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Insect bites and stings

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Bedbug - close-up
Bedbug - close-up
Black widow spider
Black widow spider
Body louse
Body louse
Flea
Flea
Fly
Fly
Kissing bug
Kissing bug
Dust mite
Dust mite
Mosquito, adult feeding on the skin
Mosquito, adult feeding on the skin
Wasp
Wasp
Insect stings and allergy
Insect stings and allergy
Brown recluse spider
Brown recluse spider
Black widow spider
Black widow spider
Stinger removal
Stinger removal
Flea bite - close-up
Flea bite - close-up
Insect bite reaction - close-up
Insect bite reaction - close-up
Insect bites on the legs
Insect bites on the legs
Head louse, male
Head louse, male
Head louse - female
Head louse - female
Head louse infestation - scalp
Head louse infestation - scalp
Lice, body with stool (Pediculus humanus)
Lice, body with stool (Pediculus humanus)
Body louse, female and larvae
Body louse, female and larvae
Crab louse, female
Crab louse, female
Pubic louse-male
Pubic louse-male
Head louse and pubic louse
Head louse and pubic louse
Brown recluse spider bite on the hand
Brown recluse spider bite on the hand
Insect bites and stings
Insect bites and stings

Alternative Names    Return to top

Bedbug bite; Bee sting; Bites - insects, bees, and spiders; Black widow spider bite; Brown recluse bite; Flea bite; Honey bee or hornet sting; Lice bites; Mite bite; Scorpion bite; Spider bite; Wasp sting; Yellow jacket sting

Definition    Return to top

Insect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets are usually painful. Bites caused by mosquitoes, fleas, and mites are more likely to cause itching than pain.

Considerations    Return to top

In most cases, bites and stings can be easily treated at home. However, some people have a severe allergic reaction to insect bites and stings. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, and it requires urgent emergency care. Severe reactions can affect the whole body and may occur very quickly, often within minutes. These severe reactions can be rapidly fatal if untreated. Call 911 if you are with someone who has trouble breathing or goes into shock.

Some spider bites, like those of the black widow or brown recluse, are also serious and can be life-threatening. Most spider bites, however, are harmless. If bitten by an insect or spider, bring it for identification if this can be done quickly and safely.

Symptoms    Return to top

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.

First Aid    Return to top

For emergencies (severe reactions):

  1. Check the person's airways and breathing. If necessary, call 911 and begin rescue breathing and CPR.
  2. Reassure the person. Try to keep him or her calm.
  3. Remove nearby rings and constricting items because the affected area may swell.
  4. Use the person's Epi-pen or other emergency kit, if they have one. (Some people who have serious insect reactions carry it with them.)
  5. If appropriate, treat the person for signs of shock. Remain with the person until medical help arrives.

General steps for most bites and stings:

  1. Remove the stinger if still present by scraping the back of a credit card or other straight-edged object across the stinger. Do not use tweezers -- these may squeeze the venom sac and increase the amount of venom released.
  2. Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water.
  3. Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth) on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process.
  4. If necessary, take an antihistamine, or apply creams that reduce itching.
  5. Over the next several days, watch for signs of infection (such as increasing redness, swelling, or pain).

DO NOT    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call 911 if the person is having a severe reaction:

Prevention    Return to top

References    Return to top

Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2004.

Noble J, Greene HL, Levinsen W, eds. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.

Auerbach PS, ed. Wilderness Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.

Update Date: 2/19/2008

Updated by: John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.