Insect Bite

From Anvita Health Wiki

Contents 1 Clinical-manifestations 2 Laboratory 3 Differential-diagnosis 4 Management 5 More General Terms 6 Additional Terms 7 References

Clinical-manifestations

• normal reaction following any sting or bite

• immediate local pain with swelling
• subsides within 1-2 hours
• pruritis that may persist for days
• small papule or wheal is common

• painful wheal followed by vesicles & pustules is typical for fire ant bite

Laboratory

• leukocytosis & hyperglycemia typical of stress reaction
• generally laboratory tests not useful

Differential-diagnosis

• atopic dermatitis
• allergic or contact dermatitis
• viral infection
• drug eruption

Management

• cool compresses
• topical lotions

• camphor- menthol
• pramoxine preparations ( Caladryl)
• calamine

• secondary infection treated as cellulitis with antibiotics
• antihistamines

• chlorpheniramine 4-8 mg every 6 hours
• diphenhydramine 50 mg PO every 6 hours

• prednisone 40 mg PO for 2-3 days

More General Terms

• animal bite
• superficial injury/trauma

Additional Terms

• Chigger
• hymenoptera (insect) sting
• tick bite

References

1. Saunders Manual of Medical Practice, Rakel (ed), WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1996, pg 1172-74
2. Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 15, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2009

insect bite