Written: Zobiana Dillsworth
Image Source: Health
The skin can be affected by many things, including insects. While it may seem gross to consider bugs the cause of these conditions, that is exactly what they are. The most common insects that affect the skin, in one way or another, are bed bugs, lice, bees, mosquitoes, and fleas. Each insect can affect the skin in serious ways.
Bed bugs are named as such because they often hide in mattresses and box springs while only coming out when humans are asleep. Bed bugs bite the human to feed on the blood. Before biting, the bug injects a numbing substance. These bites usually appear as itchy, red welts, which usually appear in a zig-zag pattern across the skin. These bites can take up to two weeks until they itch, especially when they first appear; as bites occur more often, they begin to itch sooner. These welts can also cause more serious problems: difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, swollen tongue, blisters, fever, infection, or anemia. Wash the bites with hot soapy water and apply a corticosteroid cream. If you believe you have bed bugs, you must check for them to make sure. Bed bugs are usually hard to find because of their size: young, hungry bugs are the size of poppy seeds. Though they are hard to visually see, you can find them by their smell (sweet, musty odor), exoskeletons (bed bugs shed), bed bug excrement (tiny, black specks), or eggs (white, small ovals in crevices). It is important to note that even the cleanest home can get bed bugs, so the best way to prevent their appearance is to check for them in areas you visit (other homes, hotels, hospitals, public transportation, etc). Along with being hard to spot, bed bugs are also hard to get rid of. In fact, most bed bug infestations can only be treated with professional help because bed bugs have adapted to many pesticides and foggers (1). Bed bugs can be a serious issue, so it is important to seek professional help.
Pediculus humanus capitis, or head lice, is a common issue for school-aged children. A common myth is that head lice only appear on dirty hair, but this is not true; anyone can get head lice because they are simply looking for blood. Once one person gets head lice, it can quickly spread. Head lice are mainly spread by crawling from head to head, but this is not the only way. Head lice may crawl onto towels, pillows, hats, brushes/combs, or scarves. When you touch the affected area, the lice may crawl onto your head. The most common sign of head lice is itchiness, but this does not always happen. Head lice can also cause a crawling sensation, swollen lymph nodes, and pink eye. If these signs appear, the head should be checked thoroughly. To check for lice, use a fine-toothed comb and a flashlight; the bugs are extremely tiny and may be hard to spot. Wetting the hair can make the lice and their eggs (nits) stick out. Adult lice move very quickly and look like sesame seeds in the hair. Nits are dark in color before hatching and are often around the ears and neck. Nits are different from dandruff or other substances because they stick to the scalp or hair; they do not come off easily. Lice shampoo is the most common treatment because it can be bought over the counter, but doctors can also provide prescriptions: ivermectin lotion, spinosad suspension, benzyl alcohol lotion, malathion lotion, or lindane shampoo. As treatments are applied, it is important to disinfect the home: wash bedclothes, brushes, combs, stuffed animals, and headphones. Additionally, carpets in the home should be vacuumed and hard floors should be swept daily. Head lice is one of the most common insects that affect humans, so it is important to prevent and treat their presence correctly.
Mosquitoes and fleas are summer annoyances that also feed on human blood. Mosquitoes pierce the skin with a proboscis and then inject saliva into the body, which makes the spread of diseases (such as Yellow fever and Zika) very likely. Mosquito bites often lead to bumps that may be hard, itchy, and red. The bites could also lead to small blisters or dark spots. Some people may react more extremely and may have swelling, a fever, hives, or swollen lymph nodes. Mosquitoes are common, and there are many over-the-counter treatments for bites. Like mosquitoes, fleas bite the skin to feed on the blood. Unlike mosquitoes, however, they mainly only appear on the lower leg. Flea bites appear as small, discolored bumps with a ring. These bites usually itch, but they may also cause allergic reactions or infection; fleas can carry diseases like endemic murine typhus, cat scratch disease, and plagues. Many times, flea bites are simply treated with over-the-counter antihistamine creams. Fleas and mosquitoes are the most common skin-affecting insects, but they only cause itchiness in most cases.
The final insect that can affect the skin is bees. Bees are infamous for their stingers, but they actually only sting when they feel threatened. However, if you do irritate them (or attract them with bright colors and sweet smells), it is important to be aware of their stings. Sometimes the stinger remains in the skin; slide a credit card or your fingernail against the area to push the stinger out. Never use tweezers to pull the stinger directly out because this can cause more venom release. After the stinger is out, wash the area with soap and water. Hold ice on the area to reduce swelling and take pain medication. Bee stings almost always swell, but if the swelling continues after cold compression is applied, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Additionally, keep an eye out for redness, hives, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. The only way to prevent bee stings is to avoid them.
Overall, there are many insects that can affect the skin. Whether the insects bite or sting, they are leaving traces behind. Make sure to keep an eye out for common insects and to treat them the correct way. If you follow the recommended steps and your skin worsens, you need to go to the doctor immediately.
References:
“Bed bugs: Overview.” American Academy of Dermatology, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/bed-bugs-overview.
Bennett, Howard J. “Have you ever wondered why bees and wasps sting?” Washington Post, 7 May 2017, https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/have-you-ever-wondered-why-bees-sting/2017/05/05/4a4aaa90-28fb-11e7-a616-d7c8a68c1a66_story.html.
“Flea Bites: What They Look Like, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 31 August 2021, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21718-flea-bites.
“Head lice: Overview.” American Academy of Dermatology, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/head-lice-overview.
“How to treat a bee sting.” American Academy of Dermatology, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/bites/treat-bee-sting.
“Mosquito Bite Symptoms and Treatment | Mosquitoes.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-bites/symptoms.html.
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