Insect bites and stings are a common source of injury to the skin that typically results in a small, red and itchy bump.

In rare cases, bites and stings can result in complications, such as infection or a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. Numerous small creatures, classified as both insects and arachnids (e.g., spiders, ticks, mites), can bite or sting. Those that bite include mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and spiders. Those that sting include honeybees, wasps, yellow jackets and scorpions.

Symptoms are usually mild and disappear within a few hours or days. They may include redness, itching and mild pain at the site of the bite or sting. Symptoms of patients experiencing a severe allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate and hives. Patients experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction should seek medical treatment immediately.

Most insect bites and stings do not require a visit to a physician. However, in some cases, a physician may determine the type of insect bite or sting experienced by a patient during a physical examination.

Most bites and stings can be treated at home in a variety of ways, such as antihistamine lotions and over-the-counter analgesics (pain relievers). Patients experiencing allergic reactions are usually treated with an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) that helps reverse symptoms.

There are several ways to prevent insect bites and stings, such as using insect repellant, wearing light-colored clothing that covers skin areas and keeping food covered until it is eaten when dining outdoors.