Symptoms of Bites, insect

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Insect bites are normally very itchy and form a lump. If you look closely you can see a small hole, which is the actual bite. The lump may be small with inflammation around it or it may be filled with fluid (this is called a weal). Bites should clear up within 1-2 days.

If the bite starts to swell up or does not go away after about 2 days, or if you develop a rash, experience flu-like symptoms, or have swollen glands, you should make an appointment to see your GP as the bite may be infected.

If you have been bitten by fleas the bites will probably be around your ankles or your knees and will form in clusters.
Bites from bedbugs are not usually painful.
Bites from midges, mosquitoes and mites are normally very itchy. A bite from a mosquito when abroad in a hot country can lead to malaria (see malaria). There have been a small number of cases of tourists in Europe catching West Nile virus from mosquito bites.
A bite from a horsefly can be very painful, can take a long time to heal and can lead to an infection. This is because the horsefly cuts the skin when it bites, whereas other insects pierce the skin.
Ticks in forested areas where deer live can carry a bacterial infection called Borrelia burgdorferi, which can cause Lyme disease. The long-term consequences of untreated Lyme disease can be severe. If you notice a red spot close to the tick bite or develop a rash around your armpit, groin and thighs or a flu-like illness after being bitten, see your GP. Antibiotic treatment will be necessary.
The Blandford fly (or blackfly) is found in an arc running from East Anglia, through Oxfordshire to Dorset. It usually bites on the legs, around May and June, and its bites can blister and be severely painful.