You have probably been a delicious meal for female mosquitoes or other insects. A bloody bite was enough to instinctively move your hands to capture the swift bug vampires. Now, whether you were successful or not is not of immediate concern.

1. Why do Bugs Bite?

Warning: Graphic images ahead.

Apart from your potential to become a tasty meal, you might have been stung by a bee, ant, mosquito, wasp, or worse, a spider because of one or more of the following reasons:

1. You got too close to it, causing it to become alert and triggered. Thus, it might have bitten or stung you as a result of self-defence.
2. You were sitting or standing for too long near a drain or swampy or damp area. Damp and swampy areas are breeding grounds for numerous bugs like ticks, mosquitoes, spiders, and so on. No wonder you got a stinging welcome to their residence!
3. If a mosquito bit you, it was probably, a female mosquito. Female mosquitoes lay eggs and thus, they need blood to do so. The heat and odor of a human can attract mosquitoes to you.
4. You are too hard to resist. On a serious note, the amount of ammonia you give off when you sweat can impact your bug-attraction charms.

2. Different Types of Bug Bites

It started as a slightly itchy spot but now it is a full-blown scratch that is turning into a red and angry-looking inflammation. However, you can’t stop the scratching as it is too satisfying.

Most individuals have faced this situation after getting a love bite from passionate female mosquitoes. On the other hand, you might not be familiar with other types of bug bites. Listed below are a few of them:

2.1. Flea Bites

Usually, seen as clusters on the lower legs and feet, you will experience symptoms immediately after being bitten. A’ reddish halo’ surrounds these tiny, itchy, red bumps.

2.2. Lice Bites

These hair parasites cause an itchy immune reaction to your scalp as they suck your blood to nourish themselves. Mostly common in schools, especially with people with long and thick hair, it is a nuisance and harmful to the body.

2.3. Tick Bites

Ticks remain attached to the skin for a long time after they bite. You might experience a rash, blisters, or a burning sensation. It is advisable to seek professional medical help as these tiny monsters can cause the transfer of certain diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.

2.4. Spider Bites

The scary housemates we all seem to have, uninvited, are spiders. Spider bites can vary depending on the spider you were bitten by.

2.5. Bee Stings

The barbed stinger remains after you get stung by a honeybee. Thus, a white spot appears where you feel the swelling itch.

2.6. Wasp Stings

If a wasp stings you, it leaves a scorching red welt on your skin. It can be extremely painful and itchy.

3. Why do Bug Bites Itch?

Swelling, redness, soreness, or painful welts and inflammation can be your body’s response to bug bites. From mild discomfort to extreme pain, your body’s immune system will be triggered to combat the saliva, stinger, or poison injected into your body.

Why do bug bites itch? Thus, your body’s immune system will release histamine, which causes itchiness or inflammation. Also, the more you scratch the affected area, the more inflamed, sensitive, and itchy it will become.

You must have noticed your skin becoming more fragile and itchier the more you tried to scratch a mosquito bite.

The venom of the bite can cause an itchy sensation accompanied by pain, redness, swelling, or a burning feeling, depending on the type of bug you were bitten by. Especially at night, when your body is tired and vulnerable, the cortisol levels drop.

This leads to a higher perception and heightened feeling towards the itchy sensation. Therefore, you might feel the bug bites itch more at night.

4. What if You Have Sensitive Skin?

If you have sensitive skin, you should be more careful of bug bites. Apply ice on the affected area to soothe the inflammation and itchiness. Then, use aloe vera gel to cool down the burning sensation. Aloe vera acts as a natural antiseptic agent.

5. How to Take Precautions? Avoid it in the First Place!

Prevention is always better than cure. Avoid getting bitten in the first place.

1. Try to apply mosquito repellent on your skin in the form of lotion or cream.
2. Wear full sleeves covering your arms and legs to protect your skin from potential attacks.
3. Try to avoid going near drains or similar damp or swampy areas.
4. Do not scratch the itch initially, no matter how tempting it feels. Applying ice first to control the potential inflammation is a good way to avoid extreme itchiness. Ice is a good numbing and shooting agent.
5. Take showers daily as maintaining hygiene keeps your body odor in control Thus, the likeliness to get bitten is very low.
6. Avoid going to too dark places or sitting down or standing still for too long, especially at night.
7. Wear protective clothing in case you need to go to forest areas. Numerous bugs live in the woods and it is highly suggested to be wary of them.

5. When to Seek a Doctor?

If you get bitten by a deadly creature like a black widow or scorpion, seek professional medical health as soon as possible. Also, if the itchy sensation after getting bitten by a bug gets worse and intolerable, go to a doctor. Unbearable burning sensations or uncontrollable inflammation should be medically checked.

6. Final Words

Your skin is your natural protective shield. You must take good care of it and protect it from danger as it does for you. Remain itch-free by taking necessary preventive measures beforehand. You don’t want it bugging you throughout your day.

Last Updated on December 25, 2023 by soubhik92@gmail.com