An arthropod bite or sting may develop a localized inflammatory reaction manifested by localized swelling, redness, pain, burning, and pruritus.
Reactions may be more pronounced in the immunocompromised patient. An exaggerated, sometimes bullous reaction to an arthropod bite is characteristic of certain immunosuppressed states, especially a hematopoietic malignancy or HIV disease. In HIV-infected individuals, arthropod assaults may result in an extremely pruritic skin eruption called "pruritic papular eruption."
Arthropods may transmit human illness (including tick bite fever, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a variety of encephalitides, malaria). Venomous bites may trigger systemic toxic or allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. An ascending paralysis caused by a neurotoxin may occur after a tick bite.
Some arthropod infestations, such as pediculosis capitis, scabies and crusted scabies, are highly contagious and pose a particular problem in the institutional setting.
There are highly variable global distributions of insects and arthropods. In returning travelers, insect bites are the fourth most common skin complaint diagnosed.
Codes
ICD10CM: T63.481A – Toxic effect of venom of other arthropod, accidental (unintentional), first encounter
SNOMEDCT: 409985002 – Arthropod bite wound
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
Scabies should be identified by microscopic examination of skin scrapings.
In contrast to cellulitis, bites and stings are often multifocal and may be bilateral. There may be a visible punctum, and the patient may have a recollection of insect exposure. There may be concomitant cellulitis, however, as bites and stings often serve as an important nidus of infection.
Bites or stings from insects (arthropods) are very common. Most reactions are mild and result from an allergic reaction to either the insect or the toxins injected with the bite or sting. Some people have severe reactions to the stings of:
Bees
Wasps
Hornets
Yellow jackets
These stings may require emergency help. The bites of most insects – such as ants, mosquitoes, flies, spiders, ticks, bugs, and mites – do not cause such a severe reaction.
Sometimes, it may be hard to tell which type of insect has caused the skin lesions, as many insect reactions are similar. Flying insects tend to hit exposed skin areas, while bugs such as fleas tend to hit the lower legs and around the waist, and often have several bites grouped together. Some individuals are far more sensitive to insects and have more severe reactions, so the fact that no one else in the family has lesions does not rule out an insect bite.
Who’s At Risk
Insect bites and stings are a problem in all regions of the world for people of all ages. In the Midwest and East Coast regions of the US, mosquitoes, flying insects, and ticks account for most bites. In drier areas of the Western US, crawling insects are more of a problem.
There is no proven effect of race or sex in terms of bite reactions. However, some individuals clearly appear more attractive to insects, perhaps related to body heat, odor, or carbon dioxide excretion.
Severe allergic reactions to stings occur in .5–5% of the US population.
Signs & Symptoms
Insect bites usually present as small, itchy red bumps. Occasionally, blisters may occur at the site of bites or stings. In very sensitive individuals, flea bites may be topped by tiny blisters. In some situations and in some locations, such as the lower leg or shin, large blisters can occur. Some insects, such as fire ants, are known to cause a painful and itching pustule.
Flying insects tend to choose exposed areas not covered by clothing, while some bugs (such as fleas) focus on the lower legs. Bedbugs prefer the head and neck area, often biting several times in the same area and leaving a group of lesions.
Common reactions to arthropod stings include:
Redness, pain, and swelling
Severe reactions such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, and shock (anaphylaxis)
Fever, hives, and painful joints (though these reactions are not as common)
Very few spiders cause severe reactions. The black widow spider may cause only a mild local reaction at the bite site, but pain, stiffness, chills, fever, nausea, and abdominal pain may follow within a few hours. Similarly, the brown recluse spider may cause a marked skin reaction after a few hours, with redness, pain, blistering, and ulcers forming, as well as fever, nausea, and fatigue.
Self-Care Guidelines
For stings:
Bees may leave a stinger behind.
Try to gently scrape off the stinger with a blunt object, such as a credit card.
Wash the wound with soap and water.
Apply an ice pack or cold water for a few minutes.
Take acetaminophen for pain and an antihistamine (diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine) for itching, as needed.
For insect bites:
Wash with soap and water.
Apply cool compresses.
Use antihistamines to relieve itching and take acetaminophen for pain.
1% hydrocortisone cream may help reduce the itching but is usually not as effective as a prescription-strength topical corticosteroid such as triamcinolone acetonide.
For ticks (still attached):
Using tweezers, grasp the tick as near the skin as possible and pull firmly until it releases.
Swab the area with alcohol or soap and water.
Save the tick for identification, if needed.
Wash the area with soap and water, then apply 1% hydrocortisone in anticipation of any reaction.
When to Seek Medical Care
Some arthropod bites/stings are more dangerous than others. If a black widow or brown recluse spider bite is suspected, apply ice to the area and seek medical help. Symptoms of these bites include:
A deep blue or purple area around the bite, often with a surrounding white area and a red outer ring
Abdominal pain
Headache
Fever
Fatigue
Nausea
Muscle stiffness
If the site of a tick bite develops a red, swollen, spreading area, seek medical help to check for Lyme disease.
When dealing with stings, be sure to watch out for symptoms such as:
Hives, itching, or swelling in areas beyond the sting site
Swelling of the lips or throat
Tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing
Hoarse voice or tongue swelling
Dizziness or loss of consciousness
Treatments
Depending upon the type of insect bite and reaction, your primary care giver might treat you in the following manner.
For insect bites:
Prescription topical corticosteroids
Muscle relaxants, pain medicines, antivenom, antibiotics, and sometimes local surgery to relieve venomous insect bites
For stings:
Antihistamines or corticosteroids
Epinephrine, antihistamines, corticosteroids, intravenous fluids, and oxygen (for anaphylaxis)
Injectable epinephrine, for those with known severe allergic reactions
Immunotherapy to reduce the chance of repeated severe reactions
References
Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1333-1337. New York: Mosby, 2003.
Patient Information for Arthropod bite or sting in Adult