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Insect bites: what are the causes and how to treat them? (P2)

Insect bites: what are the causes and how to treat them? (P2)

Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 01/04/2023

In general, the most common allergy symptoms seen by insect bites in children, young adults, and adults range from hives, coming and going lids, swelling of the mouth and eyelids, asphyxia, low blood pressure, fainting, vomiting, and diarrhea.. This is known as anaphylaxis. In the differential case due to insect bites, it manifests itself in the arms and legs with reddish hives and lifting of the skin with a small central eruption. This slight lifting of the skin makes visible the insect bite. Other consequences are that those affected are scratching too much. Itching attacks can be intermittent or in some cases persistent chronic, to the extent of altering the quality of life of children and young people.

The treatment of flea bite allergy, in specific, is often a challenge for the doctor or the specialist because the measures are not always effective. Perhaps a major measure of prevention is to avoid contact with animals, especially domestic animals, or to give animals treatment with the veterinarian through collars or capsules to reduce the likelihood of them being infested with fleas.

Some Treatments for Allergies

Unfortunately, outdoors is very difficult to avoid the contact of children with animals and, therefore, with fleas. And once the bite already occurs, as well as the allergic reaction, the first step is to reduce the rash, ie pruritus by means of antiallergics or antihistamines. Because there is a wide variety of antihistamines. Depending on the severity of the allergy will be the prescription: some are more powerful and others less powerful, but effective; some may become sleepy and some may not.

The second step is to reduce the local inflammation that is present. Usually, local topical anti inflammatory drugs are used that are called corticosteroids. Generally, when reactions are severe, high-potency creams are used for 3 or 4 days. This, because if the creams are applied for a longer time, they do not contribute in improving the reaction. The best thing to do is to wait for the healing to occur spontaneously in the patient. In special cases anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed orally or injected.

Immunology and Allergies in Bogotá