Cláudio Ferreira Coordinator LUZ 24 There are many insect species, almost a million are known. Those which bite or sting us more often are species of mosquitoes, flies, bees, wasps, fleas, lice and ants; Often when talking about insect stings or bites ticks and spiders are included, but these are not insects. Stings and bites are different things, but the most frequent reactions are similar. The bite is done with the mouth parts, the sting with a stinger. The venom that can be injected with stings and saliva from bites when insects feed on blood can cause reactions that vary from mild local irritation to severe and potentially fatal. Bites can also transfer blood and transmit diseases from other animals or people previously bitten. For example, bees, wasps, ants, and spiders sting. Mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, and lice bite. What to do with insect stings or bites In most cases, stings or bites cause local irritation with redness, some swelling, itching, increased temperature, and pain and are easily treated at home. To relieve symptoms : If a stinger has been left on the skin or a tick is trapped, carefully remove it with the help of clean tweezers; Wash the area with cold water and soap, keep it clean and do not scratch; Keep the affected area in a higher position and apply cold on the site, for periods, to reduce the temperature and swelling, for example ice wrapped in a gauze pad or a clean cloth; Apply an over-the-counter allergy ointment or a lotion with calamine to relieve itching; If necessary, take an over-the-counter analgesic, eg paracetamol (whenever there is no contraindication), to control the pain. When to seek medical care Although much less commonly, insect stings and bites can provoke more intense and severe reactions. Urgent medical care must be sought whenever there is : Large stings or bites in people with a history of allergies; Difficulty breathing or wheezing; Start to swell, particularly on the eyelids, ears, mouth, hands and feet; Fever; Nausea or vomiting; Dizziness or fainting. It is also advisable to seek medical care: If despite measures to relieve the symptoms of a mild reaction, the area of the reaction enlarges and/or the symptoms do not disappear within a few days. When the stinger or a trapped tick cannot be removed. Preventing insect bites and stings The appropriateness of the following prevention measures depends on the species of insect, tick or spider involved. Use insect repellents, for personal application and at home, at the most critical times and times of day (dusk and dawn); Try not to be outdoors at dusk and dawn, when many insects, particularly mosquitoes, are more active; Use window nets or close your home windows, especially at dusk and dawn. Do not leave lights on and windows open if you do not have nets on the windows; Outside, always keep food and drinks covered so as not to attract insects; Dispose home waste frequently, particularly when the weather is warmer, and keep the rubbish bin tightly covered; Do not leave dirty dishes or food residues uncovered; Do not walk or stay close to wet or standing water areas; During daylight hours and in regions where there are more insects, whenever you are outdoors, wear pieces of clothing that protect the areas of the body that are usually more exposed (for example, long pants or skirts, long sleeves); If you are going to walk in areas with vegetation, prefer to use shoes and socks; on your return, especially during warmer weather, carefully check your clothes and body that you have not brought any ticks; If you have pets, strictly comply with the deworming programs for fleas and ticks; Check for and control the presence of nests (anthills, bee and wasp nests, among others) near houses. If you need to, call LUZ 24 – 217 104 424 – the Hospital da Luz clinical triage service, by phone, available 24 hours, 365 days, for adults and children. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
