In most cases, insect bites and stings cause temporary irritation of the skin. The body reacts to substances in the insect’s saliva or venom, which can lead to redness, itching and swelling at the site of the bite or sting. Most reactions are mild and improve over a short period of time.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of insect bites or stings may include:

• a small red bump or raised area on the skin
• itching or irritation around the bite
• mild swelling
• redness of the skin
• pain or burning at the site of the sting

Some people may develop a larger local reaction with more swelling and warmth around the bite or sting.

Possible Causes

Insect bites occur when insects pierce the skin to feed on blood. Stings occur when insects inject venom through a stinger as a defensive action. Different insects can cause different types of reactions depending on the substance injected and the body’s immune response.

Reference

Content adapted from information provided by Ontario Health – Health811:https://health811.ontario.ca/static/guest/medical-library/condition?name=insect%20bites%20and%20stings