Medical Health Encyclopedia

Insect bites and stings

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N P R S T U W

Bedbug - close-up Black widow spider Body louse Flea Fly Insect, the basic features of adults Kissing bug Dust mite Mosquito, adult feeding on the skin Mosquito, egg raft Mosquito, larvae Mosquito, pupa Wasp Insect stings and allergy Brown recluse spider Black widow spider Stinger removal Flea bite - close-up Insect bite reaction - close-up Insect bites on the legs Head louse emerging from egg Head louse, male Head louse - female Head louse infestation - scalp Lice, body with stool (Pediculus humanus) Body louse, female and larvae Crab louse, female Pubic louse-male Crab lice Head louse and pubic louse Brown recluse spider bite on the hand Insect bites and stings

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Insect bites and stings

Definition:

Insect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets are usually painful. Bites caused by mosquitoes, fleas, and mites are more likely to cause itching than pain.

Alternative Names:
Bedbug bite; Bee sting; Bites - insects, bees, and spiders; Black widow spider bite; Brown recluse bite; Flea bite; Honey bee or hornet sting; Lice bites; Mite bite; Scorpion bite; Spider bite; Wasp sting; Yellow jacket sting

Text Continues Below

---

Considerations:

In most cases, bites and stings can be easily treated at home. However, some people have a severe allergic reaction to insect bites and stings. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, and it requires urgent emergency care. Severe reactions can affect the whole body and may occur very quickly, often within minutes. These severe reactions can be rapidly fatal if untreated. Call 911 if you are with someone who has trouble breathing or goes into shock.

Some spider bites, like those of the black widow or brown recluse, are also serious and can be life-threatening. Most spider bites, however, are harmless. If bitten by an insect or spider, bring it for identification if this can be done quickly and safely.