BITES OF ARACHNIDS AND INSECTS

The bites by insects and arachnids usually cause immediate cutaneous reactions. In the case of mites, mosquitoes and fleas (parasite insects) they cause itch, while in the case of wasps or bees (poisonous insects) they originate pain.

Mosquito bites    frequently cause a bigger number of problems while the stings of bees and wasps are more dangerous. The intoxication by bites of insects and arachnids cause more mortality than the bites of snake. The bites of spider are usually harmless although in some patients they may cause serious and adverse reactions, such as the anaphylactic shock.

The most frequent symptoms are the reddening, swelling, pain, itch, burning and numbness. In the case of the anaphylactic shock, the symptoms are general and of a quick development causing swelling in the mouth or face, chest pain, difficulty to breathe and a weak state.

Bees die when they sting because they leave their sting stuck in the skin while wasps don’t leave the sting and have more adverse reactions. In general, if there is a bite you have to remove the sting (if there is any) scraping with a straight edge object and not with forceps because these ones can increase the quantity of secreted poison when the poison sac is compressed.

It is necessary to clean the sting area with warm water and soap as well as to apply over the raised member a bag of ice for 10 minutes in intervals of the same time. Cold works as a vasoconstrictor reducing the arrival of blood and mediators of the inflammation. It can also be applied corticoids cream and an oral antihistaminic in case it would be necessary. Cream antihistaminics must be avoided because they can produce cutaneous eruptions with the sun.

In those places where there are poisonous spiders it is advisable if possible to take this arachnid to hospital for its identification or to take a photo with the digital camera.

Mosquito bites are usually in the same area and in a scattered way causing irritation and a light inflammation. In certain continents it can be a natural focus of infection of dengue or malaria.

Regarding the sting bee, the pain is intense and it produces a reddening in the skin around the sting. Fleabites and bedbugs bites are very similar between them causing small bites similar to those of mosquitoes and arranging them in line.

The tick produces pain and itching due that it puts its head inside the skin and it grows while it absorbs the blood. When removing it from the skin make sure that the head is not  there inside. The spider bites are less frequent and cause small broad beans shapes and also pruriginous injuries. Unlike insects, such bites usually show  two holes, although sometimes there is only an orifice, so it is difficult to determine if it is an insect or an arachnid.

To prevent bites it is advisable not to disturb insects, to use suitable repellents, to protect the skin with clothes and not to walk barefoot.

Bite of a common mosquito.

Bite of a common mosquito.

Bite of a common mosquito.

Bite of a tiger mosquito.

Bite of a spider

Bite of a South African poisonous spider after a year of evolution

Bite of a tick

Bite of a tick. Detail.

Bite of a tick. Detail.