Insect bite
synonym
Insect bite
definition
The term “insect sting” is understood to mean a defensive action by an insect with a poisonous sting. The insect bite (mosquito bite) damages or breaks the integrity of the skin surface. In this way, the insect uses the stinger to inject a poisonous secretion under the skin of the enemy.
Read more on the topic: mosquito bite
introduction
An insect bite is very uncomfortable and can hardly be prevented. In general, it can be assumed that everyone will suffer an insect bite at least once in their life. Although in most cases an insect bite is a defense reaction of the insect, two forms must be distinguished. So-called non-blood-sucking insects break through the surface of the victim's skin solely for self-defense. These species of insects inject a poisonous secretion under the surface of the skin through their sting. In most people this leads to a local skin reaction without affecting the organism. Most insect bites therefore lead to more or less painful redness, even in non-allergy sufferers, which can be accompanied by pronounced itching. In addition, local swellings are typical side effects of an insect bite. In some cases, however, pronounced immune reactions (allergic reaction) can occur after an insect bite. Blood-sucking insects, on the other hand, break through the surface of the victim's skin in order to extract proteins from their blood.These proteins are essential for the eggs to develop after mating.
Blood-sucking insects
- Fleas
- lice
- Bed bugs
- Mosquitoes
- Brakes
- a few species of butterflies
Read more about this under Bed bugs
Non-blood-sucking insects
- Bees
- Wasps
- Hornets
- Ants
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Physical reactions to an insect bite
Not everyone affected reacts equally to an insect bite. While most people only have mild skin symptoms after an insect bite, other people react with violent defense reactions. In addition, the intensity of the physical reaction to an insect bite depends largely on the strength of the insecticide
Direct sting reaction
Immediately after the insect bite, those affected typically experience skin reactions that are limited to the puncture site. The first symptom of an insect sting is a pronounced, sharp pain that occurs as the insect sting penetrates. Depending on the location of the insect bite, the pain can even last for a few days. In addition, there is local swelling in the area of the injection site. This swelling can last up to six days, depending on the strength of the insecticide. The appearance of redness, which can be accompanied by severe itching, is a typical symptom of an insect bite.
The extent of the direct sting reaction depends largely on the strength of the insecticide. The poison from bees, wasps, hornets or bumblebees usually has a particularly strong effect on the human body. It is believed that several hundred stings from these insects can be fatal even in a non-allergic person. In these cases, what is known as a bite occurs a short time after the insect bite Rhabdomyolysis. This means that striated muscle fibers, for example the skeletal muscles, the heart muscles and / or the heart muscles, dissolve in the affected person. In addition, the poison of these insects has a negative effect on the blood count after the sting. A short time after the insect bites, the red blood cells (erythrocytes) may break down. As a result, adequate oxygen transport and thus the oxygen supply to the organs can no longer be maintained. In addition, blood coagulation disorders and the so-called platelet deficiency (technical term: thrombocytopenia) are among the most common consequences of multiple insect bites.
While in non-allergic people there is only a threatening situation with hundreds of insect bites from insects with enormous poisonous strength, in allergy sufferers a single insect bite can lead to life-threatening reactions.
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Allergic reaction
People who frequently suffer from insect bites are particularly prone to further bites allergic reaction to train (Insect venom allergy). That can already be the case with those affected Poison of a single one Insect bite lead to a life-threatening situation.
Depending on the severity of the insect venom allergy, the symptoms range from locally limited skin reactions, for example redness, swelling, or wheals, about a General symptoms with nausea, headache and extensive skin reactions up to shortness of breath and a life-threatening anaphylactic shock. The typical signs of an allergy to insect bites can appear very quickly. For this reason, quick action is necessary for a known allergy sufferer. As a rule, an allergic reaction to an insect bite is announced within 10 minutes to 5 hours by typical symptoms.
If the following symptoms occur after an insect bite, a doctor must be consulted immediately:
- high body temperature or fever
- increasing swelling and / or rash
- a headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and / or vomiting
- Chest pain
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty breathing
Read more on the topic: How do you recognize an allergy to a mosquito bite?
therapy
You don't always have to see a doctor after an insect bite. In most cases, the discomfort caused by the insect bite can be effectively relieved by simple home remedies. But if you suffer one Variety of insect bites in a short time, a doctor should be consulted. This rule also applies if after the insect bite particularly pronounced complaints, for example extensive wheals, can be observed. Also at Suspicion of an allergic reaction should immediately consulted a specialist become.
First aid for insect bites
The typical complaints that can be caused by an insect bite can often be alleviated by simple first aid measures. For this reason, people who frequently suffer from insect bites should take a special preventative Vacuum pump carry with you. With the help of this pump, the Sting of the insect after an insect bite sucked out of the skin surface become. If the sting is removed early enough, it can be avoided in many cases that the insect bite swells at all.
Another remedy against insect bites are the so-called Stitch healer. It is about a hand-sized device that is located at a certain point on approximately 50 degrees Celsius. The heated part of the device can be placed on the insect bite. Due to the heat dissipated by the stitch healer, the Insecticide proteins destroyed become. In addition, the stitch healer inhibits the release of histamine. For this reason too, there is often no excessive immune reaction after the insect bite.
The symptoms associated with a fresh insect bite can also be caused by a Immobilization the affected part of the body can be effectively reduced. The reason for this is the fact that the insecticide increases with reduced movement spread less quickly in the organism can.
In addition, an insect bite should be avoided if possible chilled become. In this way, local swelling and severe itching, which are typical symptoms of an insect bite, can be alleviated.
If an allergic reaction occurs after an insect bite, ointments containing cortisone can be used. Despite the use of such an ointment, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Home remedies / self-treatment
Immediately after the insect bite, the Sting of the insect with the help of a fingernail or tweezers away become. However, care must be taken that the sting drawn and not expressed becomes. If you try to push a sting out of the skin after an insect bite, the distribution of the insecticide into the circulation can be promoted.
By using special syringes can the Insect venom reliably extracted become. Corresponding syringes can be purchased in pharmacies or drugstores. When aspirating the insecticide, the syringe should be placed directly over the insect bite and the plunger should be pulled up. That way it can Poison sucked out of the skin by negative pressure become. Alternatively, the poison can also be sucked off with the mouth. In this context, however, it must be noted that the poison must not be subsequently swallowed with the saliva.
Another popular home remedy for an insect bite is that Cold washing of the puncture site with water and pH-neutral soap. Washing can dilute the amount of poison and thus alleviate the symptoms. The effectiveness of this home remedy can be further increased if the insect bite after washing with one Chilled ice cubes becomes.
To Inhibition of the inflammatory processes Another home remedy can be used. Especially Tea tree oil is particularly well suited to curb inflammation-related skin reactions. To relieve the swelling and the itching associated with the insect bite, you can also Lemon peel be used. With regular use of this home remedy, the local swellings recede within a few hours. In addition, Lavender oil as a particularly effective home remedy for relieving the itching typical of an insect bite. Envelopes too cold curdplaced on the affected skin surface several times a day can help alleviate skin reactions.
Swelling, pain, redness, itching
Many of those affected develop typical symptoms just a short time after an insect bite. In addition to local redness, swelling can often be seen. Both reddening and swelling of the affected skin area represent a direct reaction of the organism to the insect venom. The passage of the insect venom into the human body leads to an immediate increase in blood flow. For this reason, a more or less pronounced reddening appears on the surface of the skin. In addition, the permeability of the smallest skin vessels is increased by the poison. In this way, fluid can escape into the surrounding tissue and cause local swelling. In addition, even the penetration of the poison during the insect bite causes a slight swelling. In recent years it has also been observed that after insect bites there is much more extensive swelling and redness. This does not always have to be an indication of an allergic reaction. It can be assumed that the strength of the poison of many insects has increased in recent years.
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Also include Pain to the typical symptoms of an insect bite. The pain usually occurs while the sting is penetrating the surface of the skin and is known by those affected as pointed and piercing described. Pain of this quality usually subsides within a few minutes. However, due to the local effects of the insecticide, burning pain come.
Excessive pain that does not subside even hours after the insect bite, on the other hand, can indicate a allergic reaction Clues. For this reason, those affected should urgently consult a doctor if there are any further signs of allergy. After the insect bite, the proteins that enter the organism through the insect's saliva cause one local inhibition of blood clotting. As a result, the body begins to activate defense mechanisms and the hormone histamine to release. This hormone is responsible for the development of the part severe itching responsible. Under certain circumstances, this itching can persist for days after the insect bite and can be very stressful for the person concerned.
However, simple tricks that should be used immediately after the insect bite can help effectively relieve the itching. Mainly through that Cool the affected part of the body, both the spread of the insecticide and the release of histamine can be inhibited. As a result, the affected person experiences significantly less pronounced itching. Redness and swelling can also be inhibited in this way.
Blister after insect bite
If the sting spot is red after an insect bite, then becomes firm and finally blisters, this usually indicates one allergy down. Insect bite allergies are usually allergies to the poison released by the insect, which is injected into the puncture site. Here the blisters usually go away on their own, a few days after the bite.
Another cause of blisters can be a purulent inflammation be. This usually occurs when the person concerned scratches the puncture site and does not clean it properly. Germs get into the wound and it becomes infected. This can lead to the production of pus, which shows up in blisters on the skin. If you open these bubbles, a yellowish liquid will run out. Here it is important to clean the wound site thoroughly (iodine or wound disinfection).
inflammation
Excessive itching after an insect bite can lead to frequent scratching of the irritated area of skin. As a result, pathogens can get into the puncture site and cause the insect bite to become infected.
If the insect bite is infected, this can be noticeable through various symptoms. As a rule, the redness and swelling increase significantly as soon as the insect bite is infected. In addition, the affected area becomes overheated. Severe pain in the area of the puncture site is also one of the typical symptoms of an inflamed insect bite.
In order to avoid possible complications, a doctor should be consulted promptly and appropriate treatment initiated. Depending on the extent of the inflammatory processes, an ointment containing antibiotics must be applied at regular intervals. In addition, the symptoms of an infected insect bite can be treated with a locally effective cortisone preparation.
Read more on the subject at: Inflammation after an insect bite
Blood poisoning
Blood poisoning always occurs when one infection does not remain localized, but rather itself spreads through the bloodstream throughout the body. A small wound, such as an insect bite, can be the cause of blood poisoning. However, it must be noted that such pronounced reactions do not always occur after an insect bite. In most cases, the insect bite is uncomplicated and heals quickly. Blood poisoning is therefore only a complication that can occur in the course of an insect bite.
The reason for blood poisoning after an insect bite is the inability of the immune system to effectively fight the inflammatory processes in the area of the puncture site. That way you can bacterial pathogensnormally found on the surface of the skin through the bloodstream penetrate the organism. As a result, those affected develop a Inflammatory response that spreads throughout the body.
In the case of blood poisoning, symptoms appear that indicate an inflammatory reaction in the entire organism. Affected patients usually develop one significantly increased heart rate (Tachycardia). In addition, blood poisoning after an insect bite leads to a Increase or decrease in body temperature (Fever or hypothermia). Also the Blood pressure the sufferer is typically significantly reduced (Hypotension).
Other symptoms of blood poisoning after an insect bite include:
- Pain
- rapid breathing (tachypnea)
- difficult breathing (dyspnoea)
- Drying out (dehydration)
- Restlessness and confusion
- Drowsiness or even coma
The classic symptoms of blood poisoning after an insect bite usually increase significantly within a very short time. With severe blood poisoning threatens Danger to life from multiple organ failure. For this reason, a doctor should be consulted immediately if blood poisoning is suspected after an insect bite.
Insect bite on the eye
Bites on the eyes are mostly caused by mosquitos. They can be very uncomfortable because, for example, the eyelid can be affected and the eye can swell completely. In addition, the eyes can water and become very itchy. The stitches on the eye are usually no more dangerous than those on any other part of the body. They are just much more noticeable and those affected usually suffer from more pronounced symptoms.
The fact that the tissue is very permeable can also lead to a bruise. The eye can be cooled to reduce the severe itching and swelling. The sting only becomes dangerous if it catches fire. Then, as with all infected mosquito bites, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.
The insect bite still itches after weeks
Prolonged itching from a mosquito bite can have two causes. On the one hand, it is possible that an allergic reaction is underlying and thus leads to a longer-lasting reaction. On the other hand, scratching the mosquito bite can lead to a prolonged reaction to the bite, as bacteria can penetrate, for example.The black fly is also a cause of long itching because it rasps open the skin and causes a small, long itchy bruise.
Further topics from this area
Inflammation from insect bites
An inflammation of mosquito bites can e.g. caused by infection. Above all, the scratching of stings is responsible for the penetration of pathogens.
Here you get to the topic: Inflammation of insect bites
Inflammation mosquito bite
Mosquito bites are usually accompanied by itching and swelling. In particular, the scratching of the mosquito bites can cause inflammation.
Here you get to the topic: inflammation mosquito bite
Mosquito repellent
Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in the warm months. To protect yourself from insects, there are various means that can be used as mosquito repellent.
Here you get to the topic: Mosquito repellent
