Insect Bites

Insect bites are a common reason for consultation, the vast majority may be asymptomatic and do not require treatment but severe manifestations such as vector-borne diseases, anaphylaxis and secondary infection should be excluded. Tick, mosquito, flea, horsefly, midge, bedbug, mite, flea, spider, ant, ladybug and flower bug bites are described in this chapter, and common vector-borne diseases are enlisted. Treatment may include antihistamines, mild analgesics and topical corticosteroid creams such as betamethasone, desonide or hydrocortisone. Scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are long-term complications of insect bites. Prevention includes the use of insect repellents, protective clothing, vaccines and/or supressing mosquitos with methods like sterile insect techniques.