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Insect Bite Allergy: Types and Symptoms

Dr. Ajay KohliDec 12, 2024

Insect stings are one of the most common causes of life-threatening, severe allergic reactions. Early recognition of the signs early can prove to be crucial for effective treatment. Understanding the risks and symptoms associated with different insect stings helps ensure timely and appropriate action. This article discusses the different types of insect bites and their symptoms so that you can take timely action.

Insect

Contents

Insect Bite Allergy symptoms
Symptoms of Specific Insect Bites or Stings
Causes of Allergies to Bites and Stings
Diagnosis of Allergies Due to Bites and Stings
Insect bites and stings: First Aid
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Insect Bite Allergy symptoms

Pain
Swelling (around the sting and sometimes in other nearby areas)
Redness
Itching
Hives raised itchy red bumps that appear on the skin
Anaphylaxis is a rare reaction where the sting can lead to a life-threatening reaction that can impair breathing and send the person into shock.

Venom secreted from stinging insects such as bees, wasps, and ants is one of the most common causes of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Symptoms may vary depending on the type of insect that has stung, such as bees, wasps, ticks, ants, spiders, etc. These reactions can range from mild swelling and pain to life-threatening complications. Prompt identification and treatment are essential to prevent severe outcomes.

Symptoms of Specific Insect Bites or Stings

Bees and wasps

Honey Bee stings are the most common cause of allergic reactions in countries like Australia. Bees can sting only once as they inject their sac full of venom into one’s skin. They die shortly after the sac empties. Unlike bees, wasps can sting several times.
A wasp sting can cause a sudden, sharp pain at first. It may leave a swollen red mark on your skin, which can last a few hours, and the sting may be painful and itchy. Sometimes, the area around the wasp stung can turn red, causing a minor allergic reaction. It is not problematic and may last up to a week.

A bee sting is like a wasp sting; however, the sting will often be left in the wound. It needs to be removed carefully. The sting can cause a few hours of pain, redness, and swelling.

Ticks

Ticks live on vegetation and attach and bite into the skin of people and animals. Disturbing the tick attached to the skin can release saliva into the skin, which causes allergic reactions in some people. Sometimes, tick bites can lead to potentially serious infections, like Lyme disease, and should be removed immediately. Tick bites are not very painful, and you may notice the bite a little later if it detaches and falls off your skin.

Symptoms of a tick bite can include the following.

Minor redness and itching
A small lump on the skin
Swelling
Severe allergic reaction

Bedbugs’ bites

Bedbug bites are mostly found on the face, neck, hands, or arms. The bites are visibly found in straight lines across the skin. The bites are not usually painful. If you have not been bitten before, you may not experience any symptoms. If you have been bitten before, you may develop itchy red bumps on your skin which can last for several days.

Ant stings and bites

Most ants do not sting or bite, but red ants, wood ants, and flying ants sometimes do. Ant bites and stings are painless, though you may feel a nip and a pale pink mark on your skin. The bitten area may be painful, itchy, and swollen at times.

Mosquito bites

Mosquito bites frequently cause small red lumps on your skin. These are usually extremely itchy. Some people may develop fluid-filled blisters as well.Generally, mosquitoes do not cause major allergic reactions or harm but sometimes can cause serious illnesses such as malaria and dengue. Symptoms of malarial fever can include elevated temperature, chills, headaches and feeling sick.

Causes of Allergies to Bites and Stings

Allergies from insect bites and stings result from your body's immune response. The body reacts towards substances found in an insect's venom or saliva, such as a rash, redness, swelling, etc. When an insect bites or stings, it injects proteins that can lead to either inflammation or an allergic reaction. Some people may experience relatively mild symptoms such as redness or itching. While others reactions are more severe, like anaphylaxis. Some common culprits include bees, wasps, ants, mosquitoes, and ticks. Understanding these causes can help manage and prevent allergic responses effectively.

Diagnosis of Allergies Due to Bites and Stings

Discover how allergies to insect bites and stings are diagnosed, from identifying symptoms to testing methods like skin and blood tests. Here are a few ways to learn how keeping records and seeking expert advice can ensure accurate treatment and prevention.

Symptom Review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, like swelling, hives, or breathing trouble after an insect bite or sting. They'll also want to know which insect was involved and how quickly the reaction happened to identify patterns.
Skin Test: This involves applying a small amount of venom to your skin, usually on your arm or back, to check for an allergic reaction. If a bump appears, it confirms the allergy. It’s quick, safe, and provides results right away.
Blood Test: A blood test measures allergy-causing antibodies to pinpoint the exact trigger. This is especially helpful if a skin test isn’t impossible or more confirmation is needed. Results might take a couple of days to come back.
Personal Records: Keeping a symptom diary can make a big difference. Record the reaction date, the potential insect involved, and any treatments you applied. This will help your doctor understand what is going on.
Example-Based Assessment: If you swell up after a bee sting, you might be allergic to the bee's venom. Ticks, on the other hand, could cause redness or even Lyme disease. Some people with ticks can become allergic to red meat as well. These example-based assessments help doctors customise tests and treatments to your particular needs.

Insect bites and stings: First Aid

Here are some first-aid tips in case of mild reactions.

Move to a safer area to avoid more insect stings or bites.
Carefully remove the sting, tick, or hair.
Wash the affected area with soap and water.
Apply a cold compressor or ice pack over the area of the sting for at least 10 minutes.
If the sting was on the arm or leg, elevate the injured area.
Avoid scratching the area or you may burst the blisters which may lead to any infections (always keep your fingernails short, to avoid any probable future adverse events).
Avoid any traditional home remedies such as applying baking soda to the affected area.
Take a non-prescription pain reliever as needed.
Take an anti-itch medicine (antihistamine) by mouth to reduce itching.

The symptoms and the discomfort subside usually within a day or two in case of mild reactions. In case they do not or turn severe, seek medical attention.

Seek medical advice in the following cases

When your symptoms do not improve within few days or start to get worse
When you have been stung or bitten in your mouth or throat, or near your eyes
If the swollen area of sting increases in diameter
If the sting seems to turn into a wound infection, such as pus or increasing pain, swelling or redness
If you develop fever or flu-like symptoms

Seek immediate medical attention when a person is having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

This severe reaction can be confirmed when you see the following symptoms.

Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Swelling of the lips, face, eyelids, or throat
A fast heart rate
Dizziness or feeling faint
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
Hives (a skin rash)
Loss of consciousness

Keep A Record Of Your Symptoms

Diagnosing an allergy can be difficult. Hence, keeping a personal record of your allergies and carrying it with you wherever you go is best. These can also help you and your health provider to identify the cause of the symptoms.

Your personal diary could include details such as symptoms, location, triggers, specific insects, duration, and prescribed medication names.

Conclusion

Insect bite allergies can be tricky, but knowing the symptoms and acting quickly makes a huge difference. From minor itching to severe reactions like anaphylaxis, staying informed is vital. It is important to note all your symptoms and learn first-aid tips in case of minor allergies. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if needed. It is essential to carry prescribed medications, like antihistamines or an epinephrine injector, just in case. With the proper precautions and a little awareness, you can stay safe and enjoy the outdoors worry-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s a list of common questions and answers about Insect Bite Allergy.

How is a bee insect sting allergy diagnosed?

If you previously had a reaction to bee stings, this could suggest you might be allergic to bee venom. Your doctor will order for one or both of the following tests.

Skin test: A small amount of insect venom (in this case, bee venom) is injected into your arm or upper back. If you are allergic, you will develop a raised bump at the site of the test.
Allergy blood test: By measuring the number of allergy-causing antibodies in your bloodstream, a blood test can assess your immune system's response to bee venom.

Allergy skin tests and allergy blood tests are often used together to diagnose insect allergies.

How long after an insect or wasp sting can an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis occur?

An allergic reaction to an insect sting can occur immediately or within four hours. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, usually begins within minutes of the insect sting, but it can happen within an hour or later.

How to protect from getting stung by ants, bees, and wasps while outdoors?

Wear protective clothing outside to limit your exposure to bare skin. Wear long pants when hiking or mowing the grass, gloves when gardening, and shoes instead of sandals or going barefoot.

What is the emergency treatment for insect allergic reactions?

During an anaphylactic attack, the emergency team may perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you stop breathing or your heart stops beating. To ease your symptoms, you may be given other medications such as:

Epinephrine (adrenaline) to suppress your body's allergic reaction
Oxygen, to help you breathe
Intravenous (IV) antihistamines and cortisol to reduce inflammation and improve breathing.

Which medications can I take while travelling to avoid insect allergies?

Always carry an emergency pack. Your pack can contain allergy medications such as:

An antihistamine (liquid or chewable tablet)
An epinephrine injection device (if prescribed)
A rescue inhaler if you have asthma.

References

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/allergies-to-bites-and-stings

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.