Insect bites: These mistakes can make the situation worse!
Sunny days are ideal for outdoor activities, but they also bring with them the nuisance of insect bites: mosquitoes, ticks, hornets, spiders... their attacks can cause much more than just itching. It is essential to know how to recognize a bite, take the right action quickly, and differentiate between minor discomfort and a vital warning sign.
Why do insects sting or bite?
Not all insects bite for the same reasons. Some do so to feed, others to defend themselves:
- Mosquitoes (especially females) seek blood for the development of their eggs.
- Ticks settle permanently on the skin to suck blood.
- Wasps, hornets, or bees They only sting when they feel threatened or disturbed.
Their sting or bite can introduce substances (venom, saliva, bacteria) that trigger various reactions: pain, inflammation, or even allergic shock.
How to recognize the bite depending on the insect
Mosquito
- Appearance : round, red, swollen bump that itches intensely.
- Pain : low, or even non-existent.
- Risk : in certain areas, vector of viral diseases (dengue fever, chikungunya).
Wasp, bee, hornet
- Appearance : red, hard area, sometimes with a black dot (the stinger).
- Pain : immediate, severe, with local swelling.
- Risk : possible severe allergic reaction (angioedema, anaphylactic shock).
Tick
- Appearance : small black dot attached to the skin (the tick's body).
- Pain : often absent.
- Risk : transmission of Lyme disease, if the tick remains attached for too long.
Spider
- Appearance : two small red dots, sometimes surrounded by swelling or scabs.
- Pain : moderate to intense depending on the species.
- Risk : rare in Europe, but some species can cause local necrosis.
Flea or bed bug
- Appearance : multiple clustered bites, often on the legs or arms.
- Pain : intense itching.
- Risk : more psychological than infectious, but can lead to infections if scratched excessively.
What should you do immediately after a sting or bite?
- Cleaning : Wash the affected area with soap and water to remove any impurities.
- Removing the stinger: If the stinger is visible (as after a bee sting), remove it gently by scraping it with a fingernail or plastic card, without using tweezers to avoid squeezing the venom sac.
- Disinfection: Apply an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
- Cold application: Place a cold compress or ice cube wrapped in a cloth on the affected area to reduce pain and swelling.
- Using shea butter : Rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and lupeol (natural anti-inflammatory compound), it soothes redness, relieves itching, and promotes healing.
Essential protective measures
- Wear protective clothing when walking in nature.
- Use appropriate skin repellents, such as DEET or the’lemon eucalyptus oil (citriodiol)
- Sleep under a mosquito net in high-risk areas
- Avoid floral perfumes and sugary foods outdoors.
- Check your skin after every walk (especially folds and scalp).
It is recommended to consult a doctor if :
- Redness or swelling spreads significantly around the bite.
- Symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, or breathing difficulties appear.
- The bite is located in a sensitive area, such as the mouth or throat, which could lead to respiratory complications.
