Insect Bite Rashes

Those who have have been bitten by insects in the past, must be aware of skin rashes caused, because of the bites. Insect bite rashes are extremely troublesome and painful. A rash is defined as the change in the appearance of skin's color or texture. Rashes that are caused due to insect bites are red, itchy bumps on the skin. These bumps or swollen parts are distributed randomly on the skin. Most insect bit rashes are similar in their appearance. However, they differ in their nature and occurrence according to the insect, that has inflicted the wound. The list given below describes the most common types of insect bite rashes. The insect bite allergic reactions and the probable insect bite infections have also been described below.

Rash Caused Due to Bed Bug Bite
The bites from a bed bug is in the form of large wheels in orderly rows. The rash begins with itching and skin redness. The itching starts usually after an hour the person has been bitten. The development of the rash depends on the body's reaction to the bed bug saliva. For some people the rash may not appear for a day or so. Rash starts with localized swelling, blisters, or inflamed red round bumps. The rash may appear as a single swollen bump before it spreads and it also causes small losses of skin tissue. If the rash continues spreading, it means that the person is still being bitten by bed bugs. The wheels-like rash may stay swollen for few days and gradually fade away.

Rash From Mosquito Bite
Rash from a mosquito bite is a form of severe reaction. The rash has appearance similar to blisters or bruises, with redness and itching around the bitten areas. The saliva that mosquito uses to suck blood from the body, can cause immune reactions. People who suffer from uncommon, large areas of swelling are diagnosed with 'Skeeter Syndrome' – an allergic reaction. Other reactions that rarely occur, include anaphylaxis, urticaria and angioedema or asthma symptoms.

Rash Due to Chigger Bite
Chigger is a type of mite. It inflicts wounds around the waist, ankles, or in warm skin folds. The person may not be aware immediately about a chigger bite. The itching occurs after several hours of the bite, and small raised red lesions develops around the bitten area. The symptoms are similar to that in case of touching poison ivy or oak. Rashes usually develop around areas that have been exposed to sunlight, and they get worse with itching.

Rash Due to Tick Bite
Tick bite is painless and is usually not felt until a lump develops. This lump is actually the tick that is attached to the skin. Most ticks are not carriers of any disease, however some of them transmit serious illnesses. Some of these illnesses are associated with rash. The most common are rocky mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease. The Lyme disease is one cause for the rash to appear. After a period of one to four weeks after a tick bite, the characteristic rash appears. The rash starts at the location of the bite and develops around the wrists and ankles, before it spreads to the whole body. It is a flat round patch and looks like a bull's eye.

Rash Caused by Flea Bite
Rash by a flea bite appears as small itchy bumps that may bleed. These swollen itchy spots have a single puncture at the center. The rash is caused due to the flea's saliva that triggers allergic reaction. The rash is inflamed and appears in clusters or lines of two bites. The itching and inflammation may continue for several weeks before they subside.

Insect Bites Allergic Reactions
Apart from minor swelling, itching, rashes and pain, some people also suffer from acute allergic reactions caused from insect bites. Allergic reactions from insect bites at all times require immediate medical help, lest it could be life threatening. Some of the severe allergic reactions are

• Anaphylaxis
• Shock
• Suffocation
• Feeling of fullness in the mouth or throat
• Swelling in different parts of the body like tongue, ears, eyelids, mucous membrane
• Confusion (not able to think right)
• Nausea accompanied by stomach cramps and diarrhea

Serious toxic reactions are caused by stings of a black widow spider, brown recluse spider, scorpion, puss caterpillar, etc. Bee, wasps and fire ants also cause toxic reactions through their stings.

Insect Bites Infections
Wounds inflicted by insect bites usually get infected by bacteria. So, it becomes important to keep the wound clean and dry. Use anti-bacterial medications to clean the wound and keep away from dirt and the like. Infections make the wounds worse and more painful, thereby increasing the recovery time.

Remedy for Treatment of Rash
Ice has always been helpful in soothing pain and irritation. Apply ice pack on the bitten area, as soon as you come to know about any insect bite. Do not scratch the itching area, as it can only makes matter worse. Lotions which are Calamine based, help ease itching and swelling. Tea tree oil is also beneficial. Thick paste of baking soda and water or solution of meat tenderizer and water are also some of the home remedies for treating rash. Quick lime is also an efficient product which prevents infection from spreading further. It also acts as a beneficial antiseptic.

Early treatment for insect bite rashes is the only way to prevent serious infections, swelling and pain. Do not let the bite stay as it is, hoping that it will subside by itself. Although rare, but certain bites have also resulted in deaths. So, the first and foremost thing is to avoid coming in the vicinity of any kind of insects. However, if bitten or stung, you should follow the treatment procedures as hastily as possible.