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Different types of insect bites: How to avoid, detect, treat flea, mosquito, bug, and tick bites

Just like in the rainy season in India, the warm, spring weather in western countries is the time when one encounters more bugs – like bees, ticks, and mosquitoes. Here's what dermatologists advise on how to prevent and treat bug bites.

Kirti Pandey

Updated Jul 7, 2022, 01:00 IST

Stay safe when outdoors. Use insect repellents.

Photo : iStock

Admitted that bugs may not apparently be as dangerous as certain animals like snakes or scorpions - that kill immediately with a poisonous sting - but the seemingly harmless bug bites can spread dangerous diseases like Zika virus, dengue, Lyme disease, and malaria.

It makes good health sense to take steps to reduce your risk of insect bites, particularly if you’re visiting areas with known insect-borne diseases.

Experts at the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommend the following tips to help prevent bug bites:

Use insect repellent: To protect against mosquitoes, ticks and other bugs, use insect repellent that contains 20 to 30 per cent DEET on exposed skin and clothing. But have we not heard that insect repellents are poisonous chemicals? Always follow the instructions on the repellent and reapply as directed, warn doctors. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when used as directed, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Do not use repellent under clothing or on skin that is injured or irritated. If you are also wearing sunscreen, apply your sunscreen first, let it dry, and then apply the insect repellent. Use sunscreen liberally and often while insect repellent should be applied sparingly.
Wear appropriate clothing: Have you opted for a stay at a resort in nature's lap? Or a farmhouse that embraces nature's beauty? The excellent and thriving ecosystem there may also be replete with insects and other creatures. If you know you’re going to be out at night or hiking in a densely-wooded area, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks and closed shoes instead of sandals. Leave as little exposed skin as you can. For additional protection, pull your socks up over your pants and tuck your shirt into your pants. Pre-treat outer layers of clothing with insect repellent containing the active ingredient Permethrin. Don't don those clothes immediately. Allow the clothes to dry for at least two hours before wearing them. Do all this under the guidance of your dermatologist.
Use bed nets that keep insects out: You may have seen in period films how bed nets were the norm in the 20th century. They were and are good protection against bugs and insects - especially if you plan to relish the great outdoors. Nets do protect against mosquitoes. Check for nets that are pre-treated with a pyrethroid insecticide. If it doesn’t reach the floor, tuck it under the mattress for maximum protection. Cotton, nylon, plastic, and silk - bed nets are available in a variety of weaves.

The Bottom Line:

If despite all the care, you do get bitten by a bug, apply an ice pack to the bite so that the swelling subsides. Do not ignore if you develop any serious symptoms after a bug bite, such as a rash, fever, or body aches. Reach out to your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist immediately. Don't forget to tell the doctor about your recent bite so that they can examine you for a transmitted disease.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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