Dangerous Bites and Stings
Bites and stings are more than a nuisance when they cause an allergic reaction or transmit diseases.
Allergic Reactions
Some people are allergic to the venom injected by some spiders and insects, especially bees. When this happens, the body overreacts and sends "fighter" cells to combat the venom. This can cause dangerous symptoms. If you or your child have been bitten or stung, especially by many insects at the same time, there may be an allergic reaction. Seek immediate emergency care for the following:
- Trouble breathing.
- Red bumps (hives) in places where there was no sting.
- A bite that becomes redder and more swollen over time.
- A headache or dizzy feeling.
- Coughing or choking.
- Vomiting or nausea.
- Painful cramps, or pains or tightness in the throat or chest.
- An unusually fast heartbeat.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or face.
- A bite in the mouth.
Those with a history of allergies to bites or stings should see an allergist who can advise how to manage the allergies. If your child has a history, the doctor can tell you how to work with school teachers, babysitters and other caregivers to make sure they know what to do if your child has another reaction.
Insects that Transmit Disease
Most bug bites don’t cause illness, but some ticks and mosquitoes carry diseases such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Although very few people get these diseases, it’s still important to avoid bites by these insects and to know what to do if it happens.
Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Excess fatigue, headache, fever, body aches or other flu-like symptoms.
- A red doughnut or bull’s-eye-shaped rash: this can be a sign of Lyme disease.
- A red to black spotty rash: this can be a sign of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
If you see these signs after a bug bite, contact a doctor right away.
Next: Eczema
Photo references:
Bulls-eye rash: Photo used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.
Rocky mountain spotted fever rash: This photo was previously published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2003 Sept;49(3):363-92. Smith D, Tsao S. “Dermatoses from ticks.” Copyright Elsevier (2003).
