Many are the insects that cause bites and various skin lesions to feed or defend themselves, including mosquitoes, mosquitoes, fleas, bed bugs, bees, wasps, etc.
Insect bites occur very frequently, causing minor injuries such as irritation or stinging in the tasting area. Despite this, some bites tend to become painful and generate allergic reactions that can become serious, putting those who suffer from them at risk. At this point, the question arises: ” when to worry about a sting? ” Therefore, I invite you to continue reading this FastlyHealarticle, where you will get all the information.
Table of Contents
How to tell if a bite is dangerous
Insect bites, such as mosquitoes, bees, or ants, can cause skin damage and become dangerous due to bacteria that live on the skin’s surface, which can get into these tiny puncture points and become an infection or trigger an allergic reaction that could become life-threatening.
To recognize that a bite has become dangerous, you must take into account some characteristic symptoms on the skin around the injury; among them are:
- Swelling
- Itch.
- Redness or the presence of a rash.
- Pain in the affected area and the muscles.
- Heat around the sting site.
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the area in question.
The presence of one or any of these symptoms is a warning that the bite is dangerous, so you should pay attention and go to the doctor.
When to go to the ER for an insect bite
The moment signs of a severe allergic reaction from an insect bite appear, they can cause anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, which is considered a medical emergency. For this reason, you should go immediately to a health center.
In cases where the following symptoms are present, be sure to go to the emergency room:
- Shaking chills.
- Fever over 38.5 ° C.
- Headache.
- Chest pain or cramps after an insect bite.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Sickness.
- Threw up.
- Palpitations
- Pain in or around the edge worsens over time.
- When signs of lymphangitis appear (red streaks coming from the taste).
- Redness in the area of the taste increases with the passing of days.
- Presence of sores as well as abscesses in the said lesion.
- Loss of consciousness.
Other situations may arise, and that should be a reason for immediate medical consultation:
- Itching in addition to pain in the mouth, nose, or throat.
- If flu symptoms appear days after a mosquito or tick injury.
- Rash.
- Presence of an ulcer at the bite site, primarily if a spider has caused it.
If you feel ill after being bitten by an insect, do not hesitate to consult a doctor, he will proceed to perform the tests he deems necessary to rule out any condition.
How long can an insect bite last?
Generally, insect bites heal after a few days of mild discomfort. Each person reacts differently to these injuries. However, some can become a real problem since they can become severe and take a little longer to heal in cases where the person suffers an infection or triggers an allergic reaction.
The characteristic swelling that occurs after the bite can last 48 hours. When there are no complications such as infection or an allergic reaction, these lesions can last for about 3 days. On the other hand, when these complications exist, they can last up to 7 days.
How to avoid insect bites
Some of the tips that can help you avoid insect bites are:
- It would be best to stay alert and away from nests or hives that contain insects.
- If you are outdoors, you should wear hats and clothing according to the place where you are.
- If you are allergic, take antihistamines. You will avoid an allergic reaction if an insect bites you with them.
- Use citronella candles. These serve as repellent.
- Try not to put on perfumes or lotions that have a strong odor.
- Avoid wearing bright colors, as these attract the attention of animals.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to When to worry about a sting? We recommend that you enter our category of Skin, hair, and nails.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.