Sunny, warm weather appeals to us and provides a favorable habitat for insects, such as mosquitoes, wasps, bees, and ticks. Most insect bites are merely a temporary nuisance, but more serious cases may occur that require medical attention.
The most common insect bites in summer
- Mosquito bites: Typically accompanied by itching and mild redness. In rare cases, they can also transmit infections.
- Bee and wasp stings: Cause sudden, severe pain and swelling. Multiple stings or allergies can lead to a life-threatening reaction (anaphylaxis). More than 50 stings can pose a serious risk to a teenager, and as few as 10 stings can be dangerous for a child weighing 10 kg.
- Tick bites: Tick bites often go unnoticed but can transmit certain diseases, such as Lyme disease or viral meningitis.
- Ant, flea, and other bites: Minor discomfort can occur, but inflammation may develop in people with sensitive skin.
When should you see a doctor?
A specialist examination is recommended in the following cases:
- If the bite site becomes severely swollen, red, painful, and warm to the touch.
- If a rash appears on the body after the bite, accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea.
- If you develop a fever, muscle pain, or joint pain in the days following the bite (e.g., after a tick bite).
- If the symptoms caused by a bite of unknown origin do not subside within a few days.
When is immediate intervention necessary?
In sporadic cases, insect bites can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock.
If, even 2 hours after the bite, you
- have difficulty breathing,
- cannot swallow,
- are drooling,
- lose consciousness,
you need an adrenaline (epinephrine) injection immediately and call an ambulance (104).
If you have an adrenaline or epinephrine injection available, inject it into the thigh muscle as soon as possible, even through clothing, as this can save valuable time. Use the junior dose for children weighing less than 30 kg and the adult dose for those weighing more than 30 kg.
What can we do to prevent this?
- Wear light-colored, closed clothing, especially in wooded areas or near water.
- Use insect repellents on both skin and clothing.
- In areas where ticks are present, check your skin regularly and remove any ticks as soon as possible.
- Be careful when eating or drinking outdoors, as it attracts wasps and bees.
If you are unsure what to do after an insect bite, or if your symptoms persist or worsen, please contact the RMC team. Our experienced internists and pediatricians will help you identify the cause of the problem and provide effective treatment through a quick and thorough examination.
Call us or send us a message:
+36 1 392 0505, info@rmc.hu
