Insect Bites

 Insect and spider bites can cause redness, pain, minor swelling, and itching. These are mild, common reactions and may last from a few hours to a few days. Home treatment is often all that is needed to relieve the symptoms of a mild reaction to common stinging or biting insects and spiders. Some people, however, have a more severe reaction to bites or stings.

Some problems that may arise from these types of bites are more serious and include:

• A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Severe allergic reactions are not common but can be life-threatening and require emergency care. Signs or symptoms may include:
• Shock, which may occur if the circulatory system cannot get enough blood to the vital organs
• Coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing, or feeling of fullness in the mouth or throat.
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, ears, eyelids, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and mucous membranes (angioedema)
• Lightheadedness and confusion
• Nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps
• Raised, red, itchy bumps called hives and reddening of the skin. These symptoms often occur with other symptoms of a severe reaction

Spiders or insects that may cause a toxic reaction can include:

• Black widow spider
• Brown recluse spider
• Scorpion
• Puss caterpillar (woolly slug)
  

Bites from a bee, wasp, or fire ant can cause a toxic reaction and can be found in multiple locations.

• A bee leaves its stinger behind and then dies after stinging.
• Africanized honeybees, called killer bees, are more aggressive than common honeybees and often attack together and in substantial numbers.

Reactions to bee stings can range from minor skin swelling and redness to a serious allergic reaction.

Wasps, including hornets and yellow jackets, can sting over and over.

A fire ant attaches to a person by biting with its jaws. Then, pivoting its head, it stings from its belly in a circular pattern at multiple sites. A large skin reaction with swelling and redness spreads away from the site of the bite or sting. It may be as large as swelling across two major joints, such as from the elbow to the shoulder. A skin infection can occur at the site of the bite or sting.

If you get a sting or bite from a spider, insect, or bee, please be aware of how the area stings react to that bite. Also make note if you are feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or have trouble swallowing or breathing. Immediately call your doctor or 911, time is of the essence!