Insect bites and stings

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• R
• S
• T
• U
• W
• Y

Bedbug - close-up	Black widow spider	Black widow spider	Body louse
Body louse, female and larvae	Brown recluse spider	Brown recluse spider bite on the hand	Crab louse, female
Dust mite	Flea	Flea bite - close-up	Fly
Head louse, male	Head louse and pubic louse	Head louse - female	Head louse infestation - scalp
Insect bite reaction - close-up	Insect bites and stings	Insect bites on the legs	Insect stings and allergy
Kissing bug	Lice, body with stool (Pediculus humanus)	Mosquito, adult feeding on the skin	Pubic louse-male
Stinger removal	Wasp

Insect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets are usually painful. Bites caused by mosquitoes, fleas, and mites are more likely to cause itching than pain.

Bedbug bite; Bee sting; Bites - insects, bees, and spiders; Black widow spider bite; Brown recluse bite; Flea bite; Honey bee or hornet sting; Lice bites; Mite bite; Scorpion bite; Spider bite; Wasp sting; Yellow jacket sting

In most cases, bites and stings can be easily treated at home. However, some people have a severe allergic reaction to insect bites and stings. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, and it requires urgent emergency care. Severe reactions can affect the whole body and may occur very quickly, often within minutes. These severe reactions can be rapidly fatal if untreated. Call 911 if you are with someone who has trouble breathing or goes into shock.

Some spider bites, like those of the black widow or brown recluse, are also serious and can be life-threatening. Most spider bites, however, are harmless. If bitten by an insect or spider, bring it for identification if this can be done quickly and safely.

Review Date: 05/11/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.