Stings and insect bites

Reviewed by Dr John Pillinger, GP



Insect bites often cause one or more red bumps that are usually itchy and sometimes painful. Often there is a small hole in the middle of the bite, perhaps with the end of the sting sticking out. Apart from this local irritation, the bite is not usually dangerous provided the victim is not allergic to insect bites.

Bee and wasp stings are more likely to cause allergic reactions than other kinds of insect bites.

What are the sources of insect bites?

The sources of insect bites are recognised to be wide and varied.

Insects, such as fleas can be found on domestic pets, eg dogs and cats; and also on birds.

Bedding and other soft furnishings around the house can also harbour bed bugs and fleas.

About 95 per cent of the fleas on a pet will be in the form of eggs, larvae and pupae (ie in the household) rather than on the animal.

Simply working in your garden can expose you to fleas and other insects.

Travelling can also put you at risk. Depending on your destination – exposure to mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies can occur.

Which insects cause stings or bites?

Stings or bites are caused by midges, horseflies, bees, wasps, ants, some spiders, fleas, lice, etc.

What does a bite look like?

There will be one or more swollen red bumps on the skin. In the middle, you will often see a small hole, which might have the insect's sting sticking out of it.

If you wake up in the middle of the night having noticed a painful or itchy lump, check to see if other parts of the body are affected. If there is only one bump, or four or five of them close together, you have probably been stung or bitten. Fleas often bite four or five times in the same area so you may find a couple of these clusters on your body.

Some children's diseases can also cause bumps and red, swollen skin. If in doubt, consult your doctor.

What are the symptoms of insect bites?

The skin becomes red, swollen, itchy and can be painful. These are the most common symptoms. Sometimes bites cause an allergic reaction. Bites can become infected by scratching. Look out for a rash or swelling that gets worse instead of better. If this happens, see a doctor.

Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

the person has been stung by many insects at the same time

a rash or swelling that gets worse instead of better

if the site is red, tender and swollen

headache

dizziness

nausea (feeling sick)

pains in the chest

choking or wheezing

difficulty breathing.

These may be symptoms of allergy and can be life-threatening if the victim goes into shock. See a doctor immediately or dial 999 for an ambulance.

How to treat an insect bite or sting

Remove the sting. Use tweezers to prise it out or scrape it off with your fingernail, or a credit card. Do not attempt to press out the sting, as this will only help the poison spread under the skin.

Wash the bite with soap and water, then cool off the skin with ice cubes or an ice-pack that has been wrapped in a cloth or thin towel. Rest the affected area and elevate it if possible to prevent excessive swelling. Do this immediately after the victim has been stung.

If necessary, use a painkilling cream or gel or an antihistamine to soothe the itch. If you or a member of your family are allergic to insect bites, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before going on holiday. They may tell you to take an antihistamine with you in tablet form; or Adrenaline or as an EpiPen injection. If so, make sure you ask how to use them correctly.

Anyone who gets a rash or an itch requiring medical treatment, or who may simply feel unwell following a bite or sting should not drive, as there is a risk of passing out. If in doubt, consult your doctor.

Insect bites and allergies

People who are allergic to insect bites should carry a card, bracelet or necklace that lets other people know about their allergy. If the doctor has prescribed medication for you to be used in case of an allergic reaction, it is important that both you and your family know exactly how to use it.

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