Nothing can ruin a perfect summer day like a bug bite. Bug bites can be itchy, painful, annoying, and sometimes dangerous. This page outlines how to treat a bug bite by first identifying the type of animal causing the bite and then using the appropriate remedy.

First, the importance of identifying the species of insect that bit you will be discussed. Next will be listed some of the more dangerous symptoms. Finally, a list of treatments will be presented.

If you don't know what species of insect bit you, but you know what it looks like, use step one to look up individual species. If what bit you looks like one of those insects, visiting the doctor may be a good idea.

If you don't know what bit you but the symptoms listed in step 2 begin to develop, or none of the treatments in step 3 help, then again, you may want to visit your doctor.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

It's important to tell what type of insect was responsible for the bite, or sting, the person received, so that you can be on the lookout for symptoms of diseases and conditions that are associated with bites from that insect. Although these are not common, if you've been exposed to a bite from one of these insects, you should let your doctor know if you experience any other symptoms.

1. Ticks can transmit serious illnesses such as Lyme Disease or brucellosis

2. Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants can produce severe allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.

3. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, or eastern equine encephalitis.

4. Lice can transmit relapsing fever and typhus.

5. Deer fly bites can infect the victim with tularemia.

6. Fleas were responsible for the spread of bubonic plague.

7. Some arachnids, such as the black widow and brown recluse spider have venom that can cause death, if not treated in time.

Some individuals can have a severe allergic reaction to a bug bite. If the bitten individual experiences any of the following symptoms after being bitten by an insect, they should seek immediate medical care. Go to [1] and [2] for more information.

1. Hives appearing on the body, at a different site than that of the sting or bite.

2. Swelling larger than 2 inches in diameter at the site of the bite or sting

3. Wheezing

4. Shortness of breath

5. Facial swelling

6. Abdominal pain

7. Shock

8. Rapid heartbeat

9. Dizziness, confusion, or feeling faint

10. Unconsciousness

Some species of insect and arachnid are also dangerous even if you don’t have an allergic reaction. If you are bitten by an insect or arachnid and you don’t know what it is, try to catch it and then go to a doctor. If you catch it, they’ll be able to find out what it is, if it’s deadly, and how to treat its bites.

Treatment for simple bug bites involve cleaning the site, removing any parts of the insect that remain at the bite site, and addressing any itching or pain. You can learn more at http://www.emedicinehealth.com/insect_bites/page2_em.htm

Some ways to treat the itching caused by bug bites are:

1. Applying topical anti-itch creams including antihistamines or steroids. You can usually buy these over the counter at your local drugstore, grocery store, or department store.

2. Taking systemic oral antihistamines. Again, these are available over the counter.

3. Applying ice to the site of the bite can help relieve pain and swelling, and minimize itching.

4. Other anti-itch treatments include Caladryl lotion or a paste of baking soda and water. Caladryl is a trademarked mix of calamine lotion and antihistamines. If you are already using antihistamines to treat your bug bites, you can just use calamine lotion to relieve the itching.

Again, bug bites causing more serious symptoms like those listed above should be treated by a doctor.

• Introduction
• Step 1: Identify the Insect
• Step 2: When a Bug Bite is an Emergency
• Step 3: How to Treat a Bug Bite
• References