Insect Bite Reaction
Insect Bite Reaction
An insect bite reaction occurs when an insect, such as a mosquito, flea, bedbug, or tick, bites a person. The bite triggers an immune response or an allergic reaction in the body to the secretions or saliva released by the insect. The severity and type of reaction can vary depending on the individual's sensitivity to the insect's saliva and the specific insect species involved.
The reaction could be localised to the area bit by the insect, or it can become generalised to involve large areas of body. These type of reactions can occur immediately after the bite, or can occur after a gap of some time.
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Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of insect bite reaction include-
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling on bite area
- Pain and discomfort
- Oozing
- Hives or weals in body
- Dizziness or difficulty in breathing in rare cases
Causes/ Triggers
Insect bite reaction is caused by an allergic reaction to saliva or secretions, from bite of certain insects like-
- Ticks
- Bedbugs
- Mosquito
- Flea
Home Care
- Wash the affected area with mild soap and water
- Do not use strong solutions like betadine, dettol, to reduce the risk of further reaction
- Apply ice pack wrapped in a cloth on affected area
- Avoid scratching the bite area
- If you suspect a tick bite, remove the tick carefully with tweezers, grasping it close to the skin and pulling upward with steady pressure. Clean the area with antiseptic afterward.
- Apply moisturiser on affected area
- Do not use steroids on affected area unsupervised
Treatment
At Skinfinity Derma, we offer a wide range of treatment options to help you manage insect bite reaction effectively. Our team of dermatologists will work with you to create a treatment plan for insect bite reaction.
Some of the most common treatments we offer for include:
- Topical medications- These are creams and lotions which work on soothing the body, reduce itching, redness and swelling, or reduce any superadded infection which may develop.
- Oral medications- There are tablets to reduce the severity of condition, itching, or any other infection which may develop. These are very helpful when the reaction is severe and involves large areas.
