Bite and sting symptoms may vary depending on your body’s sensitivity to venom, existing conditions and other viruses and/or diseases an insect may carry.
Mild Symptoms
Most people experience mild bite and sting symptoms. These symptoms include:
Tick Bites
- Rashy or itchy skin
- Blisters
- Burning sensation
- Pain or swelling at the wound site
Insect Bites
- Rashy or itchy skin
- Swelling
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Numbness or tingling
Severe Symptoms
Tick Bites
- Trouble breathing
- Some ticks carry diseases that can be transferred to you when they bite. Symptoms include:
- Weakness
- Headache
- Nausea
- A fever or chills
- Body aches and pains
- Full body rash.
- Redness or rash near the affected area
Insect Bites
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Confusion or loss of consciousness
- Muscle spasms
- Rapid heartbeat
- Swelling of lips and throat or difficulty breathing
- A severe reaction – anaphylaxis – is a life-threatening medical emergency and can cause your body to go into shock, throat to tighten and make breathing difficult. If you think you are experiencing anaphylaxis, use your self-injectable epinephrine and call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Prevention, awareness and being able to identify harmful animals and insects in your region is the best way to prevent bites and stings. It’s also important to be aware of the season, as summer months can increase the popularity and frequency of bites and stings.
Based on the severity of your reaction and the type of bite or sting, several treatments can help you manage and treat your symptoms.
Types of treatment
- Observe the bite/sting area and remove stinger, if needed
- Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water
- Compression to reduce pain and swelling
- Over-the-counter medication to reduce pain, swelling and itching
- Hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion and other topical treatments
If you are experiencing severe symptoms or symptoms that persist or worsen over 24 to 48 hours, call your doctor.
