If you would like to know more about Insect bites symptoms and diagnosis, and about Insect bites treatments, read the following article for more information.
This page is about insect bites (not stings) which can cause small itchy lumps to appear on the skin. Itch may be eased by a soothing ointment, antihistamine tablets, or steroid cream. Many insect bites are 'one-off' incidents. However, some insects infest pets, furniture, etc, and can cause repeated insect bites.
Insects, bites and stings
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Biting insects which are common in the UK include: midges, gnats, mosquitoes, flies, fleas, mites, ticks, and bedbugs.
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Stinging insects which are common in the UK include: wasps, bees and hornets. The sting is due to venom (like a poison) which the insect 'injects' into the skin.
The rest of this page is just about insect bites. See a separate page for information about insect stings which can be more serious than insect bites.
What may happen after an insect bite?
Skin reactions
You may not notice the bite (although some insect bites can be quite painful, particularly from a horsefly). However, saliva from the insect can cause a skin reaction such as:
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Irritation and itch over the site of the bite.
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A small itchy lump (papule) which may develop up to 24 hours after a bite. This typically lasts for several days before fading away. Sometimes some redness (inflammation) surrounds each papule.
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A weal which is like a small fluid filled lump and is very itchy. It may develop immediately after being bitten. A weal lasts about two hours, but is often followed by a small itchy solid lump which develops up to 24 hours later. This can last for several days before fading away.
Occasionally, skin reactions persist for weeks or months. A persistent skin reaction is particularly likely following a tick bite. Severe allergic reactions are rare after insect bites (they are more common after insect stings.)
Skin infection
Occasionally, a skin infection develops following a bite. Particularly if you scratch a lot, which can damage the skin and allow bacteria (germs) to get in. Infection causes redness and tenderness around the bite. This may gradually spread, and sometimes can become serious.
Transmitted diseases
Most insects in the UK do not transmit other diseases. The main exception is a type of tick which carries a germ called Borrelia burgdorferi which causes Lyme disease. If this germ gets into your skin it can travel to various parts of your body and cause arthritis, meningitis, and other problems. (See separate page called Lyme disease.) In hot countries, mosquito bites transmit certain germs which can cause diseases such as malaria.
What is the treatment for insect bites?
Treatments for itching
You may not need any treatment as the itch will gradually fade. No treatment will take the itch away fully, but the following may help.
- Crotamiton ointment (which you can buy at pharmacies) is soothing when rubbed onto itchy skin.
- A steroid cream may be useful to reduce any inflammation. For example, hydrocortisone which you can buy at pharmacies or get on prescription. A doctor may prescribe a stronger steroid cream in some cases.
- Antihistamines tablets may be useful if you have lots of bites. You can buy these at pharmacies, or get them on prescription. Antihistamines block the action of histamine. This is a chemical which is released in sites of skin reactions and contributes to the itch and inflammation.
Tick bites
The tick usually clings to the skin. Remove the tick as soon as possible after the bite using fine tweezers or fingernails to grab the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull it gently and slowly straight out, and try not to squeeze the body of the tick. Clean the site of the bite with disinfectant. (Traditional methods of tick removal using a burned match, petroleum jelly, or nail polish do not work well and are not recommended.)
See a doctor if you develop a rash which spreads out from a tick bite over the next week or so. Also, if you develop an unexplained high temperature (fever) within a month of the tick bite. These symptoms may be the first sign of Lyme disease and need checking out.
Antibiotics
May be required if you develop a secondary skin infection following an insect bite.
Preventing insect bites
Countryside insects
Bites from midges, gnats, mosquitoes, horseflies, and ticks are usually 'one-off' incidents. They commonly occur when you are outside, particularly in the countryside. Ways to avoid bites include:
- Wear long sleeved clothing and long trousers.
- Rub an insect repellent onto exposed areas of skin.
- Some people wear a complete head covering with a plastic viewer when out where midges are common. For example, when camping next to lakes and rivers. Many camping shops sell them.
There is no evidence that eating garlic, vitamin B1 or other foods will repel biting insects.
Infestations
Various types of fleas, mites, and bedbugs can infest (live on) pets, furniture, bedding, etc. These can cause recurring bites. You may realise that if you develop itchy spots or weals they are due to insect bites. However, some people do not realise that their 'skin rash' is caused by insect bites. They think they have some other skin disease. It may come as a surprise to find that their itchy spots are due to fleas living on their favourite pet!
If you have recurring insect bites, you should try to identify the source of the infestation and deal with it. For example, have pets checked for fleas. Your pet and/or your soft furnishings may need treatment with insecticide. See a vet for advice if you suspect that your pet is infested with fleas.
©EMIS and PIP 2005
