Who has never been bitten by an insect at all? At least, we must have been bitten by insects such as ants, spiders, bees, or bed bugs. Generally, insect bites only have mild symptoms. However, the fact is that there are some insects that can be fatal when bitten. Their presence, which is often not realized, sometimes makes it too late to prevent or treat it.

In order to deal with insect bites, it is important for us to know the types, symptoms and how to deal with them properly

Symptoms of Insect Bites

Symptoms that will appear after being bitten by an insect, including :

  • Itchy rash
  • Painful
  • Feels hot
  • Swelling at the sting area
  • Appearance of a rash or redness

However, in some cases, insect bites can also result :

  • Aches and pains where the bite was.
  • Fever
  • Confused
  • Out of breath
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Heart palpitations
  • Swelling of lips and throat

Although it rarely happens, insect bites can also cause an anaphylactic reaction. This condition is a severe allergic reaction which is dangerous because it can be life threatening. The toxins released by insects can trigger allergies in the body.

Usually people who experience an anaphylactic reaction will have a tight throat that makes it difficult to breathe or causes low blood pressure. This reaction usually occurs very quickly, after a few seconds or minutes after being bitten, the victim can immediately experience a loss of consciousness. If help is not immediately carried out, it can result in death.

Types of Insect Bites

In order to perform first aid measures, it's good to know the types of bites caused by insects. The following are some types of insect bites that we often encounter:


Ant Bite

Definition of an ant bite - Most ants actually do not bite, but sting. Instead of delivering an itchy 'bite', the ants actually strike with a sting. In general, stings caused by ants tend to be harmless. However, what you need to watch out for is the fire ant, as their sting can cause a reaction that can make children feel uncomfortable.

Symptoms and effects – Fire ant bites can be painful. When biting, the fire ant will inject its poison through the sting. This poison can cause various reactions. Usually, ant bites can cause spots on the stung part of the skin. After that, there will be a burning sensation within 24 hours. Around the bite area there will also be a rash accompanied by itching and pain.

When your little one experiences this condition, you can use oral medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen which are sold freely. These medicines can help reduce the pain caused by insect bites. However, so that the symptoms do not continue, it is better for you to consult a doctor or professional health worker.

What you have to watch out for from fire ant bites is the toxic content which can cause anaphylaxis. If this happens, symptoms will include a rash or flushing, difficulty breathing, dizziness and weakness. If your little one experiences this, then you should take him to the nearest hospital. Because, these reactions can be dangerous to health.


Spider bite

Definition – The bite of this insect usually comes from a spider. In general, spiders will not attack except when they feel threatened, and most spider bites are harmless. However, some spider bites contain poison, so they can cause death if not treated immediately.

Symptoms and effects – Initially, spider bites do not cause pain. However, over time it can cause sores or inflammation that feels painful. Then, the poisonous bite will leave reddish, whitish and bluish marks on the skin area for several days.

It's not enough to stop there, it is very possible to develop other symptoms that are not related to the area of the bite marks, such as neuromuscular symptoms related to nerves and muscles. These symptoms can cause muscles to suddenly feel cramped . Venomous spider bites should be controlled and treated by a medical team as soon as possible.

Bee Bite

Definition - Bee and wasp bites have a similar shape. Why is that? This is because all these insects use the same means of attack to sting. However, the difference is, the bee only attacks once, then it will break its stinger which is then left in the skin.

Symptoms and effects – Generally, bee and wasp stings cause painful swelling. Bee bites can be a health hazard for people who have allergic reactions. In addition, the death rate due to bee stings is 3-4 times greater than that due to snake bites  Bee stings can also trigger allergies. Usually, these allergies cause swelling in the area of the bite.

One of the risks that lurk if you get a bee sting is if the poison causes anaphylaxis which can endanger the safety of your little one. Some of the symptoms of anaphylaxis include a rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, itching accompanied by swelling in the area that is not stung, feeling weak, dizziness, and cramps in the abdomen.

Therefore, you must be careful when trying to remove the bee sting that is still in the skin. As much as possible, avoid pressing on the sting area so that the venom doesn't spread further and get into the skin. If the child has symptoms of anaphylactic shock, then run immediately to the hospital emergency room.

Bed Bug Bites

Definition - Bed bugs or bed bugs are small insects that are often found in beds and suck human blood. If you find small, unrecognizable blood spots on your bedding, it could be that bed bugs are already living in the area.

Symptoms and effects – Bed bug bites are usually not felt immediately because they will release a small dose of anesthetic while biting. But after a while you will feel itchy, hot or sore. These bites can appear on parts of the body such as the hands and back. Usually these bite marks will begin to appear in the morning.

Bed bug bites can appear as a red, raised bump, or a white bump in the center. There are also bites that look like zigzag lines on the skin. In some people, occasional bed bug bites can also cause swelling.

Although generally harmless, in some cases there are also bed bug bites which cause more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fever, weakness and lethargy, swollen tongue, and abnormal heartbeat.

How to treat insect bites

  • The following are some ways to treat poisonous insect bites:
  • Immediately remove the stinger (the needle-like part of the insect's body) if you see it sticking to the skin.
  • Wash the affected part of the insect bite with soap and water to relieve itching.
  • Apply a cold compress for 10 minutes to the part bitten by an insect to reduce swelling and itching.
  • Raise the body part affected by insect bites to prevent swelling from getting worse.
  • Avoid scratching the itchy area as this will make the infection worse (5).
  • Avoid traditional medicine whose effectiveness is not known, it is better to use an itch reliever ointment for insect bites which can help relieve itching and pain.

Prevention of Insect Bites

While there are ways to treat insect bites, prevention is better than cure, after all. If you are already exposed to insect bites, the sufferer can experience itching, swelling, and pain on the skin. To avoid this, you can apply the following steps:

•   Basically, the most active insects roam from evening to morning. So, try to stay indoors at that time.

•   Repair cracks in doors, windows, and tents or camping equipment. When inside the house, close all doors and windows, especially in the afternoon when insects often roam.

•   Use mosquito nets to cover beds and strollers. This suggestion is recommended for children and infants because it is better than using insect repellents made from chemicals.

•   If outdoors, use insect repellent spray. Avoid using the spray near food. If needed, you can also apply insect repellent lotion.

•   Cover and protect the skin by wearing several layers of clothing. By doing this, the poisonous insect bites will not easily touch the skin.

 

Try to always wear shoes when outdoors .

•   Avoid using products with strong perfumes, such as soap, shampoo and deodorant. Fragrances like these can attract insects .

•   Clean areas that are frequently stagnant with water at least once a week, such as swimming pools and gutters on the roofs of houses.

•   If there are used tires that are no longer used, it is best to just throw them away to prevent standing water which is a breeding ground for insects.

•   Empty flower pots or store them upside down, so they can't collect stagnant water.

•   Use electric racquets or candles to repel insects in the house.

•   Cover the bed or bed with mosquito nets, when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not closed.

•   When doing activities with your little one outdoors, protect the stroller and the bed by using a mosquito net.

•   If you have just done outdoor activities, immediately clean your body and change clothes when you get home. Don't forget to wash clothes and equipment that has been used.

•   If you want to travel outside the city, beforehand you can find out information about the types of insects that are often present at your destination.

•   Have an exterminator or an expert remove or destroy insect nests or insects that have the opportunity to bite. It's best not to do this alone .

•   Remain calm and move away slowly if you see wasps or bees – don't wave or swat at them.

Insect bites are not dangerous but can be very annoying, especially for children. Insect bites also usually leave sting marks, so it's better to take prevention and immediately take proper treatment if exposed to poison.

When to See a Doctor?

Immediately consult this problem to the doctor if:

•   Symptoms do not improve in a few days or are getting worse

•    Stinging insects around the mouth, throat or near the eyes

•     Large (10 cm or more) redness and swelling. To deal with this, the doctor will usually give allergy tests or further treatment.

•     Sufferers of insect bites experience swelling or redness with signs of wound infection, such as pus or persistent pain. If this condition lasts, chances are the doctor will give antibiotics.

•     There are symptoms of a more serious infection such as fever, swollen glands, or other flu-like symptoms.

If you are bitten by an insect, you should immediately go to the emergency

room if :

•         Dizziness or weakness

•         Difficulty swallowing

•         The patient experiences shortness of breath

•         Swelling around the face, mouth or throat

•         Unbearable pain

•         Very fast heartbeat

•         Loss of consciousness or feeling like fainting