itching, but also inflammatory manifestations after insect bites;
- Toothpaste. The more minty it is, the better its antipruritic effect. The only limitation for use is the presence of wound lesions of the skin. It is better not to apply paste on them so as not to provoke allergic reactions;
- Fenistil-gel. Excellent antihistamine preparation for topical use. Relief can be felt after the first application;
- Cold tea lotions. You can apply both tea infusion and moistened bags to itchy areas. It is good if the tea is made from medicinal plants (chamomile, St. John's wort, sage, oak bark).
An easy way to relieve itching from insect bites
There is an easy way to get quick relief - and all you need is a hairdryer. Just turn it on and place it as close to the bite as possible, set it to a high temperature, and tolerate at least a few seconds, preferably up to 30. You will be amazed at how it provides instant relief that lasts several hours, allowing you to sleep peacefully at night and continue your day. [1]
An allergic reaction to an insect bite
Local and general allergic reactions to insect bites are also not uncommon lately. It is impossible to say unequivocally what is the reason for this phenomenon. There is a medical opinion that an unfavorable environmental situation and poor-quality nutrition leads to the spread of allergies among people.
Allergic reactions to insect bites can be of a wide variety. Most often, such consequences are caused by stings of bees, wasps, hornets and bumblebees. Moreover, the manifestations of allergies are systemic and can be life threatening. Mosquito bites usually cause local allergic reactions, which are much less dangerous.
The main manifestations of systemic allergy are:
- Skin rash. It is widespread and looks like red spots or papules not only in areas close to the bite site, but also in distant areas of the skin;
- Puffiness. It can capture the entire affected segment and spread with lightning speed throughout the body. This means that the face, neck, torso swell, causing the danger of compression of the upper respiratory tract and endangering the life of the victim;
- Anaphylactic shock. The risk of developing it is highest with hornet bites, especially if there are several of them. Anaphylaxis develops so quickly that you may not have time to provide emergency care to the patient. The formation of anaphylactic shock is based on a sharp drop in blood pressure. As a result - loss of consciousness with the cessation of vital functions (breathing and heartbeat).
See also: first aid for anaphylactic shock
Treating allergic reactions to insect bites
Treatment does not differ from generally accepted anti-allergic measures and includes a fixed algorithm.
| What should be done | |
| Anaphylactic shock with loss of consciousness |
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| Upper airway obstruction, swelling of the tongue and face |
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| Local cutaneous manifestations |
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Complete list of 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation antihistamines
The best way to restore airway patency at the stage of patient transportation is Safar's triple reception: tilt your head back, open your mouth, push your lower jaw forward.
Poisonous insect bites
Scorpions and spiders (karakurt, tarantula) can be attributed to insects and arthropods that directly contain and release toxic substances in the victim's tissue at the time of the bite. The rest of the species do not inject toxic substances, only allergens. Those components that remain in the tissues after a bite can cause toxic reactions, but they are caused not by the action of the poison, but by the body's allergic reaction to a foreign substance. Most often, such consequences arise from the bites of wasps and hornets.
The bites of poisonous insects in their manifestations and the composition of the poison resemble snake bites. The basic toxic components of the poison are neurotoxin and hemolysin. The first one causes damage to nerve tissues, the second - blood elements (primarily, erythrocytes).
The symptoms of a poisonous insect bite are as follows:
- Sharp burning pain at the time of the bite;
- The appearance of a punctate wound on the skin;
- Whitish swelling in the form of a tubercle around the bitten site or its rapid spread to surrounding tissues;
- The formation of hemorrhages, red, purple spots or bloody blisters on the skin around the bitten site;
- A sharp deterioration in health: headache, dizziness;
- Numbness of the affected limb;
- Increased body temperature;
- Decrease in blood pressure.
In the presence of the listed symptoms or suspicion of a poisonous insect bite, you must definitely seek medical help from a medical institution. It is better to conduct short-term observation of the patient, constantly assessing vital signs and laboratory data, in order to take timely measures if necessary.
How to behave correctly at the prehospital stage?
- No panic no matter what happens. Calm behavior helps in providing meaningful care. Vanity will not lead to anything good;
- The victim lies down or takes a recumbent position;
- If the bite is committed by a stinging insect (bee, wasp), the remnants of the sting must be removed from the skin;
- A pressure bandage is applied to the segment above the bite site. There is no need to apply a tourniquet. The dressing involves superficial compression of the skin and saphenous veins in the affected area. Arterial blood flow should not be affected;
- Cold compresses, objects, or ice packs are applied to the bite site. This slows down the absorption of toxic products and their spread through the bloodstream;
- Some doctors recommend cauterizing the bitten wound with a hot object (metal, match). In this case, there is an increase in pain at the site of the bite, but systemic toxic reactions decrease.
Help in a medical institution:
- First of all, the possibility of administration of specific antitoxic immune sera should be considered. But this can be done only if the culprit of the bite is known for sure, and refers to spiders or scorpions. Serum is the most effective remedy and has a neutralizing effect on the very source of pathological changes in the body - poison;
- Pathogenetic treatment. It is aimed at eliminating those changes that the toxin has already caused. Includes massive infusion therapy with colloidal and crystalloid solutions, diuretics, glucocorticoid hormones;
- Anti-shock measures, if necessary;
- Symptomatic therapy - pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, lowering body temperature, local skin treatment in the area of the bite.
Fortunately, single bites from most venomous insects rarely have serious consequences. Much more dangerous is multiple bites by several insects of the same or different species.
First aid for insect bites
First aid measures for insect bites are undifferentiated and should be routine regardless of the culprit. The sooner the necessary measures are taken, the less negative consequences the bite will cause.
First of all, it is worth mentioning what cannot be done after an insect bite:
- Drink alcoholic beverages;
- Smoke;
- Fuss and move actively;
- Apply heat to the bite site.
All these actions increase blood flow in the affected area, which leads to accelerated absorption of toxic and allergenic products. The inevitable result of such changes will be expressed toxic-allergic reactions of the general and local types.
The correct amount of first aid measures includes:
- Washing the bite site with cold water and laundry soap;
- Treatment with any antiseptic solutions: alcohol, chlorhexidine, menovazine, hydrogen peroxide, furacilin;
- Pressing down on the bitten site or applying a circular pressure bandage to the entire zone and overlying areas. You can use both a simple and elastic bandage;
- Applying cold;
- Taking tablet forms of antihistamines and antiallergic drugs: diazolin, loratadine, suprastin, claritin, erius, edem.
Thus, the process of spreading toxic substances from the primary focus will be blocked as much as possible. All other well-known methods of treating insect bites can be used only after assessing the existing consequences. The duration of first aid procedures should be at least an hour. After this time, the treatment of bite foci is performed using various lotions, solutions, ointments and gels.
If, despite the measures taken, a progressive deterioration in the victim's well-being occurs, this indicates a bite by a poisonous insect or a severe allergic reaction. In such situations, patients must be urgently taken to a medical facility, where they will be provided with specialized medical care. You should not neglect this advice, hoping that everything will pass by itself.
How to treat insect bites?
Separately, it is worth dwelling on the most modern achievements of pharmacy in the field of treating insect bites. The range of drugs is very wide, and it is important to be able to correctly assess the purpose of the specific components of each of them. Of greatest interest are agents for topical use - ointments and gels. They can be single or multicomponent, contain anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antimicrobial and other substances.
The classification of agents for the treatment and prevention of insect bites is clearly shown in the table.
| Representatives and trade names | |
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Prevention of bites Preparations based on essential oils that repel insects - repellents. |
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Antihistamines They have a decongestant effect, reduce itching. |
Fenistil-gel |
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Monocomponent glucocorticoids Anti-inflammatory and edema reduction. |
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Glucocorticoids in combination with antibiotics Reduces swelling and inflammation, especially with infected bites. |
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Antimicrobial action It is necessary for infection and suppuration of bites. Ointments containing a water-soluble antibiotic. |
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Before using hormonal ointments, especially if long-term use is envisaged, it is better to consult a doctor. Thus, the required dosage and frequency of application of the product will be selected.
Author of the article: Danilova Tatyana Vyacheslavovna | Infectionist
Education: in 2008 received a diploma in General Medicine (General Medicine) at the Pirogov Russian Research Medical University. Immediately passed an internship and received a diploma of a therapist
