Insect Bite Identification – Blister, Infection, Reaction, Pictures

It is common for all individuals to be affected by insect bites and stings in the everyday life. Insect bites can lead to redness, inflammation or swelling and itchiness in the affected area. Occasionally, insect bites can cause intense allergic reactions involving breathing difficulties, formation of hives, etc.

Some of the commonly occurring insects include bees, flies, moths, beetles, butterflies, ants and wasps.

Insect bite symptoms

• Insect bites and stings can be identified with several different symptoms and their manifestation relies on various kinds of factors.
• A majority of the insect bites result in collective symptoms of redness, pain, excessive itchiness and swelling at the region affected by an insect bite.
• When an insect bite occurs on the tongue then it can cause the throat to swell up, resulting in respiratory obstruction and untimely death.
• When affected individuals scratch an insect bite to relieve itching, then it may cause the skin to tear, making it susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. It is important to immediately seek medical attentions for such infections, as it can lead to severe diseases like cellulitis.
• The insect bite of a fire ant can lead to the formation of a pustule which leads to significant itchiness and pain
• It has been reported that, on rare occasions when an individual is affected by insect bites from thousands of large hornets or bees, then it can cause failure of kidneys or muscle breakdown
• When an individual who is allergic to insect bites or bee stings gets bitten, then it can lead to serious allergic reactions called anaphylaxis. These allergic reactions can lead to many different symptoms, including hives, wheezing, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness and even death, inside thirty minutes of the insect bite.

Insect bite identification

It is important to note that all insect bites do not look alike. Insect bite identification is possible by understand the different marks left behind by various types of insect bites. A few examples are given below:

• Tick bites: They usually do not cause pain and have a bright red appearance. The insect bite may have a darker and deeper center. It is often possible to find the tick adhering to the affected skin with its head buried into it. In such a scenario, avoid pulling out the tick as the head may be left beneath the skin.
• Spider bites: Such insect bites identification is easy due to the presence of two small bite marks next to one another, indication the insertion of its fangs into the skin. However, one may note that other insect bites can also result in similar marks. In a majority of the cases, the spider bite is harmless. But one has to watch the insect bite for some time to check for the occurrence of serious symptoms, indicating bite of a venomous spider.
  • The bite of a brown recluse spider will cause the affected skin to become red, gradually turning white and finally taking the shape of a bulls-eye. It can also adversely affect the skin by causing the appearance of blisters. It is important to note that the insect bite by a brown recluse spider may not initially cause pain, but can later become increasingly sensitive along with the development of a solid lump beneath the skin or a nodule at the affected area.
  • Gnat bite: This insect bite identification is possible due to the occurrence of intense itching at the affected spot, along with inflammation and localized swelling. The appearance of gnat bites can be compared to mosquito bites, but result in more serious itchiness and skin irritation. They are often misdiagnosed as skin infections or rashes.
  • Flea bite: This insect bite identification is possible by the development of tiny red nodules at the affected site. A few individuals may suffer from allergic reactions to the flea bite leading to intense itching.
  • Ant bites: Ants are offensive insects as opposed to spiders which cause insect bites to defend themselves and only use it as a final tactic. However, ants are always ready to strike at the least bit of provocation. Ant bite identification is possible by the appearance of a tiny bump which leads to light burning sensations and itching. The symptoms disappear in a few hours to a couple of days.
    • However, as discussed earlier, fire ant bites are more severe in nature. They generally result in the formation of a bump along with itching, mild pain and burning sensations. The bite may later turn into a pus filled blister which can be very painful.

Treatment of insect bites

A majority of the insect bites are normally undamaging and do not lead to health complications. However, in case of severe allergic reactions to insect bites, immediate medical attention is essential.

A few ways to treat insect bites are as follows:

• The skin affected by insect bites should be thoroughly washed with an antiseptic soap and water.
• One can find relief by applying an ice pack. Pain killer drugs can be taken to reduce the accompanying pain, if any
• In case, symptoms persist, one needs to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Insect bites pictures

This is an example of a mosquito bite

This is an example of a spider bite

These are what bed bug bites look like

This is a picture of a chigger bite

This is an example of a flea bite

This is the example of the red fire ant bite

Tick bite are conspicuous by the bull’s eye formation