Insect Bites

Question 1

Symptoms?

Answer 1

The general signs of an insect bite are swelling, pain, itching and erythema.

Flea bites – typically occur on the lower leg

Tick bites – erythematous macule, papule or nodule. The tick may also be visible. A bite from an infected tick will present as erythema migrans.

Horse/stable flies – pain and bleeding

Midge bites – small, popular lesions

Spider bites – 2 puncture wounds

Head, lice, pubic lice – itching

Question 2

Questions?

Answer 2

Do you know when you started to experience the symptoms?

Do you have any known allergies to any medication or insects?

Have you recently travelled out of the country?

Are you feeling pain/numbness/bleeding/irritation?

What have you done to treat your symptoms?

Question 3

Red flags?

Answer 3

Systemic reaction symptoms (urticaria, rhinitis, wheezing, abdominal pain, vomiting and dizziness)

Signs of infection (large amounts of swelling, pus, hot to touch)

Suspected hypersensitivity or allergic reaction/anaphylaxis

Person has had a previous systemic allergic reaction to same bite type

Person is severely immunocompromised and infection is suspected

It is spreading

Cellulitis and person showing systemic effects

Fever or persisting lesions from a bite that occurred outside of the UK

Question 4

Treatment?

Answer 4

 Hydrocortisone - Bite and Sting Relief Hydrocortisone Cream:
Apply thinly once or twice a day to the affected areas.

 Chlorphenamine - Piriton:
 1-2 years: 2.5mL syrup twice a day 
2-5 years: 2.5mL 3-4 times a day. 
6+ years: 5mL 3-4 times a day 
Adults: 4mg 3-4 times a day 
Only for adults/children 1+. 

Crotamiton - Eurax:
Apply 2-3 times a day