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Health & Fitness

When to be more concerned than "bugged" by a bite

The warm weather has arrived and so have the insects. This time of year we often see patients who have concerns about insect bites.

At Loyola’s Immediate Care Center in Burr Ridge we have seen 925 people so far this month. The warm weather has arrived and so have the insects. This time of year we often see patients who have concerns about insect bites.

Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and chiggers are among the many pests that “bug” us this time of year. Other pests like bees, yellow jackets and wasps bring the risk of being stung which is when an insect’s stinger is embedded in the skin.  Stinging insects typically do not carry disease unlike some biting insects that can carry the infected blood of other organisms.  However, a stinging insect’s venom can cause very severe symptoms in some cases. 

Insect bite reactions can range from very mild to very severe symptoms.  Fortunately, the majority of insect bites cause only mild symptoms including local skin redness, swelling and irritation. 

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Mild reactions can typically be treated without a trip to your primary care provider.  They respond well to conservative treatments such as:

·         Washing the area of the bite with soap and warm water

·         Applying cool compresses (such as a cold pack)

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·         Applying over the counter anti-itch creams

·         Taking over the counter antihistamines such as benadryl or claritin if you have a lot of itching

·         Taking over the counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen that relieve inflammation

Some insect bites, like those of mosquitoes and fleas, can cause moderate reactions such as a hive-like rash.  This type of rash can be itchy and spread over exposed areas of skin such as the arms and legs.  Since this can be a more extensive reaction, it would be a good idea to call or visit to your primary care provider.

 Treatment for this type of reaction is typically over the counter oral antihistamines such as claritin and topical steroid creams/ointments like hydrocortisone.  If you have a lot of swelling due to your insect bite, you may require a short course of oral steroids to better control your symptoms.

Some insect bites also can lead to a skin infection called cellulitis.  Clues of infection may include insect bites that:

·         respond poorly to conservative measures

·         begin to spread

·         become increasingly red, firm, painful, warm to touch and/or drain pus

·         cause fever, fatigue and body aches to develop

It is possible for certain insects to carry more serious infections such as Lyme disease in some ticks and West Nile Virus in some mosquitoes.  If you suspect infection from an insect bite or encounter difficulty removing certain insects such as ticks with simple tweezers, you should seek medical care immediately.

Unfortunately, there are those insect bites that can cause a very severe and life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.  These symptoms involve:

·         severe widespread rash and/or flushing of skin

·         swelling

·          difficulty breathing

·         vomiting

·         low blood pressure

Anaphylaxis requires prompt medical treatment.  It is treated with the medication epinephrine.  Patients who suffer this type of reaction may also require oxygen, intravenous fluids, steroid and antihistamine injections as part of their treatment.  Anyone who has this type of reaction should be provided with and instructed on the use of self-injected epinephrine commonly known as the epipen.  Consultation with an allergy specialist also is recommended.

While insect bites can be a big nuisance this time of year, there are some small steps we can all take to help prevent them.   Some practical everyday tips include:

·         Wearing shoes, long sleeve shirts and long pants tucked into socks when going outdoors

·         Applying bug spray/insect repellent to skin and clothing

·         Wearing gloves when working outdoors

·         Staying indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are more active

·         Avoid areas of standing water as they can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes

·         Taking extra caution in wooded area where ticks are more common

·         Consider the use of insecticidal products or call to pest control if insects are present in larger numbers

·         Keep your pets healthy and flea-free

 

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