They are the great nightmare of every summer. The insects They take advantage of the high temperatures, the few centimeters of clothing and outdoor excursions to do their thing and bite us.
Although they are very common, and one of the most common reasons for consultation In Primary Care, most are mild and do not require any specific treatment.
As explained by doctors Roi Pineiro and ivan carabanopediatricians in (Madrid):
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“Most bites produce painful, urticarial, inflammatory papules, which tend to resolve within hours or days, and often spontaneously.”
It is recommended to alleviate the symptoms caused by insect bites “the application of local cold because it allows a anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and decreases the absorption of some poisons, while heat can inactivate some heat labile toxins.
However, it must be taken into account that those insects that inoculate venom can cause allergic reactions. Mostly we refer to bees and wasps. It is estimated that it affects 2.3% of the general population.
The symptoms range from a local reaction in the area to a , which requires medical assistance with administration of adrenaline, corticosteroids and antihistamines.
Mortality is between 0.03 and 0.48 deaths per million people per year.
This is how the most common insect bites are
- Mosquito. It is the most frequent. This small insect, measuring between 3 and 6 mm, causes an annoying itch (and a nasty buzzing noise). Only female mosquitoes, which feed on blood, bite people and animals. Hence, they have a kind of sword in their mouths, designed to pierce our skin and extract blood.
And why do they always bite the same people? A study carried out in , in the United States, and published in indicates that its preferred victims are pregnant women and people who have a greater body mass, higher temperature and humidity.
The sting of the tiger mosquitowhich appeared in the Barcelona area in 2004, produces a more uncomfortable reaction compared to that of the common mosquito: itching, inflammation or rash.
It presents with a small round wheal (bump on the skin) that causes hives. It usually occurs within a few minutes of being bitten.
Although the risk is low, mosquitoes can transmit a disease to us: Zika, dengue or chikungunya.
- bee or wasp. When a bee stings us, it dies, since the sting remains stuck in the sting. However, the same does not happen with the wasp, which can sting us several times in a row. Although, as already mentioned, allergic reactions to these stings are not frequent, they can be easily identified.
Pain, itching, and redness in the area, which usually measures about 1 centimeter in diameter. If the area becomes inflamed, it can reach up to 5 centimeters. It is usually resolved automatically in a few hours without major complications.
The (SEAIC) emphasizes that people in good health “can withstand 1 to 25 bites quite well.” The toxic effects “appear after 50 bites and the lethal dose for a child would be 100 bites and 500 bites for an adult”. And they can cause both coagulation disorders and rupture of red blood cells.
DO INSECT REPELLENTS WORK?
They are the best prophylactic method to avoid insect bites and the possible spread of diseases. They usually protect from 4 to 8 hours and do not kill the bug, it just keeps it away from the area where the product has been applied. It is essential to read the before use and use it according to the instructions on the package.
- Bug. This insect (which is the size of an apple seed) is usually housed in mattresses and pillows. It is common for them to bite at night, since they come out to feed, and do not spread diseases.
The bites (in the form of a zigzag) are very characteristic: very small wheals with a darker center and that are very itchy. The most common areas where bed bugs bite are face, neck, hands and arms. They usually go away without treatment in one to two weeks.
- Flea. Uncommon in humans. They prefer pets. But if we live with a domestic animal, it is likely that we will suffer a bite from this insect, a parasite that feeds on blood and measures 1.5 millimeters. The risk increases if we live in the countryside or if we walk our dog through wooded areas.
They are presented with red bumpsusually in a group of several bites in a straight line, causing inflammation, itching, redness and even scabs.
- Tick. Like fleas, they prefer pets. But they cannot be ruled out. They are one of the most dangerous insects, as they can transmit Lyme disease or Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.
Tick bites can be avoided if we wear long sleeves and long pants when we go out into the field, as well as opting for closed shoes. It is also important do not cross areas with vegetation and apply antiparasitic to domestic pets.
When faced with a tick bite, do not pay attention to popular belief: neither oil nor heat. It is best to remove it with a tweezer and clean the area with soap and water. If a rash, fever, muscle pain or headache occurs, you should go to the emergency room.
- Spider. It is one of the most difficult bites to differentiate. It causes redness, pain, and swelling. The most dangerous species in the world are the black widow, the brown spider and the European tarantula. The rest of the species do not present complications, since they are mild bites that do not produce severe symptoms.
Therefore, if we do not know what type of spider has bitten us, we have severe pain, we start having trouble breathing or red spots appear on the skin, we should consult a doctor.