Bug Bites - when to seek medical attention
7/31/2014
By Lisa Williams, RN, BSN
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital Emergency Department Director
Many people enjoy being outdoors during the warm weather, and bugs are no different. When the weather is nice, insects can be observed enjoying the summer days as well. It's important to know how to avoid situations that can lead to stings and bites. If you are bitten or stung, it's also important to know what to do.
When a bug bites or stings the human body reacts to the injection of the bug's venom or saliva beneath the skin. Often, bugs have no effect since they have small mouths, can't penetrate the skin or their venom doesn't cause a reaction. If a reaction does occur, it could be harmless to life-threatening. Most bites can be treated with over-the-counter medications or home remedies. However, it is very important to know when a sting or bite requires medical attention.
Bites
Mosquitoes, biting flies and ants are the usual suspects for bites. Mosquito bites cause an itchy, red bump that goes away within a few days. To avoid mosquitoes, wear long sleeves and pants. Another alternative is to use insect repellant containing DEET.
Biting flies include deerflies, blackflies and horseflies. Though their bites rarely cause an allergic reaction, their bite is more painful than a mosquito's.
Ant bites are painful - especially when more than one ant is involved - and may result in a red bump. To avoid biting flies and ants, be wary of their locations and keep your distance without disturbing them. Bug repellent also may help ward off biting flies.
Spider Bites
Spiders are note for being responsible for dangerous and painful bites. Many only give a minor reaction when they bite including redness and pain. However, two common North American spiders - the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse - are dangerous.
The female Black Widow has a shiny black body and a red hourglass on her stomach. The Widow's venom is poisonous. If anyone has been bitten - or thinks they have been bitten - by a Black Widow, seek medical attention immediately.
The Brown Recluse in named for its shy nature and only bites when it thinks it's in danger. These spiders are about 3/8" long and are identified by their hairy, brown legs. Recluses are less dangerous than the Black Widow. However, a Recluse's bite may cause a large, painful wound requiring medical attention. Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems should be cautious of the Brown Recluse because they are more likely to have a serious reaction to the spider's bite.
Stings
Common insects that sting include wasps, hornets and bees. Their painful stings occur when the bug inserts its needle-like stinger into a person's skin. Most will not attack unless provoked. If you encounter one of these insects remain calm. Cover your face and walk away slowly. If you run or swat at the bug, it could startle the insect and it will be more likely to attack. Do not kill the insect unless you absolutely have to. They can give off a scent that will alarm others to attack.
Reactions and treatment
Depending on the severity of a person's reaction to the bite or sting will determine what treatment you need. Normal reactions may consist of a small swelling or redness and includes a mild amount of itching or pain. The redness and swelling may be treated with a cold compress and over-the-counter medication for pain such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or Benedryl.
It is considered a local reaction if swelling and redness spread to the entire leg, arm or other part of the body and significant pain is experienced. It is important to seek medical attention if these symptoms haven’t improved within several hours. Prescription medication will be needed.
The severe, life-threatening reaction – or anaphylaxis – is marked by swelling of the throat and mouth, severe itching, hives and swelling throughout the body. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention – call 911.
Those experiencing anaphylaxis – or a severe reaction – in the past should speak with their physician about keeping an emergency dose of antihistamine on hand.
About Siloam Springs Regional Hospital
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a 73 licensed bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission. Some services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical, and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 30 physicians on the medical staff, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provide compassionate, customer focused care. The new facility, which opened April 2012, is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs, Ark. For more information, visit SSRH.net.
Back