Swelling after insect bite – causes, treatment and prevention

causes

The causes of swelling after an insect bite lie on the one hand in the insect bite itself and on the other hand in the human immune system . Swelling after an insect bite occurs solely because the bite released substances into the blood to which the body responds with a defense. In the case of a mosquito, for example, these are anticoagulant substances that ensure that it can drink unhindered and that the small puncture is not immediately closed again by the coagulation.However, a healthy person usually only reacts with a small swelling after an insect bite. If the reaction is different, it could be a hypersensitive reaction of the body or even a real allergy to the insect. The swelling after an insect bite in this case is greater than usual, it can limit movement and bring a throbbing throbbing pain. It can also develop into a rash, fester or itch. Redness at the injection site beyond the sting is also uncommon and indicates an unusually sensitive immune system response.

Diseases

• Allergies

• insect bite allergy

• hornet bite

When to the doctor?

Swelling after an insect bite is a natural phenomenon and does not always require specialist clarification. A doctor’s visit is recommended if the swelling increases rapidly or is accompanied by a rash; there is an accompanying fever and headache; Difficulty breathing, dizziness, or constriction in the chest and airways. Nausea and vomiting are also indicators of a life-threatening allergy and a reason for immediate medical attention.

In the event of a circulatory collapse, the emergency services must be alerted, since an allergic shock may be present which, if left untreated, can lead to death. That being said, medical attention should be sought if an infection is suspected. The following signs suggest an infection: itching and redness, which is often accompanied by intense warmth in the area of ​​the swelling; fever with circulatory problems, nausea and vomiting; shock and unconsciousness.

If symptoms are present, an ambulance should always be called immediately. The same applies to bites in the mouth and throat, as there is a risk of severe breathing difficulties and suffocation. If an allergic reaction or an infection is suspected, the insect bite and the swelling should always be checked out by a specialist. The same applies to bites by poisonous or unknown insects.

diagnosis and course

Swelling after an insect bite usually occurs immediately after the bite. The puncture site hurts and swells within a few minutes. The skin around the puncture site reddens and itching can occur – this varies from insect to insect. With a healthy and normal swelling after an insect bite, however, these processes can be observed on a small scale. If the swelling is hypersensitive and potentially dangerous, the puncture site will swell larger than normal immediately after the sting.

In the case of existing allergies or overreactions of the immune system, the excessive swelling after an insect bite does not last longer than the swelling in a healthy person. On the other hand, if hypersensitivity occurs for the first time, the insect bite often swells extremely hours later, whereas it had developed quite normally up to that point. This happens because the immune system only reacted to an invading foreign substance after the bite. Typically, swelling after an insect bite will subside within a few days and should be much better by the day after.

complications

In most cases, there are no further complications from swelling after an insect bite. The skin on the affected area often turns red and starts to itch. This is a common symptom that usually disappears after a few days. However, the patient should not scratch the area, with it wounds and scarsbe prevented. In rare cases, pus may form in a blister after the insect bite. This can be carefully opened and cleaned. There are no other complaints here either. Poor hygiene can cause the swelling to become infected. This causes pain and a rash on the affected area. In the case of an exotic insect, the sting itself can be painful and lead to other ailments. These include headaches, dizziness and nausea. A doctor should always be consulted with these symptoms as this can be a life-threatening situation. With ordinary and harmless insects, however, the swelling disappears on its own and does not lead to any further problems.

treatment and therapy

A normal and healthy swelling from an insect bite does not need treatment as it will heal on its own. Exceptions are insects that leave particularly serious stings, such as hornets. Here it should at least be examined whether the thorn is still in the wound. This also applies to all other insects whose sting could get stuck. Attached to such spikes is a sac that continually releases new venom, much like an IV . The sting must be removed, because then the continued supply of poison is stopped.

If, on the other hand, the swelling after an insect bite is visibly larger than it should be, it is best for the affected person to see a doctor as a precaution. Even in adulthood, an allergy can still occur for the first time, which is why it is never wrong to have a rapidly developing swelling after an insect bite examined. Usually it is just a hypersensitivity or a particularly aggressive insect. The doctor can prescribe decongestants and, if you have allergies, antihistamines , which will help the swelling go down quickly. These drugs work well even if the swelling from an insect bite has only gotten worse hours or days after the bite.

prevention

Allergy sufferers need to exercise caution as swelling after an insect bite could become serious at any time. Even mild allergies can turn severe. Insect repellent and preferably avoiding places where there are particularly large numbers of insects are recommended for allergy sufferers.Even healthy people should protect themselves from particularly dangerous insects such as hornets in this way and not provoke the hornets. As a healthy person, every insect bite should be examined carefully to prevent a sting from getting stuck, as this can also lead to unusually large swellings. If you are unsure, consult your doctor.