Insect Bite Quiz
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Insect bites
Swelling
Itchy skin
Red spots on skin
Skin rashes
Itchy bumps on skin
Skin painful to touch
Sudden sting on skin
Unexplained burning sensation on skin
Bug bites that blister
Itchy skin at night
Erythema
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Insect Bite?
Irritation and inflammation of the skin caused by mosquito bites, bee stings, and other insects.
Typical Symptoms of Insect Bite
- Insect sting or injury from animals
- Itchy skin
- Affected area is warm to touch
- Skin rashes with tiny bumps
- Fever but feeling relatively well
- Redness in the affected area
- Swelling in the affected area
- Affected area of skin has stinging or tingling
Diagnostic Questions for Insect Bite
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Have you been bitten or stung by bugs or animals?
- Do you have itchy skin?
- Is the affected area hot to touch?
- Do you have a skin rash with tiny bumps?
- Do you have a fever but feel relatively well?
Treatment of Insect Bite
This condition is typically mild and improves on its own. However, medications may help relieve pain and itching. Rarely, some patients may develop a severe allergy, requiring emergency medical care.
Reviewed By:
Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Family Medicine)
Dr.Patel serves as Center Medical Director and a Primary Care Physician at Oak Street Health in Arizona. She graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine prior to working in clinical research focused on preventive medicine at the University of Illinois and the University of Nevada. Dr. Patel earned her MSc in Global Health from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her Family Medicine residency in Chicago at Norwegian American Hospital before completing a fellowship in Leadership in Value-based Care in conjunction with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she earned her MBA. Dr. Patel’s interests include health tech and teaching medical students and she currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Mar 27, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Bug stings
- Itchy
- Redness
- Animal bites
- The skin is itchy and has scratches
- My chest was scratched
- Bug bites
- The area is hot to touch
- Skin itching that worsens at night
- Dog bite
- Scalp scratched
- Itch is mild
- Mosquito bite
- Skin has heat
- Scratched by a cat
See full list
Symptoms Related to Insect Bite
Diseases Related to Insect Bite
FAQs
Q.
Itchy Bumps? Why Sand Fleas Bite & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Itchy beach bumps are often from sand flea bites, usually from biting midges or sand flies, and are typically mild and self limited; wash with soap and water, use 1 percent hydrocortisone or calamine, consider an oral antihistamine and cold compresses, and avoid scratching while you monitor for infection or severe allergy. There are several factors to consider that can change your next steps, including symptoms over two weeks, spreading redness or pus, recent tropical travel with possible burrowing fleas, immune conditions, or breathing problems; for full treatment, prevention with EPA approved repellents and timing tips, and clear guidance on when to see a doctor, see below.
References:
* Feldmeier, H., et al. (2018). Tungiasis: a parasitic disease of neglected populations. *PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases*, *12*(10), e0006764. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30383794/
* Muehlen, K., et al. (2019). Management of tungiasis: a systematic review of the literature. *PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases*, *13*(11), e0007724. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31751307/
* Saboya, C. S. O., et al. (2016). High Tungiasis Prevalence and Associated Morbidities in an Endemic Community in Bahia, Brazil. *PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases*, *10*(10), e0005021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27788100/
* Lorius, C., et al. (2018). Tungiasis in Haiti: a cross-sectional study of prevalence, clinical aspects, and risk factors. *Journal of Parasitology Research*, *2018*, 6910793. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30140410/
* Heukelbach, J., et al. (2007). Tungiasis: a neglected tropical disease with an unmet need for treatment. *The Lancet Infectious Diseases*, *7*(8), 556–562. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17646399/
Q.
Tick Bite? Why Your Skin Is Reacting & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Tick bite skin reactions range from a small, itchy bump that appears within 1 to 2 days and fades on its own to warning signs like an expanding rash or flu-like symptoms that need prompt medical care. There are several factors to consider, and the medically approved next steps include proper tick removal, cleaning, 30 day monitoring, and knowing when to seek urgent or routine care; see the complete guidance below for critical details that could change what you should do next.
References:
* Zelenka, C., Hohl, D., & Bassetti, S. (2020). Tick-borne diseases in the United States: a review for the dermatologist. *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology*, *83*(5), 1438-1448.
* Commins, S. P. (2021). Alpha-gal syndrome: an emerging tick-borne allergy. *The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice*, *9*(4), 1435-1443.e1.
* Aucott, J. N. (2020). Erythema migrans: diagnosis and management. *Infectious Disease Clinics of North America*, *34*(2), 249-261.
* Shanafelt, C. B., & Auwaerter, P. G. (2020). Prevention of Lyme disease after a tick bite. *Infectious Disease Clinics of North America*, *34*(2), 295-309.
* Dahlberg, C., Giesbers, B., & Vasile, I. (2022). Tick-borne diseases: an overview of clinical features, diagnosis, and management. *Primary Care*, *49*(3), 517-531.
Q.
Is it a Spider Bite? Why Your Skin is Reacting + Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider: most skin bumps blamed on spiders are actually insect bites, allergies, or infections, and true spider bites are uncommon and usually mild, with more serious reactions mainly linked to black widow or brown recluse exposures. For mild symptoms, clean the area, use a cold compress, and consider antihistamines or pain relievers; get urgent care for trouble breathing, severe cramps, fast-spreading redness, pus, fever, or wounds that worsen or do not improve in a few days. For important details that can change your next steps, including how to tell look-alikes apart and when to see a doctor, see below.
References:
* Stoecker, W. V., & Stoecker, A. D. (2018). The Misdiagnosis of Spider Bites: An Expert Panel's Opinion. *Missouri medicine*, *115*(1), 68–73.
* Bressan, V., Lupi, S. M., Veraldi, S., & Bencini, P. L. (2020). Bites and Stings: A Review of Common Dermatological Manifestations. *Journal of Clinical Medicine*, *9*(10), 3290.
* Isbister, G. K., & Fan, H. W. (2011). Spider bite. *The Lancet*, *378*(9809), 2039–2047.
* Miller, M. H., & Krivda, S. J. (2020). Insect Bites and Stings. *Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice*, *47*(4), 601–615.
* Stoecker, W. V. (2017). Dermatologic Conditions Mistaken for Spider Bites. *Clinics in Plastic Surgery*, *44*(4), 723–730.
Q.
Stung by a Yellow Jacket? Why Your Skin Is Swelling & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Yellow jacket stings often cause quick redness and swelling as your immune system reacts to venom, and most cases can be managed at home with cleaning, cold compresses, antihistamines, elevation, and pain relief. There are several factors to consider, including red flag symptoms like trouble breathing, facial or tongue swelling, many stings, signs of infection, or swelling that worsens after 48 hours; see the complete, medically approved next steps and when to call a doctor below.
References:
* Ruëff F, Dugas-Breit S. Reactions to Hymenoptera stings. Allergo J Int. 2017;26(1):15-22. doi: 10.1007/s40629-017-0004-9. PMID: 28243452.
* Moreno-Aguilar C, et al. Hymenoptera sting allergy: An update on epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021 Mar;9(3):1160-1172.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.10.027. PMID: 33160087.
* Golden DB. Insect sting reactions. Natural history and management. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2013 May-Jun;1(3):214-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2013.01.006. PMID: 24238536.
* Shaker M, et al. Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis with epinephrine auto-injectors: A review of current issues. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020 Feb;8(2):490-501. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2019.09.026. PMID: 31580854.
* Bonadonna P, et al. Hymenoptera venom allergy: Position paper of the Italian Society of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology (SIAAIC). Ital J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014;24(2):64-82. PMID: 25161309.
Q.
Brown Recluse Bite? Why Skin Necroses and Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Brown recluse bites can cause skin necrosis from a venom enzyme that injures blood vessels, usually appearing over 2 to 5 days; most suspected bites are mild or due to other causes, but watch for a growing dark center, blistering, severe pain, fever, or dark urine. There are several factors to consider, and medically approved next steps include gentle cleaning, cool compresses, elevation, not cutting or applying heat, and seeking prompt care if symptoms worsen or become systemic; there is no widely available antivenom in the U.S., treatment is supportive, and surgery is typically delayed until the wound stabilizes. See below to understand more.
References:
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29882297/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30458661/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21677242/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23642323/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15309071/
Q.
Midnight Welts? Why Your Skin is Inflamed + Medical Bed Bug Bite Relief
A.
Itchy midnight welts in lines or clusters on exposed skin often point to bed bug bites, an immune reaction to their saliva that causes red, swollen, very itchy bumps and is not known to transmit disease, though scratching can lead to infection. There are several factors to consider, from medical relief like washing, hydrocortisone 1 percent, antihistamines, and cool compresses to warning signs that need urgent care and steps to eliminate an infestation; see below for complete guidance, prevention tips, and when to seek medical help.
References:
* Doggett SL, Lee CY, Lee LCK, Beshir E. Advances in the biology and management of bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). J Med Entomol. 2021 Jul 1;58(4):1501-1522. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjaa250. PMID: 33499140.
* Hwang SW, Ryoo EN, Lee YW. Cutaneous manifestations of bed bug bites: a systematic review. J Dermatolog Treat. 2023 Dec;34(1):2191593. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2023.2191593. PMID: 36987799.
* Akhoundi M, Kieu S, Gbaguidi-Haore H, Gouriet F, Parola P, Louni M, Almasoud A. Bed Bugs: An Update. Microorganisms. 2023 Oct 12;11(10):2526. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms11102526. PMID: 37893976.
* Del Pesco E, Caccia A, Giai M, et al. Immune response to bed bug bites. J Med Entomol. 2023 Feb 1;60(1):15-21. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjac193. PMID: 36562541.
* Goddard J. Bed Bug Bites: Current Updates on the Effects of the Bites and Treatment. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2020 Apr;10(2):207-210. doi: 10.1007/s13555-020-00366-4. Epub 2020 Feb 21. PMID: 32080802; PMCID: PMC7075736.
Q.
Can Lyme disease be misdiagnosed as depression?
A.
Lyme disease can sometimes be misdiagnosed as depression because they share similar symptoms, like fatigue and mood changes.
References:
Kobayashi T, Higgins Y, Melia MT, & Auwaerter PG. (2022). Many Diagnoses are Frequently Misattributed to Lyme .... The American journal of medicine, 34861197.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34861197/
Rebman AW, Bechtold KT, Yang T, Mihm EA, Soloski MJ, Novak CB, & Aucott JN. (2017). The Clinical, Symptom, and Quality-of-Life Characterization .... Frontiers in medicine, 29312942.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29312942/
Di Battista ME, Dell'Acqua C, Baroni L, Fenoglio C, Galimberti D, & Gallucci M. (2018). Frontotemporal Dementia Misdiagnosed for Post- .... Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD, 30282363.
Q.
Can Lyme disease cause chronic fatigue and vertigo?
A.
Lyme disease can cause symptoms like chronic fatigue and vertigo, especially if it affects the brain.
References:
Verma V, Roman M, Shah D, Zaretskaya M, & Yassin MH. (2014). A case of chronic progressive lyme encephalitis as .... Infectious disease reports, 25568755.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25568755/
Novak P. (2020). Post COVID-19 syndrome associated with orthostatic .... eNeurologicalSci, 32984564.
Q.
Do doctors agree on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic Lyme disease?
A.
Doctors do not fully agree on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic Lyme disease due to differing views on its persistence and the effectiveness of tests.
References:
Cameron DJ. (2009). Clinical trials validate the severity of persistent Lyme disease .... Medical hypotheses, 19013025.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19013025/
Best SJ, Tschaepe MI, & Wilson KM. (2019). Investigation of the performance of serological assays used .... PloS one, 31034492.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31034492/
Patrick DM, Miller RR, Gardy JL, Parker SM, Morshed MG, Steiner TS, et al. (2015). A Phenotype Similar to That of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 26082507.
Q.
Does delayed diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease increase the risk of chronic symptoms?
A.
Delayed diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease can lead to chronic symptoms, making it harder for patients to recover fully.
References:
Hirsch AG, Herman RJ, Rebman A, Moon KA, Aucott J, Heaney C, & Schwartz BS. (2018). Obstacles to diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease in .... BMJ open, 29895655.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29895655/
Bransfield RC, Goud Gadila SK, Kursawe LJ, Dwork AJ, Rosoklija G, Horn EJ, et al. (2024). Late-stage borreliosis and substance abuse. Heliyon, 38779029.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38779029/
Bonoldi VLN, Yoshinari NH, Trevisan G, & Bonin S. (2024). Baggio-Yoshinari Syndrome: A Report of Five Cases. Microorganisms, 39458417.
Q.
How can I prevent Lyme disease tick bites?
A.
To prevent Lyme disease tick bites, wear long sleeves and pants, use tick repellent, and check for ticks after being outdoors.
References:
Schwartz AM, Mackeprang JM, Mead PS, & Hinckley AF. (2022). A review of epidemiologic studies from the United States. Zoonoses and public health, 35791092.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35791092/
Richardson M, Khouja C, & Sutcliffe K. (2019). Interventions to prevent Lyme disease in humans. Preventive medicine reports, 30456054.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30456054/
Eisen L. (2022). Personal protection measures to prevent tick bites in the .... Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 35364518.
Q.
Is chronic Lyme disease accepted by doctors?
A.
Chronic Lyme disease is a controversial topic among doctors, with some accepting it and others questioning its validity.
References:
Koedel U, Fingerle V, & Pfister HW. (2015). Lyme neuroborreliosis-epidemiology, diagnosis and .... Nature reviews. Neurology, 26215621.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26215621/
Maloney EL. (2016). Controversies in Persistent (Chronic) Lyme Disease. Journal of infusion nursing : the official publication of the Infusion Nurses Society, 27755213.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27755213/
Lantos PM. (2015). Chronic Lyme disease. Infectious disease clinics of North America, 25999227.
Q.
Is there new research funding for chronic Lyme disease treatments?
A.
New research is focusing on improving how we classify and treat chronic Lyme disease, which could lead to better treatment options in the future.
References:
Fallon BA, Kuvaldina M, Zubcevik N, DeBiasi R, Mulkey SB, Chiu C, et al. (2025). Proposed research classification criteria for Lyme disease .... Frontiers in medicine, 40070652.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40070652/
Adkison H, & Embers ME. (2023). Lyme disease and the pursuit of a clinical cure. Frontiers in medicine, 37293310.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37293310/
Bobe JR, Jutras BL, Horn EJ, Embers ME, Bailey A, Moritz RL, et al. (2021). Recent Progress in Lyme Disease and Remaining .... Frontiers in medicine, 34485323.
Q.
What are some unproven treatments for chronic Lyme disease?
A.
Some unproven treatments for chronic Lyme disease include long-term antibiotics, herbal supplements, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. These treatments lack scientific support and may not be safe.
References:
Lantos PM, Shapiro ED, Auwaerter PG, Baker PJ, Halperin JJ, McSweegan E, & Wormser GP. (2015). Unorthodox alternative therapies marketed to treat Lyme .... Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 25852124.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25852124/
Auwaerter PG, Bakken JS, Dattwyler RJ, Dumler JS, Halperin JJ, McSweegan E, et al. (2011). Antiscience and ethical concerns associated with advocacy .... The Lancet. Infectious diseases, 21867956.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21867956/
Sakizadeh JR, Rothenberger MK, & Alpern JD. (2025). Characteristics of Clinics Offering Nontraditional Lyme .... Open forum infectious diseases, 40103734.
Q.
What are the symptoms of Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS)?
A.
Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) can cause tiredness, joint and muscle pain, and trouble thinking clearly, even after Lyme disease treatment.
References:
Wester KE, Nwokeabia BC, Hassan R, Dunphy T, Osondu M, Wonders C, & Khaja M. (2024). Exploring the Mechanisms of Post-treatment Lyme Disease .... Cureus, 39161484.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39161484/
Aucott JN. (2015). Posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome. Infectious disease clinics of North America, 25999226.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25999226/
Bai NA, & Richardson CS. (2023). Posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome and myalgic .... Chronic diseases and translational medicine, 37711861.
Q.
What bacteria causes Lyme disease?
A.
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria called Borrelia, mainly Borrelia burgdorferi in the United States.
References:
Chomel B. (2015). Lyme disease. Revue scientifique et technique (International Office of Epizootics), 26601457.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26601457/
Marques AR, Strle F, & Wormser GP. (2021). Comparison of Lyme Disease in the United States and .... Emerging infectious diseases, 34286689.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34286689/
Steere AC, Strle F, Wormser GP, Hu LT, Branda JA, Hovius JW, et al. (2016). Lyme borreliosis. Nature reviews. Disease primers, 27976670.
Q.
What does a Lyme disease rash look like?
A.
The Lyme disease rash, often called erythema migrans, usually looks like a red, circular patch that can expand and sometimes resembles a bull's-eye.
References:
Berger BW. (1989). Dermatologic manifestations of Lyme disease. Reviews of infectious diseases, 2814169.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2814169/
Müllegger RR, & Glatz M. (2008). Skin manifestations of lyme borreliosis: diagnosis and .... American journal of clinical dermatology, 18973402.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18973402/
Strle F, & Wormser GP. (2022). Early Lyme Disease (Erythema Migrans) and Its Mimics .... Infectious disease clinics of North America, 36116832.
Q.
What happens if Lyme disease is left untreated?
A.
If Lyme disease is left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems affecting the joints, heart, and nerves.
References:
Chodynicka B, Flisiak I, Lukaszuk C, & Bułhak V. (1997). [Late consequences of untreated lyme borreliosis]. Przeglad epidemiologiczny, 9562794.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9562794/
Szer IS, Taylor E, & Steere AC. (1991). The long-term course of Lyme arthritis in children. The New England journal of medicine, 2052061.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2052061/
Steere AC. (1995). Musculoskeletal manifestations of Lyme disease. The American journal of medicine, 7726191.
Q.
What is Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS)?
A.
Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) happens when people still feel sick after getting treated for Lyme disease, even though the infection is gone.
References:
Aucott JN. (2015). Posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome. Infectious disease clinics of North America, 25999226.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25999226/
Wester KE, Nwokeabia BC, Hassan R, Dunphy T, Osondu M, Wonders C, & Khaja M. (2024). Exploring the Mechanisms of Post-treatment Lyme Disease .... Cureus, 39161484.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39161484/
Ścieszka J, Dąbek J, & Cieślik P. (2015). Post-Lyme disease syndrome. Reumatologia, 27407225.
Q.
What other diseases have symptoms similar to chronic Lyme disease?
A.
Chronic Lyme disease symptoms can be similar to those of chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and certain autoimmune diseases, making it challenging to diagnose.
References:
Bai NA, & Richardson CS. (2023). Posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome and myalgic .... Chronic diseases and translational medicine, 37711861.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37711861/
Seidel MF, Domene AB, & Vetter H. (2007). Differential diagnoses of suspected Lyme borreliosis or .... European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology, 17605053.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17605053/
Gaudino EA, Coyle PK, & Krupp LB. (1997). Post-Lyme syndrome and chronic fatigue .... Archives of neurology, 9362985.
Q.
What type of tick transmits Lyme disease?
A.
The black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick, is the type of tick that transmits Lyme disease.
References:
Bush LM, & Vazquez-Pertejo MT. (2018). Tick borne illness-Lyme disease. Disease-a-month : DM, 29402399.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29402399/
Lo Re V 3rd, Occi JL, & MacGregor RR. (2004). Identifying the vector of Lyme disease. American family physician, 15117014.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15117014/
Mead P. (2022). Epidemiology of Lyme Disease. Infectious disease clinics of North America, 36116831.
Q.
When are Lyme disease ticks most active?
A.
Lyme disease ticks are most active during the warmer months, especially in spring and summer.
References:
Burtis JC, Bjork J, Johnson TL, Schiffman E, Neitzel D, & Eisen RJ. (2023). Seasonal activity patterns of host-seeking Ixodes .... Journal of medical entomology, 37075475.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37075475/
Salkeld DJ, Castro MB, Bonilla D, Kjemtrup A, Kramer VL, Lane RS, & Padgett KA. (2014). Seasonal activity patterns of the western black-legged tick, .... Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 25113980.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25113980/
Piesman J, Mather TN, Dammin GJ, Telford SR 3rd, Lastavica CC, & Spielman A. (1987). Seasonal variation of transmission risk of Lyme disease .... American journal of epidemiology, 3687924.
Q.
Where are Lyme disease ticks found in the US?
A.
Lyme disease ticks, known as blacklegged ticks, are mainly found in the northeastern, north-central, and Pacific Coast areas of the United States.
References:
Burtis JC, Foster E, Schwartz AM, Kugeler KJ, Maes SE, Fleshman AC, & Eisen RJ. (2022). Predicting distributions of blacklegged ticks (Ixodes .... Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 35785605.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35785605/
Eisen L, & Eisen RJ. (2023). Changes in the geographic distribution of the blacklegged .... Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 37494882.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37494882/
Fleshman AC, Graham CB, Maes SE, Foster E, & Eisen RJ. (2021). Reported County-Level Distribution of Lyme Disease .... Journal of medical entomology, 33600574.
Q.
Why do some people have lingering Lyme disease symptoms?
A.
Some people have lingering symptoms after Lyme disease because their bodies react differently to the bacteria, causing ongoing issues even after treatment.
References:
Baarsma ME, & Hovius JW. (2024). Persistent Symptoms After Lyme Disease. The Journal of infectious diseases, 39140720.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39140720/
Wester KE, Nwokeabia BC, Hassan R, Dunphy T, Osondu M, Wonders C, & Khaja M. (2024). Exploring the Mechanisms of Post-treatment Lyme Disease .... Cureus, 39161484.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39161484/
Rebman AW, & Aucott JN. (2020). Post-treatment Lyme Disease as a Model for Persistent .... Frontiers in medicine, 32161761.
Q.
What do tick bites look like? Characteristics to distinguish tick bite marks.
A.
Tick bites can present with specific characteristics that help distinguish them from other insect bites. Recognizing these features is important for identifying potential tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease.
References:
Pearn J. The clinical features of tick bite. Med J Aust. 1977 Sep 3;2(10):313-8. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1977.tb99163.x. PMID: 927249.
Aberer E. What should one do in case of a tick bite? Curr Probl Dermatol. 2009;37:155-166. doi: 10.1159/000213073. Epub 2009 Apr 8. PMID: 19367100.
Stanek G, Strle F. Lyme borreliosis-from tick bite to diagnosis and treatment. FEMS Microbiol Rev. 2018 May 1;42(3):233-258. doi: 10.1093/femsre/fux047. PMID: 29893904.
Q.
Why do some bug bites become hard or swollen?
A.
Bug bites may get swollen, red or hardened due to an allergic reaction or infection.
References:
Gaunder BN. Insect bites and stings: managing allergic reactions. Nurse Pract. 1986 Mar;11(3):16, 19-22, 27-8. doi: 10.1097/00006205-198603000-00004. PMID: 2869463.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Singh S, Mann BK. Insect bite reactions. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2013 Mar-Apr;79(2):151-64. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.107629. PMID: 23442453.
https://ijdvl.com/insect-bite-reactions/Moore SJ, Mordue Luntz AJ, Logan JG. Insect bite prevention. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2012 Sep;26(3):655-73. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2012.07.002. PMID: 22963776.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891552012000748?via%3DihubStibich AS, Carbonaro PA, Schwartz RA. Insect bite reactions: an update. Dermatology. 2001;202(3):193-7. doi: 10.1159/000051635. PMID: 11385222.
https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/51635Wilcock J, Etherington C, Hawthorne K, Brown G. Insect bites. BMJ. 2020 Aug 7;370:m2856. doi: 10.1136/bmj.m2856. PMID: 32769081.
https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m2856