The type and severity of bug bite can be identified by the appearance and associated symptoms of the bite, with different bugs causing different reactions through their bite and can show how serious the bite is depending on the range of severity of the reaction. There are quite a few bugs that are known for biting humans, with some being more irritating than serious, but others being far more severe and possibly life-threatening. Below are common types of bug bites and their associated bite symptoms:

• Mosquitos often cause a small, red, itchy bump in the skin that is slightly raised, with severe reactions including allergic reactions.
• Bee stings can also lead to allergic reactions but will most commonly display as a red bump on the skin that has white around it.
• Bedbugs can be trickier to identify as the bugs are fairly small and the bites will often occur without the individual realizing, with the bites resulting in a small mark that is often itchy and red.
• Flea bites will result in a small welt that is itchy, and most frequently occurs around the ankles or legs.
• Tick bites will often result in a rash that resembles a bull’s eye and can come with the risk (though it is rare) of Lyme disease.
• Spider bites will range significantly in severity, with minor bites just causing redness, pain, and swelling in the site, but can quickly develop into serious symptoms that require emergency medical care.

If a bug bite becomes infected, the patient must seek medical attention right away to prevent the infection from worsening or spreading. Signs of an infected bug bite include:

• The presence of pus that develops in or around the bite;
• Warmth in the site of the bite; and
• Swelling, redness, and pain that spreads from the site of the bite.

Other signs of an infection from a bug bite include swollen glands, the development of fever or chills, sores or abscesses that develop around the bite, and a red or dark line that extends out from the bug bite.

The most common animals that are known to bite humans include dogs, cats, snakes, and monkeys. By far, the most common animal to receive a bite from are dogs, especially in the US, closely followed by cat bites. Snake bites are more common in rural areas within Africa and Southeast Asia and can cause the most life-threatening reactions as more than half of snake bites are done by venomous snakes. Bites incurred by a monkey are also far more common to occur amongst Americans who are traveling without taking proper precautions, with monkey bites being the second most common type of animal bites in India, closely following behind dog bites. In Florida, it is very unlikely that you will be bitten by a snake or monkey, with local wild animals such as raccoons, bats, and foxes posing far more of a relevant threat to locals.

Although the most likely risk associated with an animal bite is infection, the most common disease that can be contracted through an animal bite is rabies. Rabies can be contracted through bites from all warm-blooded animals, though it is most commonly spread in the United States through dog and bat bites. Rat Bite Fever is rare but occasionally occurs in the States through humans being bitten by infected rats. Another disease that is spread through animal bites includes a strain of herpes known as B herpes, which is most commonly spread through bites or scratches from Macaques. Diseases from animal bites are far less common than diseases spread by insects in the United States, but it is always recommended that individuals research the area in which they live and where they choose to travel to ensure they can take preventative measures to avoid developing infections and diseases.

If you or someone you care for has an insect or animal bite that causes you concern, visit PrimeHealth Urgent Care to obtain an immediate medical examination and effective treatments. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Parrish FL, Bradenton FL, Sarasota FL, Lehigh Acres FL, Estero FL, Port Charlotte FL, West Bradenton FL, and Ellenton FL. We serve patients from Parrish FL, Bradenton FL, Sarasota FL, Lehigh Acres FL, Estero FL, Ellenton FL, Palmetto FL, Lakewood Ranch FL, Foxleigh FL, Venice FL, Fruitville FL, Wimauma FL, Balm FL, Fort Myers FL, Westminster FL, El Dorado Acres FL, Cascades FL, West Samoset FL, Memphis FL, Harbour Heights FL, Murdock FL, West Bradenton FL, and surrounding cities.