It is estimated that between 1% and 7% of the population has experienced inflammation of a certain severity after an insect bite. The most affected are usually girls and boys during the first years of life. Allergic reactions, responses of the immune system due to hypersensitivity to the saliva or venom of an insect. The most serious cases are usually caused by wasp and bee stings.
Causes of allergy to insect bites
Hypersensitivity to insect venom or saliva
Bites from mosquitoes, horseflies, fleas and spiders or sensitivity to reactions to caterpillars such as the stinging hairs of the pine processionary usually produce an immediate reaction that is a papule at the point of the bite and that persists for one to two days. . It is important not to scratch because it increases the itching sensation and because a wound may appear that could become infected. The anaphylactic reaction due to the bite of mosquitoes, horseflies or fleas is exceptional.
The most serious stings are usually those of hymenoptera such as bees and wasps. Allergic reactions can be local, affecting a specific area; or cause a systemic or generalized reaction affecting several vital organs with the risk of producing anaphylaxis and, thereby, compromising the life of the affected person. It is a reaction of the immune system produced by an antibody: immunoglobulin E (IgE).
An allergy to insect bites is acquired over time. The allergy does not appear in the first bite, but more than one is needed.
Symptoms of insect bite allergy
They appear about 20 minutes after the bite.
A normal bite causes inflammation, itching and pain. Potentially serious symptoms, usually due to a wasp or bee sting, are those associated with a systemic reaction or anaphylaxis and usually appear about 20 or 30 minutes after the sting. They can be:
– Inflammation or swelling
– Hives all over the body (large hives and hives on the skin)
– Sneezing
– Fever
– Itching
– Nasal mucus
– Watery and itchy eyes
– Cough
– Difficulty breathing
– Difficulty swallowing
– Wheezing in the chest
– Dizziness
– Lower blood pressure
– Loss of consciousness
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
Diagnosis of allergy to insect bites
There is only an allergy test for bee and wasp stings.
The allergist can determine whether or not a systemic reaction has been caused by an insect bite and what the agent is by performing an allergy study, skin tests, and/or blood tests. The results will help determine whether or not it is an allergy and what the treatment should be.
Treatment and medication for allergy to insect bites
Avoid the bite
The first recommendation is to avoid the bite. After a normal bite we can calm the area by applying cold and applying an ointment that calms the itching and pain. The doctor may prescribe, if deemed necessary, an oral antihistamine or anti-inflammatory. The lesion usually disappears within 48 hours.
In the case of a bee sting, the stinger usually stays stuck. You should try to extract it immediately by scraping it with your fingernails, tweezers or whatever you can.
A person with an allergy to bee or wasp stings who has been stung should go to the nearest medical center urgently. It is recommended that you use prescribed antihistamines along the way and take inhalations with a bronchodilator if you have difficulty breathing. In the event of possible anaphylactic shock, you should always carry self-injectable adrenaline or epinephrine with you.
The long-term treatment for allergy to bee or wasp stings is vaccination or immunotherapy. The treatment is administered in injections, usually monthly, for a minimum of 3 to 5 years. In this way, tolerance is achieved against the insect venom with a reaction to it equal to that experienced by those who have never suffered from an allergy. Until this effect is achieved, the allergic person maintains preventive measures.
Prevention of allergy to insect bites
Cover your skin and use repellents
The first prevention measure is to avoid risks by following these recommendations:
– Avoid proximity to bee hives or wasp nests.
– Dress in light-colored clothing that covers most of our body
– Avoid areas with flowers, woods and humid areas
– If an insect lands on our body or is close to us, we must remain still and make slow movements. No fuss
– Use mosquito repellents on the skin
– Do not use perfumes or hairspray
– Place mosquito nets on doors and windows; especially in the field
– Avoid driving in the car with the windows open
– Use night insecticides at home
– Check that an insect has not landed on the edge of our drink; especially if it’s sweet
– Avoid walking barefoot in garden areas or in the pool
– Cover the garbage cans well
– If we hang the clothes outside or leave them outside, we must shake them well before picking them up or putting them on.
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