How to Recognize 7 Kinds of Common Insect Bites

They lurk everywhere. On a mountain track, by the pool, in the garden, in the forest and even in your own bed. The bugs that bite. Excited with our summer holidays we often pay no attention to bites and whatever changes we see on our skin, we only blame the mosquitoes. However, sometimes seemingly trivial bites might have some serious consequences. You are just about to learn how to recognise particular insect bites and what to do about them.

What does it look like?

Mosquito bites are very common. They are irritating itchy bumps with a dot in the middle. They are red and pretty hard. They usually pop up a few minutes after a bite. Usually they are the size of a blackberry, round or water drop-shaped.

What to do?

• Try not to touch the affected area to reduce the risk of infections

• Rinse the area with water and soap and, if possible, apply a cold compress

• You can also apply aloe, baking soda or have a cold bath with no soap.

Please note that if you have headaches, high temperature, shivers or any other unusual symptoms, you need to consult a doctor.

What does it look like?

It is really easy to identify a tick bite because the insect remains attached to skin, even up to 10 days. If the tick has come off, you will see a tiny red circle around the bitten spot. Remember that ticks very often bite in warm parts of our bodies, for example armpits.

What to do?

• If the tick is still attached to your skin, the first thing you need to do is to remove it. Take tweezers and grip the tick as close to skin as possible. Then pull it vertically upwards

• Once the tick is gone, disinfect the area or rinse it with soapy water

• Once you remove the tick, drown it in water or alcohol, then put into a sealed container and throw away

Please note that some ticks can transmit Lyme disease. The first symptom of the disease is rash that can appear as late as a month after the bite. Other possible symptoms include headache, fever, fatigue, aching joints and muscles as well as heart arrhythmia. Should you notice any of these symptoms, consult the doctor immediately.

What does it look like?

Fleas bite a few times in a given area, usually on lower parts of our body (feet, ankles, legs). The bites are really small, looking like tine red dots with an aureole. They are usually painful and itchy.

What to do?

• Apply an antiseptic to prevent the spread of infection and scratching

• Use ice or cold water to prevent swelling and inflammation

• Use a cream or balm. If they don’t work, use antihistamines.

Please note that if you suffer from nausea, experience problems with breathing, swelling lips or face, you should see your doctor immediately.

What does it look like?

At first their bites look like tiny red dots that cause a burning feeling on skin. A day or two later white pustule appear. They are itchy and may turn into scars.

What to do?

• Rinse the affected area with soapy water, cover it with bandage and apply ice to ease the pain

• In most cases ant bites do not require any extra treatment and should disappear within a week.

• To relieve the discomfort you can also take some painkillers or antihistamines.

Please note that bites that continue to grow or swell after a day or two might mean secondary infection. Difficulties in breathing, swollen throat and dizziness are symptoms that must not be ignored and need to be consulted with the doctor as soon as possible.

What does it look like?

The bug bites are easy to tell from others. If you see red swollen bumps close together and forming a straight line or a random pattern, it means you have been bitten by a bug. They usually bite exposed skin areas – neck, shoulders and arms.

What to do?

• To reduce the risk of infection rinse the bite with soapy water. Try not to scratch it.

• To ease the itchiness and prevent swelling, put something cold on the bite, for example a clean wet cloth.

• You can also apply a cream reducing itchiness or calamine lotion.

• Take a porridge bath to reduce the itchiness and the swelling.

What does it look like?

The area bitten by a wasp swells and goes reddish. It is painful and burning. There is one thing you ought to know – a wasp does not lose its sting and can use it several times.

What to do?

• The first thing you need to do while dealing with wasps is to prevent more bites. Stay away from the place where you were bitten or where the wasp nest might be. Apply a repellent.

• If you have already been bitten, rinse it with cold water and use a cold compress.

• Apple vinegar can be helpful. It helps to reduce the pain and swelling

Please note that difficulties in breathing, dizziness, swelling face and lips might be symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. If you experience any of them, call the emergency immediately.

What does it look like?

Once you got stung by a bee, your skin will swell and go reddish. The sting will be clearly visible in the middle. After some time you can feel burning, severe pain and itchiness.

What to do?

• Remove the sting as soon as possible. Use a blunt object to do it, for example a credit card or your finger nails. Do not use tweezers or anything that could pierce the skin. Remember that the longer the sting remains in your skin, the more toxins will be released

• Rinse the affected area with soapy water to prevent infection

• Apply a cold compress to slow down venom absorption

Please note that if you notice that your lips and tongue swell, parts of body that were not bitten begin to be itchy or you experience problems with breathing, you need to call emergence immediately.