Insect Bites
Medical Author:
An T Nguyen, MD
Medical Editor:
Marian Gambrell, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Anthony Anker, MD, FAAEM
Insect Bites OverviewStings and bites from insects are common. They often result in redness and swelling in the injured area. Sometimes a sting can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction. Arthropods are insects that live primarily on land and have 6 legs. They dominate the present-day land fauna. They represent about three-fourths of known animal life. In fact, the actual number of living species could range from 5-10 million. The orders that contain the greatest numbers of species are Coleoptera (beetles), Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps), and Diptera (true flies). Viewer Comments & ReviewsInsect Bites - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What symptoms did you experience with your insect bites? |
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Insect Bites
Be Prepared for a Medical Emergency
Almost everyone will need to use a first aid kit at some time. Take the time to prepare a kit to have available for home and travel. First aid kits may be basic or comprehensive. What you need depends on your medical training and how far you are from professional medical help. Ready-made first aid kits are commercially available from chain stores or outdoor retailers. But you can make a simple and inexpensive first aid kit yourself. Be prepared to take enough medication to last at least as long as you may be traveling (or for a few days more in case of delays). Carry your medical information with you. In case of emergencies when first aid is only the beginning of care, people should be prepared to give emergency personnel all of their current and past medical history (see below for methods).
Home and Travel First Aid Kits
Home first aid kits are usually used for treating these types of minor traumatic injurie...
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Bites, Insect »
Insects comprise the most diverse and numerous class of the animal kingdom, Insecta.
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