Mosquito, tick or flea? How to avoid, identify and treat insect bites

With the arrival of the heat, it is difficult to resist a late afternoon walk in the park or a escape to the field, where we can enjoy nature in all its splendor.

Summer may be wonderful, but we are often required to share these picturesque moments with unwanted companions. Insects such as mosquitoes, bees, ticks, spiders and fleas can turn a perfect day into a irritating experience – or even worrying.

It is common to notice a sudden itch or a mysterious rash as we return home after a summer walk. However, the type of itching, its intensity and the skills of the skin can give us important clues about the type of insect that has bitten us. These evidence helps us to relieve symptoms “And whether or not we should go to a health center.”

With the right information and some precautions, we can avoid unnecessary scares, medical visits that could be avoided and even health complications.

The most common bites

Although there are similarities between insect bites and bites, each has specific characteristics, symptoms and treatments.

Here are the keys to distinguish six from the most common:

1. Mosquitos

Symptoms: redness, light swelling and intense itching. Usually disappears after three days.

Recommendations: Wash with soap and water, apply cold compresses and topical antihistamines in case of intense itching.

2. Bees and wasps

Symptoms: Immediate pain, light swelling and intense burning. The bees leave the sting; The wasps, no.

Recommendations: Remove the sting (if necessary), apply ice, take oral antihistamines in case of localized reaction and watch allergy signs.

3.

Symptoms: Many times imperceptible bites. A red spot in the shape of a target may appear.

Recommendations: Remove with tweezers without cheering or crushing the insect’s body. Disinfect and watch fever or eruptions in the following days.

4. Fleas

Symptoms: Small red spots in groups, with intense itching, usually in the ankles or where the clothes squeezes.

Recommendations: Wash with soap and water, use topical and oral antihistamines. Check pets and textiles of the house.

5.

Symptoms: Multiple grouped bites and intense itching, especially at night.

Recommendations: Wash and apply topical antihistamine. Inspect the environment and eliminate bed bugs.

6.

Symptoms: Localized pain, redness and sometimes two brands of stingers.

Recommendations: Wash with soap and apply cold. Seek medical help if there is fever, necrosis or malaise.

When should we worry?

In most cases, bites are just a temporary inconvenience. However, they can lead to serious complications:

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): Difficulty breathing, swelling on the lips and eyelids, dizziness or loss of consciousness.
  Action: Call 112. If you have an adrenaline injection, use immediately.

• Infection: Increasing redness, local heat, pus and fever.
  Action: Consult a health professional. It may be necessary antibiotic.

• Tick ​​-transmitted diseases (eg lyme disease): Red spots in target shape, fever, muscle or joint aches.
  Action: Seek medical assistance.

Repellents: What really works?

The best way to avoid bites is to prevent them. The repellents with DEET or icaridina They are effective and available in pharmacies and supermarkets.

• DEET: In use since the 1950s, effective against mosquitoes, ticks and flies. The duration depends on the concentration (eg 30% lasts about 6 hours). It can irritate the skin or damage synthetic tissues.

• Icaridina: Most modern, effective and lasting alternative (20% lasts 6–8 hours). Less oily and softer odor, it is preferable for children or sensitive skin.

For high risk zones (dengue, malaria, zika), use repellents with at least 30% Deet or 20% icaridine.

Other forms of protection

• Wear protective clothes in rural areas or with dense vegetation.

• install Mosquitoes Networks and avoid standing water.

• Make a body inspection after rides in the field (ticks hide in armpits, groin or behind the ears).

• Always bring an adrenaline injection if you have a known allergy.

The bites are common in spring and summer. The important thing is to know how to identify them, take care of them correctly and seek help when necessary.

An informed action can be the Difference between a passing itch and a medical emergency.