Most often than not we feel a very uncomfortable itch or burn on our body. It can happen anytime and anywhere especially during the summer. This is because an insect decides to feast on you while you are oblivious to its existence and by the time you get to know it is already hurting and the insect is long gone. Not all insects are the same, you need medical care depending on what type of insect bite it is. So we have listed below the common types of insect bites and their symptoms and ways to treat an unknown insect bite.
Mosquito Bites:
Mosquitoes are common insects found near open water bodies, trees, and muddy areas.
- What they look like:
A mosquito bite is a hard, swollen lump that turns the skin around it red and is very itchy.
- How to treat them:
Mosquito bites will make you want to scratch your skin but do not make the mistake of doing it because it will only increase the itch. Instead, put an ice pack on it or wash it with very cold water to reduce the itching.
PLEASE NOTE: If symptoms include headaches, fever, weakness, nausea or body aches please immediately go see a doctor because some mosquitoes carry the Malaria or the Dengue virus.
Chigger Bites:
Chiggers are very small larvae that bite humans commonly found in grassy and woody areas. They usually bite on warm, damp areas so they are usually the areas where you sweat the most. For example; armpits, back of your knees, ankles, or where your clothing fits tightly.
- What they look like:
Chigger bites appear as rashes or tiny blisters that are grouped together. They are extremely itchy and you will notice a red dot at the center of each bite.
- How to treat them:
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The first and foremost thing you should do when you notice a chigger bight is to wash it with soap and water to get rid of any chiggers that are still stuck on your skin. Then put on calamine lotion to ease the itching. These bites take up to two to three weeks to heal so do not scratch them or they will worsen.
Bee Stings:
Bees are usually found near flowers and grassy areas. Bee stings are usually very painful and need to be treated immediately.
- What they look like:
A white spot is usually seen where the stinger punctured the skin.
- How to treat them:
Firstly, remove the stinger using a credit card or tweezers. (Please avoid squeezing it, venom may spill out). Then clean the area with soap and water, take an antihistamine and put an icepack to reduce the swelling and the itching.
PLEASE NOTE: Some bee stings are poisonous and may cause an allergic reaction. If the symptoms include dizziness or fainting, hives, flushed skin, diarrhea, breathing problems etc. please take the patient to the doctor immediately to get them treated.
Final Words
There are a million types of insects and we have listed the three most commonly found ones. Most insect bites can be treated with the following basic steps:
- Remove the stinger using a flat edged object
- Wash the bite with cold water and soap
- Apply calamine lotion or an ice pack to ease the itchiness
In cases where you are experiencing an allergic reaction or symptoms that are more severe than just itching please immediately go to the doctor and get yourself checked.
We hope that this article helped you. Please share this information with your friends and family as everyone should be aware of these simple methods in which you can treat insect bites.