Insect bites and stings can lead to reactions ranging from local irritation and mild swelling, through to dangerous anaphylaxis with unconsciousness and respiratory distress.
Insect bites tend to be seasonal and increase during the summer months when more insects are active and more skin is exposed. In the UK, insect stings are the second most common cause of anaphylaxis outside of medical settings.
Insect venom induces a toxic reaction at the site of the sting. Large local reactions are due to allergy. There is often a skin reaction to an insect bite and this may lead to itching and red areas or bumps and sometimes a secondary bacterial infection can also be present.
General management measures include cooling the skin, use of calamine and antihistamines to reduce itching, antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection if one develops and any specific treatment for disease transmitted as a result of the bite.
Treatment for insect bites
✅Treatment for local reactions is aimed at alleviating discomfort and swelling. Clean the area and advise that simple first aid measures such as the use of cold compresses may help reduce local pain and swelling. Severe reactions and anaphylaxis require immediate intervention to maintain airway patency and prevent cardiovascular collapse.
✅Advise the person on prevention of secondary infections with good hygiene and avoidance of itching.
✅Simple pain relief with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
✅Oral antihistamines or topical corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone 1%) may help reduce itching associated with skin reactions.
✅If secondary infection develops, cellulitis can be treated with oral antibiotics. In this instance fill in the e-consultation form and one of our clinicians will be able to assess your request, and follow up with a consultation.