Dealing with summer bug bites

Insect bites

Insect bites are increasingly more common this time of year as the hot weather brings with it a rise in insects both home and abroad. Bites can be caused by a variety of insects including:

• fleas
• midges
• mosquitoes
• bed bug

Most bites are appear as minimally raised red spots that settle within a day or two. In individuals who are sensitive, bites can become itchy, raised lumps
deep lumps which are tender – as shown in the photo:

Blisters

Raw areas and scabbing can develop on lumps from heavy scratching. Heavy scratching can also lead to a local skin infection which leads to further redness, pain, pusiness and oozing. Medical help may be required in this instance.

The reactions from an insect bite are as much to do with how an individual’s immune system deals with the bite as it is the type of insect that caused the bite. This is why some people have minimal reactions while others have strong reactions to the same sorts of insect bites. Some top tips to help with insect bites are:

Cover up

Cover up when you are going out especially at dusk or dawn, with insect repellant and long-sleeved clothingUse an antihistamine cream such as Antihistamine on itchy bites
Persistent lumpy areas may respond to a steroid cream such as 1% hydrocortisone. Seek medical advice if any of the lesions are pussy or blistering of if there is any indication of cellulitis (this is when the skin becomes red along the whole limb) or a temperature.Further advice on skin rashes and other skin conditions can be obtained from the Midland Skin Institute.