Insect (arthropod) bites are typically pink or red and are often round in shape. Tense, fluid-filled blisters can form as a reaction to insect bites. This image displays a red/pink, round lesion typical of an insect bite. This image displays a child with small, pink bumps typical of insect bite reactions. Insect bites often have small blisters that dry and crust. This image displays insect bites after several days of itching and scratching, causing them to look like abrasions. This image displays insect bites with bloody crusts due to severe itch and scratching. This image displays a severe reaction to an insect bite with eyelid and facial swelling.
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Picture of Bug Bite or Sting: Insect (arthropod) bites are typically pink or red and are often round in shape. Divider line
Insect (arthropod) bites are typically pink or red and are often round in shape.
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Self-Care Guidelines
For stings:
  • Bees may leave a stinger behind. 
    • Try to gently scrape off the stinger with a blunt object, such as a credit card.
  • Wash the wound with soap and water.
  • Apply an ice pack or cold water for a few minutes.
  • Take acetaminophen for pain and an antihistamine (diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine) for itching, as needed.
For insect bites:
  • Wash with soap and water.
  • Apply cool compresses.
  • Use antihistamines to relieve itching and take acetaminophen for pain.
  • 1% hydrocortisone cream may help reduce the itching.
For ticks (still attached):
  • Using tweezers, grasp the tick as near the skin as possible and pull firmly until it releases.
    • Swab the area with alcohol or soap and water.
    • Save the tick for identification, if needed.
  • Wash the area with soap and water, then apply 1% hydrocortisone in anticipation of any reaction.
When to Seek Medical Care
Some inset bites/stings are more dangerous than others. If a black widow or brown recluse spider bite is suspected, apply ice to the area and seek medical help. Symptoms of these bites include:
  • A deep blue or purple area around the bite, often with a surrounding white area and a red outer ring
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Muscle stiffness
If the site of a tick bite develops a red, swollen, spreading area, seek medical help to check for Lyme disease.

When dealing with stings, be sure to watch out for symptoms such as:
  • Hives, itching, or swelling in areas beyond the sting site
  • Swelling of the lips or throat
  • Tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing
  • Hoarse voice or tongue swelling
  • Dizziness or loss of consciousness
Last Modified: 15 Feb 2008

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