Insect BItes

Question 1

What are some patient factors that would warrant referral to MD?

Answer 1

History of severe local reaction or systemic reaction to insect bots

Assess patient’s current state and the need for immediate epinephrine auto injector

Potentially drug-induced

Question 2

What are some red flags in insect bites?

Answer 2

Symptoms or signs of an anaphylactic reaction (multi-system involvement)

Severe local reaction

Bull’s eye (Lyme disease)

Redness around bite expands Fay’s after bite

Infected bite wound

Question 3

What are some symptoms typical of an insect bite or sting?

Answer 3

Small bumps or blisters that may cause localized skin reactions

Painful lesion at site with sharp burning pain, may progress to a red, swollen with intense itching

Local reactions (pain, itching, erythema, edema)

Question 4

What are some common treatments for insect bites?

Answer 4

Non-pharmacological: cool compress, wash area, removal of stinger

Oral antihistamines, analgesic, counteriritants, anaesthetics, and astringents