With the onset of warm days, a lot of insects appear, eager to drink someone's blood. But if midges and horseflies are usually found far from cities, then it is impossible to avoid mosquito bites. To reproduce, all they need is a rusty tin can filled with rainwater thrown into the bushes. Mosquitoes cannot be found only on the top floors of skyscrapers; they cannot fly there. But the inability to rise to such a height on their own will not prevent them from arriving by elevator or human clothing.
Parasitic insect bites
Now let’s take a closer look, using visual examples, at what the bites of certain types of insects look like and what features they have. Let's start with those who most often attack people - parasitic insects.
As an example, below are several photographs showing what domestic insects look like at the time of a bite:
In the vast majority of cases, the bites of parasitic insects are felt rather weakly (with the possible exception of fleas), and attract attention only when the attack was widespread. A striking example of this is the bed bug bites shown in the picture below; unfortunately, ordinary insects are quite common in apartments and houses to this day:
It is also useful to read: Choosing an ointment for insect bites to relieve itching, swelling and allergies
And one more thing: Ultrasonic insect repellers are just a dummy (the article has more)
A characteristic feature of bed bug bites is that they form long chains (paths). So, it is bedbugs that are characterized by bites at three points located in one short line (this helps to determine which insect bit at night: a mosquito or a bedbug).
Flea bites also have a specific appearance (see example in the photo):
Flea bite marks usually have clearly visible single red spots in the center. This is explained by the fact that when a flea bites, it has to immerse almost its entire head into the skin:
As a rule, the marks from an attack by these insects are noticeably smaller than those after bedbug bites. “Tracks” of red dots on the body may also be present, but very short, usually no more than 2-3 dots.
Another example of biting insects, which can only very conditionally be called domestic, is lice. Head and pubic lice never leave “tracks” of bites and attack only hairy areas of the body (sometimes even eyelashes and eyebrows), since in order to live and reproduce they need to attach their nits to the victim’s hair:
However, speaking about these well-known insects, we must not forget about the rarer, but still found in the civilized world, body lice. In the course of evolution, they have adapted to bite a person on any part of the body and do not depend on his hair.
A characteristic difference between lice bites is bluish spots on areas constantly exposed to attack and scabs from scratching. The photo shows the bite marks of these insects:
As mentioned above, isolated bites from domestic insects are generally not very disturbing, however, for example, regular attacks by bed bugs can even cause nervous disorders, insomnia or anemia in children.
But most of the parasitic insects are still found in the wild. In the tropics, mosquito bites can cause malaria. In the taiga and tundra, bites from local blood-sucking insects - midges - are a real disaster, especially for unprepared “newbies”. Compared to ordinary “urban” mosquitoes, attacks by these insects lead to much more severe consequences: blisters on the skin, long-term debilitating itching.
Perhaps the leading position among all the parasitic insects inhabiting our country is occupied by horse flies - large flies that live everywhere near water bodies and have very painful bites. When attacking, a horsefly actually cuts off a piece of the victim's skin, and then injects a special enzyme into the open wound that prevents blood clotting.
In the photographs you can see the bites of these insects:
Causes
An allergic reaction to a mosquito bite in children manifests itself in the body due to the action of a specific anesthetic substance in the insect's saliva , which the mosquito secretes so as not to cause pain in the victim and go unnoticed.
Children have a faster metabolism than adults and thinner skin, so children are more likely to be attacked by mosquitoes.
The children's immune system is not always able to cope with the action of a foreign substance; allergic reactions develop from swelling and itching to Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock .
Lice
There are several types of lice - head lice, clothing lice, pubic lice. The latter look like a small crab, are localized on the pubis, are rare - among people leading a depraved lifestyle, homeless people. Clothes live in human underwear, bedding, and bite more often at night. After insect bites, numerous small red spots and minor swelling appear. Head lice are more likely to attack children. They live on the head. They are the most common parasite.
Action must be taken immediately, as insects multiply quickly. They use folk, professional remedies. In the absence of treatment for pediculosis, the development of dermatitis, nervous system disorder, and deterioration in general health are observed.
What do bites from bees, wasps, hornets, poisonous ants and other stinging insects look like?
Unlike most parasites, the bites of stinging insects are very painful. And this is not surprising, because the purpose of their attack is precisely to scare away the enemy with severe pain.
The venom of wasps, bees, some stinging ants and their relatives contains a large number of allergens, which can lead to the development of extensive swelling, urticaria, increased body temperature and general intoxication of the body. In some cases, such bites lead to the death of the victim, especially if the insects attack in a swarm.
Photo of a hornet sting:
And here is a photo of a honey bee at the moment of its sting - its sting gets stuck in the human skin along with part of the insect’s entrails:
Photo of a bullet ant - its bites are so strong that they are considered one of the most severe among insects in general in terms of degree of pain:
On a note
In some countries, Asian giant hornet stings cause more deaths than attacks by any wild animal (for example, Japan, where approximately 40 people die from hornet attacks per year).
If, when stung, you did not have time to notice and recognize which insect bit you, then first aid should be provided according to the universal scheme in such cases, with an emphasis on preventing the development of a severe allergic reaction:
- visually assess the presence of a sting in the wound, and if there is one, remove it;
- suck the poison out of the wound (without spending more than 1 minute on this);
- disinfect the affected area with hydrogen peroxide, iodine or brilliant green;
- apply a cold compress to the bite site;
- take an antihistamine (Suprastin, Diphenhydramine - but only in the absence of contraindications, the list of which can be found in the instructions for the corresponding drug).
Review
“This summer I couldn’t stand it and called specialists to deal with the wasp’s nest. For two years these wasps took up residence behind our barn. At first they tried to get rid of it themselves, they smoked it, but after they bit their granddaughter, they didn’t save money. The child was completely swollen, we even had to call an ambulance, everyone was scared. Two bites to the face, one on the collarbone, they were afraid that the swelling would spread to the lungs, and the temperature had risen greatly. It’s good that everything turned out okay, but we still got rid of the wasps, and at the same time we controlled the ants.”
Anna Valerievna, St. Petersburg
How dangerous is a mosquito bite?
First, let's look at what a mosquito bite looks like. Some people are left with a barely noticeable red dot on the skin, which does not cause any discomfort. But there are very few such “lucky ones”; most often, the area around the bite swells greatly, and a small uneven “plateau” is formed, which is much lighter than the dermis. The skin next to this spot is pink or bright red, and the area itself is very itchy and itchy.
Mosquito bite is very itchy and itchy
If you experience slight temperature changes, you may feel when you place your hand on the bite site that it is slightly hotter than the rest of your body. This is caused by the female mosquito injecting her saliva before drawing blood. A foreign substance that enters the body is attacked by leukocytes, a “fight” occurs, which is why the temperature rises at the site of the bite.
Experience shows that increased temperature at the site of the bite is not such a big problem, it’s just that our body is struggling with a “foreign invasion.” It will go away in a few hours.
It is much more dangerous if the temperature of the whole body rises. This is one of the signs of an allergic reaction to an insect bite. In some people, the body is more susceptible to foreign proteins and cannot cope with them. In this case, cardiac dysfunction and anaphylactic shock may begin, which often leads to death.
As practice shows, small-sized mosquitoes extremely rarely cause the above reactions in the body. But large bloodsuckers, in accordance with their size, inject such an amount of saliva into the victim’s body that even a person who is weakly susceptible to insect bites can get anaphylactic shock.
The larger the mosquito, the higher the likelihood of an allergic reaction from the bite
In addition, mosquitoes carry various infections in their proboscis, since they bite, one might say, everyone indiscriminately. Diseases that affect people are not at all scary for bloodsuckers, and our blood contains pathogens that enter the insect’s body and remain there until it “injects” them along with saliva into the body of the next victim. However, it should be noted that mosquitoes in central Russia rarely carry fatal infections.
Allergic reactions
In most cases, allergies are mild and the human body can cope on its own. After all, itching is nothing more than the body’s reaction to foreign bodies that insects secrete during bites. Moderate allergies are accompanied by the following factors:
- The appearance of swelling at the site of the bite
- Feeling of discomfort at the wound site
- Possible rash
- Itching and fever
Acute allergies are very dangerous, the manifestation of which can cause large swelling, difficulty breathing, the development of tachycardia, dizziness and a sharp decrease in blood pressure. And in the most extreme cases, anaphylactic shock, fainting and death.
Causes of allergies to mosquito bites
Allergy to mosquito bites refers to insect allergy (Insecta from Latin insect). Insect allergies include all hyperreactions of the immune system upon contact with insects. The most well-known types of allergies of this type are allergies to bee stings, wasp stings and allergies to aquarium fish food made from dried bloodworms.
Allergy to mosquito bite in an adult
True allergy to mosquito bites occurs infrequently, although it is impossible not to notice it. Blood-sucking insects are divided into stinging and non-stinging. Non-stinging midges “eat away” part of the skin, simultaneously injecting an anesthetic and anti-clotting substance. At first, a person does not feel the midge, but it gets the opportunity to drink blood.
Unlike midges, a mosquito pierces (stings) the skin with its sting and sucks blood like a syringe. In the process, insect saliva enters the human bloodstream, which is toxic to humans. It is this that in most cases becomes the cause of the development of allergies. In addition, a mini-inflammatory process develops at the site of the mosquito bite. It is important not to comb the damaged area, since dirt in severe cases can lead not only to allergies, but also to the development of inflammation in the body, including sepsis.
Allergy to mosquito bites in children
It is believed that an adult can “digest” about 400 mosquito bites without harm to health, without allergies. This is how small a “portion” of saliva enters the blood. The allergy is caused by a substance similar in biochemistry to the enzyme apyrase. The chest and head of a mosquito are also potential allergens.
This is interesting! Only the female mosquito sucks blood. The male part of these insects are vegetarians. They feed on plant pollen. Scientists say that male mosquitoes buzz, and females fly up silently and immediately sting.
A mild allergy at the site of a mosquito bite occurs in everyone. If you don’t scratch the damaged area and don’t provoke more blood flow, then the allergy goes away in 2-3 days. A healthy adult quickly adapts to such insect attacks. A couple of weeks after the start of the mosquito season, the allergy subsides.
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Allergy to mosquito bites: symptoms, photos
A true allergy to mosquito bites occurs in people who have a hereditary tendency to allergic reactions or a history of allergies. Culicidosis is a disease that does not go away with age. Allergies to mosquitoes are more pronounced in children.
Note! Allergies to mosquito bites do not completely go away with age, although the symptoms may become less severe.
Bites from spiders, ticks, scolopendras and other “non-insects”
In everyday life, ticks, spiders and scolopendras are often called insects, although these creatures are not such at all (insects have only 3 pairs of legs).
Often, the tick is discovered by the victim too late - when the parasite has already burrowed into the skin (during an attack, it releases special painkillers). The stain from a tick bite is usually quite large, but in some cases it may not differ much in color from the surrounding tissue. Its characteristic feature is its ring shape: the red center of the spot is often surrounded by first pale, and then brighter “rims”.
In the photo below these “rings” are clearly visible:
You can also determine if the bite is a tick by the dense and non-painful blister that remains after the parasite detaches itself. In the center of this bubble there is always a trace of the hole through which blood sucking occurred.
If you are bitten by a tick, you should immediately contact an infectious disease doctor and undergo the necessary tests to rule out encephalitis and borreliosis (it is advisable to bring with you the tick that bit you). If this is not possible, then you need to especially carefully monitor your condition and “listen” to your body: the slightest ailment may indicate a developing disease.
Often, a tick may not cause any significant harm to health, but bites from poisonous centipedes almost always turn out to be very dangerous. Thus, an attack by the Crimean scolopendra, or drupe, usually ends with extensive swelling, an increase in body temperature to 39°C, hemorrhages and painful inflammation. The pain from its bite persists for several days.
Unfortunately, even this serious condition is not the worst that can happen after an attack by a scolopendra: tropical species of these arthropods can be deadly to humans.
It is also useful to read: First aid rules for insect bites: what to do first
And one more thing: List of blood-sucking insects that can bite you in bed or on the sofa (the article has more)
In the photo - Crimean scolopendra:
The “insect” bite in this case consists of two points - this is how victims usually describe the result of a scolopendra attack. Outwardly, it really looks like two characteristic points, because the arthropod pierces the skin with two jaws.
Another “non-insect” that leaves significant marks on the human body is leeches. Their attacks are notable for the fact that the resulting wound bleeds for a very long time, and from this a person loses much more blood than from being sucked out by the leech itself.
In the photo - leech bites:
The bites of some spiders can also be quite painful. Among them there are many species whose bite is fatal to humans - for example, karakurt, or, otherwise, the steppe widow:
The most pronounced consequences of karakurt bites are in May-June, when the spiders are in their mating season, and especially in large females. However, it is believed that the bites of these spiders pose a fatal threat only to children and the elderly.
On a note
Ticks also belong to the class of arachnids, although their parasitic lifestyle is very different from the lifestyle of predatory spiders.
Males of all types of karakurt are much smaller than females, and rarely bite humans.
The tarantula is also a well-known poisonous spider, although in most cases it does not pose a serious danger to humans. However, its bite is very painful, and both in sensations and consequences resembles a bee sting.
Below is a photo of a tarantula bite:
This is interesting
The “lucky” ones who have experienced bites from various spiders say that the more dangerous the spider, the less painful its bite. For example, when walking through hard and prickly grass, a person may not even notice a karakurt bite, while a tarantula bite immediately causes severe pain. But after half an hour the situation changes: a tarantula bite may stop hurting, but a steppe widow’s bite may cause a person to lose consciousness.
Scorpions living in our country are also dangerous to humans. Their bite is very painful and can lead to anaphylaxis and death.
The photo shows a yellow scorpion, which can be found in Dagestan or the southern Volga region:
Complications of allergies in children
The greatest danger in a child with allergies is represented by multiple bites, localized compactly. Such damage causes persistent local swelling, which can last for more than a month, and an increase in body temperature.
There are cases where an allergic reaction to mosquitoes led to the development of immunoinflammatory kidney disease - glomerulonephritis. This is a severe chronic lesion of the glomerular apparatus, the outcome of which is renal failure.
Signs and symptoms of mosquito bite allergy
The second type of complicated allergy to mosquito bites is a local or general inflammatory process. It develops initially from the fact that an infection was introduced into the wound by the insect itself. The bitten area begins not only to hurt and itch, but also to fester. With multiple injuries, the inflammatory process can become total.
Symptoms of general inflammation with an allergy to mosquito bites are pain and enlargement in the inguinal lymph nodes. Even dried “old” sores from scratching begin to fester throughout the child’s body. If the process is started, sepsis is likely.
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Bed bugs
The bites of different insects differ from each other, but in some ways they have similarities. A bug attack resembles a mosquito attack; swelling, redness, a blister, and severe itching appear. But bed bugs infest all year round, regardless of the temperature outside the window.
Insect bites Bed bugs are active in the dark and attack a sleeping person. A round spot remains on the skin, accompanied by severe itching. The main symptom is the location of the wounds in the form of a path. The insect bites up to 5 times during one meal, the bites are placed in pairs at small intervals. With a large number of bedbugs, the spots merge with each other.
TsSP medical center
A child in the first months of life is not yet able to localize itching, that is, to understand where exactly it is itching. Therefore, bloodworm bites in such children look like a red, swollen dot measuring 1 - 2 mm.
For older children, the picture is more familiar: a red blister up to 1 cm in diameter with a pinpoint crust in the center.
Single bites in the absence of an allergic reaction to mosquito saliva will not cause any particular problems. During a massive attack by bloodsuckers, a very intense itching occurs, forcing the cub to comb the bite sites. And this already damages the skin with unsterile nails, the risk of infection and eczematization. Not to mention the fact that the little one can’t find any relief from the itching!
The bite of a midge (midge) is different in that the saliva of the insects contains an anesthetic, so the moment of the attack is imperceptible, and the site of the attack begins to itch almost a day after the attack. In this case, bloodsuckers literally “gnaw out” a piece of skin and inject a substance that prevents blood clotting. As a result, an edematous hemorrhagic spot of crimson color, 1-2 mm in size, forms at the site of the midge bite. Swelling from a midge bite is much more pronounced and can last a long time. If the skin of the face or perineum, where the subcutaneous tissue is loose, is damaged, then the swelling can be quite extensive even after a single bite.
What to do if you've already been bitten?
- For children with 0, Neotanin spray or suspension is suitable, you can also use Fenistil gel or Psilo-balm.
Local corticosteroids in the form of a cream, emulsion or spray relieve itching much more effectively.
- From 4 months you can use Advantan emulsion/cream.
- For children over 2 years old, Beloderm express spray can be used.
If there are a lot of bites, then it is advisable to give an antihistamine:
- Fenistil drops can be used for up to 6 months.
- From 6 months you can use Erius syrup or Zyrtec drops.
The drugs are not given as a course, but according to need: the itching goes away - they cancel it.
If there is no pharmacy nearby: folk remedies
- A solution of table vinegar in water 1:1.
- Soda solution: 1 tbsp. l per glass of water.
- Table or sea salt solution: 1 tbsp. l. per glass of water (you can use salt + soda).
A cotton swab or cloth napkin is moistened in the solution and applied to the itchy area for 5-10 minutes, then wiped and allowed to dry. Repeat until the itching goes away.
- Corvalol solution in water: 2 drops per 1 tbsp. l. water. Using a cotton swab, apply the solution to the skin and allow to dry.
- Gruel from grated raw potatoes: grate raw potatoes without peels, wrap in gauze, apply to the area of irritation for 10-15 minutes.
When to go to the doctor?
If the attack of bloodsuckers was massive or the child has an allergic reaction to the saliva of insects, then the picture can be very diverse: widespread redness of a large area, the formation of blisters, a disturbance in the general condition, fever, vomiting, diarrhea. In this case, medical help is needed.
Demyanova Olga Borisovna Dermatovenerologist
Specifics of insect bites in children
Often children react to insect bites more acutely than adults, because their body has not yet “mature” and the immune system is not strong enough. On their skin, the symptoms of bites may appear more clearly, and blisters and swelling last longer.
The photo shows bite marks on a child left by bedbugs living in the apartment:
On the other hand, children are less likely to experience severe allergic reactions to insect bites due to the lack of previous sensitization - a certain “experience” accumulated by the body that is necessary for a strong immune response.
Speaking about the specifics of insect bites in children, one cannot fail to mention the rules for treating children: it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the child’s body and use only those medications that are approved for use in children. Unfortunately, many adults forget about this and give their children drugs that further aggravate and complicate the already severe consequences of encountering insects.
It is a known fact that with a very large number of blood-sucking insects - mosquitoes, bedbugs or lice - their bites can lead to anemia in children due to regular blood loss and the entry of an anticoagulating enzyme into it. Therefore, if a child gets insect bites regularly, you need to start fighting parasites in the apartment as soon as possible.
Traditional methods and recipes
Traditional medicine methods are no less effective in combating allergies to insect bites. The first thing you want to do is get rid of the severe itching. Don't have time to go to the pharmacy? We bring to your attention a list of effective means:
- For primary disinfection, treat the wound with laundry soap (or tar soap). This old method will definitely eliminate possible infections and prepare for further manipulations;
- A very common way to combat itching and redness is regular toothpaste. Take a simple paste, without helium particles and various fragrances. Do not rub too hard, just apply to the affected area, then rinse gently with warm, running water. Attention! Use the tooth powder that your child uses to avoid the appearance of a new allergy to the ingredients of the toothpaste itself;
- a cold compress soaked in a decoction of chamomile and calendula will perfectly soothe the skin and relieve redness + this decoction can be taken orally (1 glass per day) to support the body’s defenses;
- Everyone's favorite banana. This fruit can be eaten, but do not throw away the peel. Make a compress with it on the sore area. Place the inner side on the bite site and leave for 15 minutes. It is advisable that the banana peel is fresh, this will preserve a huge amount of useful substances, which will contribute to a speedy recovery;
- There is a tea bag in every kitchen. After drinking tea, do not throw it away, but make a lotion out of the bag. Apply to the bitten area, hold for 20 minutes, use only black tea, other varieties are not suitable;
- mix 1:1 tablespoon of sour cream and kefir. Lubricate the swollen area with this mixture, after 20 minutes there will be no trace of itching and burning;
- if you have aloe growing at home, then cut off a piece of a leaf, lubricate the bite site with the juice of this healing plant, repeat the procedure throughout the day (preferably about 5 times);
- For cosmetic purposes, mothers use tea oil and eucalyptus oil. You can use these essential oils to treat bites in your kids. Lubricate the affected area of skin with one oil or their mixture. After absorption of the product, the result will be noticeable;
- Also take baking soda, dissolve 1 teaspoon of this substance in 1 tbsp. spoon of water. Place the paste on the wound for no more than 10 minutes. Do not overcook to avoid burns from soda;
- crush plantain, basil or dandelion into a paste. Lubricate the bite area with this product and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. During this time, the plant will transfer all its healing properties to the skin.
We offer you to read an interesting article about the use of cucumber face lotion against acne.
Methods for treating allergic dermatitis with folk remedies are described in this article.
Follow the link and read useful information about diathesis on the cheeks of a child.
Prevention
No matter how careful and prudent we are, we often get bitten. But such situations can be minimized. Remember, bees, wasps, and hornets are only defending themselves, do not approach apiaries. If you accidentally come across a wild hive, do not make sudden movements, slowly move away from it. When going on a picnic, you should not use sweet floral scents. Dress accordingly in closed clothes, use sprays, ointments, lotions against insects. Protect children especially carefully; their young, fragile bodies will be the first to react very violently to bites.
Stock up on baby products, bracelets, stickers, pencils at the pharmacy. Do not forget about folk remedies (cloves, vanilla, essential oils). Be sure to take something antihistamine (loratadine, diazolin, claritin). Protect yourself by all means, do not let your holiday be ruined.
Conclusions from Tikhon: No one is immune from insect attacks, but this nuisance can be minimized. Don't neglect simple advice, especially if you have children. And remember the most important thing is timely medical care.
If you have encountered the problem of bites, share your experience in the comments below. Perhaps your experience will help someone avoid trouble. Happiness to you and your loved ones
If insects have bitten a pet
Insect bites on dogs, cats and other pets are often less noticeable than on humans due to their thick fur or feathers. Animals may not even particularly express their “feelings” and suffer in silence, but this does not mean that insect attacks on them can be completely ignored.
In dogs, the most common symptoms of tick bites are those that leave large, hard bumps in the area of the ears and back of the head. Dogs cannot become infected with encephalitis, but for them ticks are dangerous for transmitting other serious diseases. For example, ticks carry piroplasmosis, from which the animal can die even within the first day.
Somewhat less often, animals are attacked by stinging insects. The consequences of these bites in them are generally similar to those in humans. The photo shows how the cat’s paw is swollen from a wasp sting:
Cats and dogs that regularly walk outside are often bothered by fleas and lice eaters. It is not always easy to notice the bites of these insects on an animal, so owners usually learn about parasites by the changed behavior of their pets: constant combing of fur, restlessness, restlessness.
Photo of the lice eater:
Poultry - especially chickens - are often bitten by bed bugs that take up residence in outbuildings. During mass reproduction, insects can lead to loss of egg production in birds, slower growth of chickens and their death.
And the following photographs show examples when birds are overcome by so-called chicken fleas:
A similar situation can be observed in other farm animals and birds - rabbits, ducks, pigeons. The latter, by the way, are often disturbed by avian bloodsuckers, which carry some diseases that are fatal to these birds.
And finally, we will touch on one important topic that worries many tourists - insect bites in Thailand, India, Vietnam and the Caribbean. These resorts are very popular among Russians, but many are frightened by stories about “monstrous” insects living in those places.
Indeed, on the beaches of these countries, a sand flea can easily bite your leg, which then remains under the skin as an internal parasite and can lead to suppuration, the development of ulcers and even gangrene.
Photo of a sand flea under the skin and after removal:
Tropical hornets - also quite common local "residents" - are considered one of the most dangerous insects in the world, and South American ants have the most painful bite among insects in general.
However, this does not mean that it is impossible to relax in the tropics, and that you should not go there. You just need to know what insects bite a person in a particular country and place, and also have a specially prepared first aid kit with you and be careful when dealing with unknown nature.
And one more thing: do not be embarrassed to go to the hospital with insect bites - in any country this step often saves many lives.
How to protect yourself from insect bites in the summer and what to do if you do get bitten
First aid
If blisters like mosquito bites appear suddenly and are very itchy, but these are not bites, and after a few hours they disappear, only to appear again in a week or month, ointments and lotions will help relieve the itching.
- Moisten the tampon in a solution of soda: 1 tbsp. water 2 tbsp. l. soda, or apply an itching agent on it, or soak it in a decoction of green tea.
- Apply to the blister.
- Take an antihistamine.
If a child has severe itching or new formations appear with or without a high fever, you should call emergency doctors and describe the symptoms.
Since, when faced with a rash of this kind for the first time, a person does not know the reasons for its appearance, it is worth describing all the symptoms over the phone so that doctors can get their bearings and understand what is at stake. You need to listen to doctors' recommendations, as scratching can heal slowly and often leaves unsightly scars.
Allergy symptoms
Traces on the skin in the form of mosquito bites are familiar to everyone. This is redness, itching, local swelling, and rarely an increase in temperature in the damaged area. This reaction is not a mosquito allergy, which can be classified as a disease.
Mosquito bite allergy remedy
An allergic reaction to a mosquito bite is divided into three degrees of severity.
- Mild allergies. At the site of injury, a red, feverish swelling with a diameter of 3 to 10 cm is formed. When you touch the swelling, pain is felt like a blow. There is severe itching, which can interfere with sleep. Children become restless, cry a lot, and may refuse to eat.
- The average degree of allergy is expressed by a rash all over the body; the rash looks like hives, burns and itches;
- swelling of the extremities is added;
- Possible symptoms of hay fever.
- nausea, vomiting;
Note! If you suspect the possibility of a severe mosquito allergy and the victim experiences difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing, you should immediately seek qualified medical attention. help. Anaphylactic shock is extremely rare with an allergy to mosquito bites, but it is possible.
When to see a doctor?
We expect to cope with any illness on our own, but this is unacceptable when it comes to infants, elderly people with weakened immune systems, or pregnant women.
See a doctor immediately if:
- the temperature rose and blisters appeared;
- the rash covers the entire body, causing itching and swelling;
- blisters appear in a small child due to fever or occupy large areas of the body;
- the rash does not go away for a long time;
- Weeping wounds remain at the sites of the blisters;
- The itching cannot be relieved and the swelling spreads quickly.
The situation can be life-threatening, so medical assistance in relieving acute symptoms and diagnosing the causes is required immediately.
Causes of allergies to insect bites
We do not consider an insect bite to be something dangerous, but this is a misconception. A mosquito bite, especially in a child, can cause an acute allergic reaction.
There are two types of allergies:
- caused by the entry into the human body of a substance contained in the saliva of a mosquito. Natural reaction of the body: redness in the bite area, itching. Symptoms in most cases resolve within 2–3 days;
- the reason is the same, but due to excessive sensitivity to the substance, an acute allergic reaction develops. This is due to weakened immunity or intolerance to this irritant. This is especially true for children, their body’s defenses are not in full combat readiness and are not able to resist the allergen.
All these processes are due to the fact that our immune system reacts sharply to the entry of a foreign substance into the body. Therefore, irritation and itching appear. For most people, it is enough to apply a lotion with cool water and treat the affected area with a special ointment.
Children often cannot cope with the severe itching and scratch the bite site. This does not contribute to the rapid healing of the wound, because the mosquito’s saliva enters the bloodstream, spreading it throughout the body, provoking an inflammatory process.
Find out interesting information about treatment methods for dermatomycosis in humans on different parts of the body.
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Useful tips
You should not immediately use antihistamine or hormonal ointments after mosquito bites. With frequent use of the drugs, an overdose may occur, side effects, addiction may develop, and atrophy of the epidermis may develop. It is advisable to use special medications only if there are clear signs of a severe allergic reaction.
A remedy for mosquito bites from the homeopathy category should be in every home medicine cabinet. The drugs are safe, non-addictive, rarely cause side effects, and are highly effective. To prevent insect attacks, it is recommended to use mosquito repellents while walking or being outdoors.
Why does a mosquito bite itch?
Having sucked blood, the female mosquito removes her tube from the puncture and flies away. If this was your first mosquito bite in your life, then you will not feel anything at all and will never know that they dined on your blood. But if this is not the first contact with a mosquito, then the body has already become sensitive to the proteins contained in mosquito saliva.
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The bite site will swell and itch, which means an allergic reaction will develop. If bites are repeated very often, the body may become accustomed to mosquito proteins. For example, some researchers working with mosquitoes were bitten by mosquitoes so many times that they lost sensitivity to the proteins in their saliva and the bites stopped swelling and itching.
How to protect yourself from mosquitoes
To choose the right mosquito repellent, you should take into account that it depends on the place of use and operating conditions.
Mosquito nets (mosquito nets on doors and windows)
In the summer, both day and night, we often open the windows to ventilate the room. Mosquitoes do not miss this opportunity and disturb our peace with their sounds and bites. To avoid this, special mosquito nets can be placed on windows and doors to prevent insects from entering the room.
If the windows are plastic, then, as a rule, the mesh can be ordered immediately upon installation. If it is wooden, then a mosquito net can be purchased at a hardware store and attached using regular push pins. Instead of a mesh, you can use gauze.
Mosquito curtains
This type of protection appeared recently in the CIS. This is a mosquito net of the appropriate size that is hung on windows and doors. It has a magnetic lock in the center that tightly closes both parts of the curtains and prevents mosquitoes from getting inside the room.
Ultrasonic repeller
An ultrasonic repeller is a device that produces a special sound that is inaudible to humans, but clearly audible to mosquitoes. It scares away insects, forcing them to fly away to a safe distance for them.
Fumigators
A fumigator is a special electrical device whose task is to disinfect a room from a variety of insects and mosquitoes, in particular. The fumigator contains a plate, tablet or special liquid that evaporates when heated. Steam contains active substances that are lethal to insects.
There are also special spirals that work on the principle of a fumigator, but they do not require electricity. The spiral is set on fire, and after igniting, it is immediately extinguished. The smoke emanating from the coil is poisonous to many insects, including mosquitoes.
In Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, the most popular fumigators are Raptor, Mosquitall, and Raid.
Repellents (emulsions, balms, aerosols, sprays)
Mosquito repellents are applied to exposed areas of the body or clothing. They evaporate insect-repellent odors that repel humans. For open areas, hiking, in the forest, or fishing, these products are indispensable!
The most popular repellents are “Mosquitall”, “Off”, “Taiga”, “Gardex-Family”, “Picnic”. Keep in mind that some products are prohibited for use by pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 12 years of age, so be sure to read the instructions before purchasing!
Mosquito bracelets
Mosquito bracelets are a new means of protection against mosquitoes and other insects, made of leather or food-grade silicone and impregnated with special oils. It looks like a watch bracelet, is easy to use, worn on the wrist or ankle. For best effect, wear it on your arm and leg at the same time. It works for about a week.
My child has a severe allergy to mosquito bites, what should I do?
Children react to mosquito bites faster than adults, which is associated with an accelerated metabolism. In order to avoid it, it is necessary to use repellents (special means that repel insects). They are produced in the form of creams, lotions or sprays, and applied to the baby’s skin or clothes.
If there are contraindications for the use of such substances, special bracelets are used, inside of which there are aromatic mixtures. Since mosquitoes find their prey by smell, such a device will scare them away.
In order to prepare a mosquito repellent at home, you can add vanilla extract to the baby cream. Apply it to exposed areas of the child’s body before a walk.
You can also dilute vanilla with water and spray the stroller with this product or place a small piece of cloth next to the child and apply a few drops of eucalyptus oil to it.
If the symptoms of culicidosis are pronounced, you should consult a doctor before the start of the season to prescribe a course of antihistamines.
An example of a severe allergic reaction to mosquito bites in a small child
Examination of the child
It is best to conduct the examination after your child has just woken up. We recommend starting with his head and neck. It is very difficult for bedbugs to penetrate hair, so there is no need to resort to a thorough check. Parents need to follow a number of simple tips:
- It is advisable to reassure the child and say that you just want to count his moles or come up with something like that;
- Carefully examine all areas of skin that may be exposed during sleep;
- You need to look for the presence of several grouped red dots.
Allergy treatment
All of the above symptoms indicate that an allergy has occurred to protein substances produced by insects. In this case, the human body produces histamine in large doses, so the very first treatment is the introduction of antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness. These may be drugs such as cetirizine (Cetrin), loratidine (Claritin), Telfast. If you don’t have these drugs on hand, you can use first-generation antiallergenic drugs: diphenhydramine, Tavegil (clemastine), Donormil.
Treatment
What to do if bitten by a mosquito? For correct and timely treatment, depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, a decision is made on self-treatment or seeking help from an allergist. Treatment of acute allergic reactions to insect bites is carried out in a hospital.
At home, the following manipulations will help cope with allergies to mosquito bites:
- Treatment of papules with special ointments and gels that relieve itching and irritation after a mosquito bite;
- Applying cotton wool with a solution of soda, a cut of a tomato, helps to cope with swelling; at first the wound will sting, but the itching will decrease after a while. You can make lotions with a solution of vinegar and water;
- The wound can be anointed with brilliant green to be sure that infection is excluded;
- For angioedema and urticaria, first aid before contacting a specialist can be provided by taking an antihistamine. The pediatrician will tell you exactly what drug and dose, and it is better to consult with him in advance before the start of the summer season;
- Prevent scratching.
In severe cases, at the first pathological manifestations of anaphylactic shock , go to the hospital to avoid serious consequences, even death.
