Insect bites or stings may be associated with large circular areas of swelling; the raw areas on the left lesion are probably due to scratching. Some patients react to insect bites with large, fluid-filled blisters. On people with darker skin, inflammation and redness from insect bites can appear as red-brown-colored lesions. Insect bites or bug bites can cause localized redness and itching. An insect bite can cause a lot of swelling in the thin skin around the eye. An insect bite can also become blistered. Two insect bites are shown on this foot; note that the larger one has a tiny central crust where the insect bit. Insect bites often have small blisters that dry and crust. This image displays a child with two insect bites with variable swelling on the hands. Bites from insects often lead to itch, scratching, and resulting crusts. Bug bites often cause hive-like (urticarial), swollen lesions.
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Bug Bite or Sting (Pediatric):
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Picture of Bug Bite or Sting (Pediatric): Insect bites or stings may be associated with large circular areas of swelling; the raw areas on the left lesion are probably due to scratching. Divider line
Insect bites or stings may be associated with large circular areas of swelling; the raw areas on the left lesion are probably due to scratching.
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Overview
Bites or stings from insects (arthropods) are very common. Most reactions are mild, and symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction to either the insect or the irritating substances (toxins) the insect makes and injects along with the bite or sting.
 
Some people have severe reactions to the stings of:
  • Bees
  • Wasps
  • Hornets
  • Yellow jackets
Get medical help immediately for severe stings. The bites of most insects (such as ants, mosquitos, flies, spiders, ticks, bugs, and mites) do not cause such a severe reaction.

Sometimes, it may be hard to tell which type of insect has caused the skin reactions, as many insect reactions look the same. Flying insects tend to bite or sting uncovered (exposed) skin areas, while bugs such as fleas tend to bite the lower legs and around the waist, often with several bites grouped together. 

Some people are far more sensitive to insects and have more severe reactions, so the fact that no one else in your family seems to be affected does not mean that your child has not suffered an insect bite.
Last Modified: 25 Jan 2008

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