Insect Bites
Insect bites are very common in everyday life, and on average each person experiences a different reaction after being bitten by an insect. Insects usually bite, sting, or release venom to use as self-defense.
Insect bites are a form of irritant contact dermatitis, which is an inflammatory reaction of the skin in response to contact with an allergen. In this case, it is in the form of saliva, fur, or insect bites , or in other terms it is commonly called dermatitis venenata.
Symptoms caused by insect bites or stings are hypersensitivity reactions or allergic reactions. This condition occurs after the skin of the body comes into contact with insects, poisons, or allergens that enter the skin due to bites or stings. The type of reaction caused by insect bites depends on the type of insect and the type of poison released as an allergen.
Symptoms of Insect Bites
Symptoms of insect bites can be local reactions, limited to the site of the bite or sting, such as:
- Itchy.
- Pain or discomfort at the site of the bite or sting.
- Hot like burning.
- Swelling or blistering of the skin around the bite or sting site.
In certain people or certain types of poisonous insects, bites or stings can cause reactions throughout the body such as:
- Bumps and itching all over the body (urticaria).
- Swelling of the face and lips (angioedema).
- Body weakness to paralysis.
- Fever.
- Digestive system symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Dizzy.
- Faint.
In addition to the above reactions, people who are bitten by insects can also experience anaphylactic reactions (Anaphylactic shock), which is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction are:
- Rash and itching all over the body.
- Swelling of the throat.
- Hard to breathe.
- Heart pounding.
- Blood pressure decreases.
- Nervous.
- A cold sweat.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Decreased consciousness.
This reaction occurs a few seconds to a few minutes after being bitten or stung by an insect. The poison released by the insect enters the body as an allergen (a substance that stimulates allergic reactions). If not treated quickly, this reaction can cause death.
Causes of Insect Bites
The cause of the reaction caused by insect bites is a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction. This reaction is caused by the body due to foreign allergens and the body tries to eliminate the allergen.
The types of insects that can cause this reaction are generally divided into 2, namely:
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Poisonous
Insects that release venom from their bites or stings can cause local, whole-body, or severe allergic reactions. Some types of these insects include:
- Bees. Bees sting only once, after stinging the bee will die. Bee stings are very poisonous, if not removed immediately, the poison will enter the body more and more so that it can trigger a severe allergic reaction.
- Wasps. Wasp stings are also poisonous, but wasps can sting multiple times.
- Scorpions. Scorpion stings are poisonous but rarely dangerous. Signs and symptoms include pain that can persist, numbness, and swelling. However, scorpion stings in children and the elderly can cause allergic reactions throughout the body to severe allergic reactions.
- Fire ants. Fire ants can bite multiple times and their bites can release venom that usually causes only local reactions. Examples include severe pain at the bite site, burning, swelling, and redness. However, they can also cause whole-body allergic reactions and severe allergic reactions.
- Spiders. Spiders are generally harmless, but some types of spiders have venom that can cause other reactions. For example, pain, swelling around the wound, and can spread to the stomach, back or chest, stomach cramps, chills, nausea, and cold sweats.
- Tomcat. Generally, the poison from the bite of a tomcat or Paederus beetle is not dangerous and does not cause a reaction throughout the body. Usually only local on the skin in the form of blisters like herpes, redness, a burning sensation mixed with itching, and pain.
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Non-toxic
Non-toxic insects cause reactions due to contact of insect body parts or saliva with the skin. The reactions are mild and local, only at and around the bite site. Non-toxic insects such as mosquitoes, flies, fleas, and caterpillars.
In addition to local reactions, some of these insects can spread other diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya fever which are transmitted through the bite of certain types of mosquitoes. Sleeping sickness, elephantiasis, or blood parasite diseases can be transmitted through the bite of certain types of flies. Meanwhile, Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of certain types of ticks.
Risk Factors for Insect Bites
Being bitten or stung by an insect can be influenced by several factors, including:
- A living environment that is dark, damp, or close to empty land, bushes, gardens, or forests.
- History of allergies, self, and history of allergies in the family.
- Occupations, such as people who work on plantations.
- Blood type O. According to research published in the Journal of Medical Entomology, people with blood type O are twice as likely to be bitten by blood-sucking insects as other blood types.
Diagnosis of Insect Bites
In diagnosing insect bites, the doctor will ask about complaints and history of contact with insects, then perform a physical examination of the bite site. Other supporting examinations are rarely needed.
Insect Bites Prevention
Preventive measures to avoid insect bites include:
- Avoid bushy places.
- If you see a wasp or bee nest around your house, ask a professional exterminator to remove the nest, don’t do it yourself.
- Maintaining cleanliness of the living environment.
- If you are going to bushes, forests, or gardening, wear clothing that protects your body, such as long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and boots.
- Use mosquito repellent or anti-mosquito lotion.
- Carry out 3M regularly, namely closing water reservoirs, draining water reservoirs, and burying used goods.
- If there are many mosquito or insect nests in your home environment, carry out insecticide fogging regularly.
- Spraying insecticide or installing mosquito netting around the house.
First Aid for Insect Bites
If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction after being bitten by an insect, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Then follow these steps. If the insect bite reaction is not severe, treat the bitten area with the following steps:
- If the stinger is still stuck in the skin, gently remove it with a blunt object from the skin. Avoid using tweezers to remove the stinger, as this can trigger the release of more venom.
- Wash the sting area with soap and water.
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the sting area for about every 10 minutes to help reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice or ice pack in a clean cloth to protect the skin.
- Apply calamine lotion or a paste of baking soda and water to the insect bite several times a day to help relieve itching and pain. Calamine lotion is a type of antihistamine cream.
If the insect bite reaction is severe and causes blisters, then do not break the blisters. Some medications can be used to reduce mild symptoms or small, itchy red bumps. For example, a mixture of menthol or camphor in the form of a lotion or gel can help reduce symptoms.
If there are hot and painful skin blisters , use corticosteroid ointment to reduce the allergic reaction caused. Oral medications such as antihistamines (diphenhydramine, ctm, cetirizine) can help reduce itching.
If bitten or stung by a dangerous poisonous insect , as explained above, the first step to take is to quickly remove the stinger attached to the skin, wash with running water and soap, apply a cold compress to the stung area. If the location of the sting is a hand or foot, lift the stung hand or foot.
Ointments containing corticosteroids can help relieve local symptoms. However, if you are stung on the face, neck, or have symptoms throughout your body, you should go straight to the hospital.
If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylactic reaction, you should immediately go to the emergency unit (ER). During the trip to the hospital, if the sufferer vomits or loses consciousness, do not give them food. Rapid treatment by the medical team in the ER includes administering oxygen, installing an IV line, and injecting diluted epinephrine. This medication cannot be given at home because of the dangerous side effects.
When to See a Doctor?
If the local reaction is mild, observe the bite or sting marks of the insect. Usually the symptoms will disappear in 1-2 days. If the reaction gets worse, for example itchy bumps all over the body, more skin blisters, or there are symptoms of a whole body reaction, you should ask a doctor.
