Insect Bites
Among the more common biting and sometimes bloodsucking insects in the United States are sand flies, horseflies, deerflies, mosquitoes, fleas, lice, bedbugs, kissing bugs, and certain water bugs. The bites of these insects may be irritating because of the components of their saliva. Most bites result in nothing more than a small, red, itchy bump. Sometimes, a person develops a large sore (ulcer), with swelling and pain. The most severe reactions occur in people who are allergic to the bites or who develop an infection after being bitten.
The bite should be cleaned, and an ointment containing a combination of an antihistamine, an analgesic, and a corticosteroid may be applied to relieve itching, pain, and inflammation. People with multiple bites can take an antihistamine by mouth. People who are allergic to the bite should seek medical attention immediately or use an emergency allergy kit containing a preloaded syringe of epinephrine.
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