Insect bites and stings: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
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Insects inject [[formic acid]], which can cause an immediate skin reaction often resulting in redness and swelling in the injured area. | Insects inject [[formic acid]], which can cause an immediate skin reaction often resulting in redness and swelling in the injured area. | ||
==Signs and symptoms== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
===Signs and symptoms==== | |||
The sting from [[fire ant]]s, [[bee]]s, [[wasp]]s and hornets are usually painful, and may stimulate dangerous [[allergy|allergic reaction]] called [[anaphylaxis]] for at risk patients. Wasps can bite and sting at the same time. | The sting from [[fire ant]]s, [[bee]]s, [[wasp]]s and hornets are usually painful, and may stimulate dangerous [[allergy|allergic reaction]] called [[anaphylaxis]] for at risk patients. Wasps can bite and sting at the same time. | ||
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Stingers in the skin should be removed by scraping it away with a fingernail or credit card edge. Baking soda paste should then be applied for 20 minutes to neutralize the formic acid. Bites from [[mosquito]]es, [[flea]]s and [[mite]]s are more likely to cause itching than pain. | Stingers in the skin should be removed by scraping it away with a fingernail or credit card edge. Baking soda paste should then be applied for 20 minutes to neutralize the formic acid. Bites from [[mosquito]]es, [[flea]]s and [[mite]]s are more likely to cause itching than pain. | ||
== | ==Related Chapters== | ||
* [[Bee sting]] | * [[Bee sting]] | ||
* Insect bite relief stick | * Insect bite relief stick | ||
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[[Category:First aid]] | [[Category:First aid]] | ||
[[Category:Emergency medicine]] | [[Category:Emergency medicine]] | ||
[[category:primary care]] | |||
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Revision as of 20:28, 20 February 2013
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Insect bites and stings occur when an insect is agitated and seeks to defend itself through its natural defense mechanisms, or when an insect seeks to feed off the bitten person.
Pathophysiology
Insects inject formic acid, which can cause an immediate skin reaction often resulting in redness and swelling in the injured area.
Diagnosis
Signs and symptoms=
The sting from fire ants, bees, wasps and hornets are usually painful, and may stimulate dangerous allergic reaction called anaphylaxis for at risk patients. Wasps can bite and sting at the same time.
Treatment
Stingers in the skin should be removed by scraping it away with a fingernail or credit card edge. Baking soda paste should then be applied for 20 minutes to neutralize the formic acid. Bites from mosquitoes, fleas and mites are more likely to cause itching than pain.
Related Chapters
- Bee sting
- Insect bite relief stick
- Schmidt Sting Pain Index