Bug Bite Treatment

I hate bugs, especially the ones that "bite." For me, I lump all stinging and biting creatures into this bug category, so I choose to use the general definition of "bugs" to include all insects and insect-like invertebrates that bite or sting. Some people are more susceptible to bug bites than others. I am one of those unlucky people that mosquito populations must have a personal vendetta against. Consequently, I have had some experience with bug bites.

In general, most bug bites are simply an annoyance. Common symptoms of benign bug bites include:

• redness,
• mild burning,
• localized and minor swelling or pain, and
• itching.

Most bug bite symptoms last for about a day or so, and then slowly resolve.

Bites from the more benign category include:

• most mosquitos;
• bedbugs;
• many ticks;
• some biting flies and ants;
• fleas;
• chiggers;
• lice;
• mites (for example, scabies, dust mites, and chiggers); and
• some non-poisonous spiders.

Bites or stings from bees, hornets, fire ants, wasps, yellow jackets , some spiders (brown recluse and black widow, most notably) and scorpions produce symptoms that can range from mild to severe.

With some "bugs" (for example, mosquitos, ticks, flies, and "kissing bugs") the bites themselves are not the problem, but the infectious agents that are transmitted by the bite (for example, bacteria, viruses, and parasites) that cause diseases are the real problem. There are specific articles on these diseases and infectious agents; however, in this article, I will briefly discuss the treatment of common "bug bites," and what to be aware of in case the bite or sting causes more than the common irritating symptoms listed above. Because of their smaller body mass and developing immune system, children may have more intense reactions to bug bites than adults.

The best way to "treat" bug bites is to avoid being bitten. The CDC has published guidelines on how to avoid bug bites and stings. Essentially, the CDC recommends that individuals dress in long pants and wear shirts with sleeves, use insect repellent appropriately, and avoid areas where "bugs" live (for example, high grass, old wood piles, dark and damp areas). The reality is that during the spring and summer months, most people will not follow these guidelines, and even if they do, some people (like me) will still get bites or stings.

If you (or a child) has been bitten or stung, the first line of treatment is to:

• quickly check to see what caused the sting or bite such as a mosquito, ant, or bee; and
• get away from the situation to avoid further bites or stings.

Next steps include

• If a stinger is lodged in the skin, remove it by pulling, brushing or scraping it out of the skin. Tweezers, credit cards, tape, and fine brushes can be used because the stingers are usually not embedded deep in the skin.
• Wash the sting or bite area with mild soap and water.
• If possible, without endangering anyone, capturing and/or killing the "bug" may be useful in identifying the "bug".

Reducing swelling and pain

I have used the following methods to treat myself and others, including children, with success.

• Immediate treatment that may reduce swelling and pain consists of ice packs wrapped in a towel applied to the site of the bite or sting (frozen peas or corn can be used instead of ice as it will conform to the injured area).
• Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen containing over-the-counter medications to reduce the pain. Avoid aspirin use in children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
• A paste or watery mixture of baking soda applied topically may help reduce itching; calamine lotion or creams containing hydrocortisone or agents like lidocaine will also reduce itching and pain.
• Over-the-counter medication containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can be taken orally to reduce itching.

SLIDESHOW

Rosacea, Acne, Shingles, Covid-19 Rashes: Common Adult Skin Diseases See Slideshow

Natural or home remedies that may work include tea tree oil, lavender oil, o, oatmeal, fresh-cut onion, or toothpaste applied topically to the bite also have been reported to reduce symptoms of bites and stings. However, most of my colleagues and friends in the medical field and I have had no personal experience with these home remedies.

Although most bites and stings produce mild symptoms, some do not. The most immediate problem that may develop with some people is an allergic reaction to a bug bite or sting, which can be a medical emergency. The following signs and symptoms indicate the person should receive immediate (emergency) treatment:

• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness, syncope (passing out) or near-syncope
• Confusion
• Hives, especially rapidly occurring large hives
• Stomach cramps,
• Nausea and vomiting

If the person who has been bitten or stung carries an Epipen (epinephrine in an auto-injector syringe), inject it into the person's thigh, loosen any tight clothing, call 911, and if warranted, initiate CPR.

There are a few bites and stings that can lead to the development of long-term medical problems that are not covered in the scope of this article in which the "bugs" act as vectors for specific pathogens such as:

• Chagas disease (caused by the kissing bug)
• Lyme disease
• Yellow fever
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Tularemia
• Malaria
• Dengue fever
• Leishmaniasis
• Plague
• Bedbugs
• West Nile virus

Is there any wonder why I hate "bugs"?