Insect bites and Stings occur when an insect is agitated and seeks to defend itself through its natural defense mechanisms, or when an insect seeks to feed off the bitten person. Insects inject formic acid, which can cause an immediate skin reaction often resulting in redness and swelling in the injured area.

The sting from fire ants, bees, wasps and hornets are usually painful, and may stimulate dangerous allergic reaction called anaphylaxis for at-risk patients. Wasps can bite and sting at the same time. Mosquito bites usually are visible on a person’s uncovered areas, such as hands, arms, legs, ankle, and the neck. They are easy to spot, as they swell easily. Flea bites mostly are visible in the ankle area and lower leg. They don’t appear instantly but can become increasingly itchy after long hours. A spider bite literally is visible because you can see the bite mark in the middle of a visible swelling lump on the affected area of the skin. The skin’s reaction also varies depending on the kind of spider.

Treatment of Insects bites and Stings

Topical antipruritics in the form of creams and sprays are often available over-the-counter. Oral anti-itch drugs also exist and are usually prescription drugs. The active ingredients usually belong to the following classes:

• Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone topical cream.
• Local anesthetics such as benzocaine topical cream (Lanacaine).
• Counterirritants, such as mint oil, menthol, or camphor.
• Calamine lotion, containing zinc oxide and iron(III) oxide, is a traditional remedy for mild itching.
• Cooling with ice or cold water (usually stops the itch for as long as the ice or cold water is applied).
• Heating.
• Slightly painful stimulation like rubbing, slapping or scratching, based on a spinal antagonism between pain- and itch-processing neurons.
• The sting area should be inspected to determine whether the stinger is still left in the body. If it is, remove it in order to prevent further injection of toxin. The stinger should be carefully scraped off the skin, rather than grasped with tweezers, so as not to squeeze toxin into the body.
• The victim should be observed for signs of any allergic reaction. For people who are allergic, maintain an open airway and get the victim to medical help as quickly as possible.