Mostbug bites and stingsare a minor irritation, and you may simply want to relieve the pain, itch, and swelling. But you might be worried it they have the potential for more serious consequences.
Here is what you should do when you get bitten or stung in North America.
1Identify the Insect That Bit or Stung YouGunter Ziesler / PhotoLibrary / Getty ImagesInsects, spiders, and scorpions are capable of causing verypainful reactions. It’s very helpful if you know what did the biting or stinging:Mosquito bitescan expose you to serious diseases likeWest Nile virusor Zika.Mosquitoes are usually found near standing water.Tick bitescan expose you to Rocky Mountain spotted fever orLyme disease.They are usually found in wooded areas.Biting fliescan be found around garbage or waste.Fire ant bitesgive burning sensations and pain.Flea bites often occur in clusters and you can often pick them up when around pets.Bedbugsgiveitchy red bumpsthat are usually in a pattern of two to three in a row and occur at night.(Learn more aboutdiagnosisandtreatment.)Spider bitesand, especially, scorpion stings can be more worrisome, even potentially deadly.The reality, however, is that most bites are from unidentified bugs. In the worst-case scenario, they can be immediately dangerous because of the possibility of anaphylaxis.What’s the Difference Between Flea Bites and Bedbug Bites?2Anaphylaxisprincessdlaf / Getty ImagesThe most serious concern is a bite that triggers an extreme reaction in a sensitive person, known asanaphylaxis. While the bite or sting is uncomfortable for most people, it can set off an overreaction of the immune system in a small number of people. Without immediate treatment, there is a risk of death.Look for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis:ItchingSwelling (other than the site of the sting)Shortness of breathHeart palpitationsChest painWeaknessDizzinessHives or rednessIf you see or feel any of those symptoms,call 911 immediately. If the person who was bitten has a history of severe allergy and carries epinephrine, those signs and symptoms tell you that it’s time to use the epinephrine. Call 911 first, then use the EpiPen (or whichever brand the person is carrying).3Ease the Pain of Insect Bites and StingsPatrik Giardino / Getty ImagesIf you’ve been bitten or stung, move to a place away from further exposure to the bugs to prevent getting more bites or stings.Here are some basic things you can do to ease the pain, itching, burning, or swelling from a bug bite or sting:If you’ve been stung,remove the stingerif it is still in your skin.Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the site of the sting. Alternate on and off to prevent tissue damage and don’t place the ice directly on the skin. Usually 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.If the person with the bite or sting has any involuntary muscle movements,call 911 immediately. Black widow spider bites can cause muscle spasms.For pain relief, try topical treatments like sting swabs, hydrocortisone lotion, or lidocaine preparations. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are good for pain. You may want to use an antihistamine such as Benadryl if you have swelling.Keep an eye out for signs of illness over the first few days following a bug bite. Fever, jaundice (skin or eyes turning yellow), sweating, or pus oozing from the site of the bite all require a call to the doctor.
1Identify the Insect That Bit or Stung YouGunter Ziesler / PhotoLibrary / Getty ImagesInsects, spiders, and scorpions are capable of causing verypainful reactions. It’s very helpful if you know what did the biting or stinging:Mosquito bitescan expose you to serious diseases likeWest Nile virusor Zika.Mosquitoes are usually found near standing water.Tick bitescan expose you to Rocky Mountain spotted fever orLyme disease.They are usually found in wooded areas.Biting fliescan be found around garbage or waste.Fire ant bitesgive burning sensations and pain.Flea bites often occur in clusters and you can often pick them up when around pets.Bedbugsgiveitchy red bumpsthat are usually in a pattern of two to three in a row and occur at night.(Learn more aboutdiagnosisandtreatment.)Spider bitesand, especially, scorpion stings can be more worrisome, even potentially deadly.The reality, however, is that most bites are from unidentified bugs. In the worst-case scenario, they can be immediately dangerous because of the possibility of anaphylaxis.What’s the Difference Between Flea Bites and Bedbug Bites?
1
Identify the Insect That Bit or Stung YouGunter Ziesler / PhotoLibrary / Getty ImagesInsects, spiders, and scorpions are capable of causing verypainful reactions. It’s very helpful if you know what did the biting or stinging:Mosquito bitescan expose you to serious diseases likeWest Nile virusor Zika.Mosquitoes are usually found near standing water.Tick bitescan expose you to Rocky Mountain spotted fever orLyme disease.They are usually found in wooded areas.Biting fliescan be found around garbage or waste.Fire ant bitesgive burning sensations and pain.Flea bites often occur in clusters and you can often pick them up when around pets.Bedbugsgiveitchy red bumpsthat are usually in a pattern of two to three in a row and occur at night.(Learn more aboutdiagnosisandtreatment.)Spider bitesand, especially, scorpion stings can be more worrisome, even potentially deadly.The reality, however, is that most bites are from unidentified bugs. In the worst-case scenario, they can be immediately dangerous because of the possibility of anaphylaxis.What’s the Difference Between Flea Bites and Bedbug Bites?
Identify the Insect That Bit or Stung You
Gunter Ziesler / PhotoLibrary / Getty Images
Insects, spiders, and scorpions are capable of causing verypainful reactions. It’s very helpful if you know what did the biting or stinging:
The reality, however, is that most bites are from unidentified bugs. In the worst-case scenario, they can be immediately dangerous because of the possibility of anaphylaxis.
What’s the Difference Between Flea Bites and Bedbug Bites?
2Anaphylaxisprincessdlaf / Getty ImagesThe most serious concern is a bite that triggers an extreme reaction in a sensitive person, known asanaphylaxis. While the bite or sting is uncomfortable for most people, it can set off an overreaction of the immune system in a small number of people. Without immediate treatment, there is a risk of death.Look for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis:ItchingSwelling (other than the site of the sting)Shortness of breathHeart palpitationsChest painWeaknessDizzinessHives or rednessIf you see or feel any of those symptoms,call 911 immediately. If the person who was bitten has a history of severe allergy and carries epinephrine, those signs and symptoms tell you that it’s time to use the epinephrine. Call 911 first, then use the EpiPen (or whichever brand the person is carrying).
2
Anaphylaxisprincessdlaf / Getty ImagesThe most serious concern is a bite that triggers an extreme reaction in a sensitive person, known asanaphylaxis. While the bite or sting is uncomfortable for most people, it can set off an overreaction of the immune system in a small number of people. Without immediate treatment, there is a risk of death.Look for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis:ItchingSwelling (other than the site of the sting)Shortness of breathHeart palpitationsChest painWeaknessDizzinessHives or rednessIf you see or feel any of those symptoms,call 911 immediately. If the person who was bitten has a history of severe allergy and carries epinephrine, those signs and symptoms tell you that it’s time to use the epinephrine. Call 911 first, then use the EpiPen (or whichever brand the person is carrying).
Anaphylaxis
princessdlaf / Getty Images
The most serious concern is a bite that triggers an extreme reaction in a sensitive person, known asanaphylaxis. While the bite or sting is uncomfortable for most people, it can set off an overreaction of the immune system in a small number of people. Without immediate treatment, there is a risk of death.
Look for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis:ItchingSwelling (other than the site of the sting)Shortness of breathHeart palpitationsChest painWeaknessDizzinessHives or redness
Look for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis:
If you see or feel any of those symptoms,call 911 immediately. If the person who was bitten has a history of severe allergy and carries epinephrine, those signs and symptoms tell you that it’s time to use the epinephrine. Call 911 first, then use the EpiPen (or whichever brand the person is carrying).
3Ease the Pain of Insect Bites and StingsPatrik Giardino / Getty ImagesIf you’ve been bitten or stung, move to a place away from further exposure to the bugs to prevent getting more bites or stings.Here are some basic things you can do to ease the pain, itching, burning, or swelling from a bug bite or sting:If you’ve been stung,remove the stingerif it is still in your skin.Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the site of the sting. Alternate on and off to prevent tissue damage and don’t place the ice directly on the skin. Usually 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.If the person with the bite or sting has any involuntary muscle movements,call 911 immediately. Black widow spider bites can cause muscle spasms.For pain relief, try topical treatments like sting swabs, hydrocortisone lotion, or lidocaine preparations. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are good for pain. You may want to use an antihistamine such as Benadryl if you have swelling.Keep an eye out for signs of illness over the first few days following a bug bite. Fever, jaundice (skin or eyes turning yellow), sweating, or pus oozing from the site of the bite all require a call to the doctor.
3
Ease the Pain of Insect Bites and StingsPatrik Giardino / Getty ImagesIf you’ve been bitten or stung, move to a place away from further exposure to the bugs to prevent getting more bites or stings.Here are some basic things you can do to ease the pain, itching, burning, or swelling from a bug bite or sting:If you’ve been stung,remove the stingerif it is still in your skin.Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the site of the sting. Alternate on and off to prevent tissue damage and don’t place the ice directly on the skin. Usually 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.If the person with the bite or sting has any involuntary muscle movements,call 911 immediately. Black widow spider bites can cause muscle spasms.For pain relief, try topical treatments like sting swabs, hydrocortisone lotion, or lidocaine preparations. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are good for pain. You may want to use an antihistamine such as Benadryl if you have swelling.Keep an eye out for signs of illness over the first few days following a bug bite. Fever, jaundice (skin or eyes turning yellow), sweating, or pus oozing from the site of the bite all require a call to the doctor.
Ease the Pain of Insect Bites and Stings
Patrik Giardino / Getty Images
If you’ve been bitten or stung, move to a place away from further exposure to the bugs to prevent getting more bites or stings.
Here are some basic things you can do to ease the pain, itching, burning, or swelling from a bug bite or sting:
Keep an eye out for signs of illness over the first few days following a bug bite. Fever, jaundice (skin or eyes turning yellow), sweating, or pus oozing from the site of the bite all require a call to the doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most bug bites clear up in a few hours to a few days. Try to avoid scratching an insect bite, which can make it worse and lead to infection. Instead, try ice to relieve the itch. Apply a cold pack to the bite for 10 minutes and repeat as needed.Over-the-counter anti-itch remedies or calamine lotion can also help to soothe an itchy bug bite. Or you can make a paste of baking soda and a little water. Apply it to the area for 10 minutes, then wipe it off.For more severe itching, an antihistamine like Benadryl can help.
Most bug bites clear up in a few hours to a few days. Try to avoid scratching an insect bite, which can make it worse and lead to infection. Instead, try ice to relieve the itch. Apply a cold pack to the bite for 10 minutes and repeat as needed.
Over-the-counter anti-itch remedies or calamine lotion can also help to soothe an itchy bug bite. Or you can make a paste of baking soda and a little water. Apply it to the area for 10 minutes, then wipe it off.
For more severe itching, an antihistamine like Benadryl can help.
In general, a mosquito bite will cause a small, swollen, and itchy lump, while a spider bite is typically painful as well. Mosquito bites are often misshapen while spider bites are round. In addition, some spider bites leave two holes while a mosquito bite only leaves one hole.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Paixão ES, Teixeira MG, Rodrigues LC.Zika, chikungunya and dengue: the causes and threats of new and re-emerging arboviral diseases.BMJ Glob Health. 2018;3(Suppl 1):e000530. doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2017-000530
Brites-neto J, Duarte KM, Martins TF.Tick-borne infections in human and animal population worldwide.Vet World. 2015;8(3):301-15. doi:10.14202/vetworld.2015.301-315
Peres G, Yugar LBT, Haddad junior V.Breakfast, lunch, and dinner sign: a hallmark of flea and bedbug bites. An Bras Dermatol. 2018;93(5):759-760. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20187384
Rahmani F, Banan Khojasteh SM, Ebrahimi Bakhtavar H, Rahmani F, Shahsavari Nia K, Faridaalaee G.Poisonous spiders: bites, symptoms, and treatment; an educational review.Emerg (Tehran). 2014;2(2):54-8
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mosquito bites.
Mayo Clinic.Insect bites and stings: first aid.
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