How to deal with red itchy bites on the skin

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Close contact with an insect while outdoors can leave behind a red itchy bite on the skin. Even though most insect bites are not dangerous, the bite can cause discomfort that can last for a few days. The initial move is to utilize one of the commonly used home remedies to relieve the discomfort and itchiness. On the other hand, if home remedies were not effective in relieving the symptoms, the doctor might prescribe medications to minimize the itchiness of the red itchy bites on the skin.

Fleas and mosquitoes

The red itchy bites on the skin can develop after an insect ingests a small amount of blood after delivering a bite. One the female mosquito bites an individual, the insect deposited saliva into the skin. The reddish bump and itchiness manifests since the immune system reacts to the proteins that are present in the saliva.

Itchy bites
Even though most insect bites are not dangerous, the bite can cause discomfort that can last for a few days.

As for flea bites, they not only cause problems for dogs and cats, but also in humans as well. These blood-sucking insects can also bite humans. Fleas typically bite humans around the knees, ankles, armpits, waist and elbows, although the resulting red rash can spread to other areas of the skin.

Considerations to bear in mind

In case the red itchy bites manifest on the skin during or after a trip, bed bugs might be responsible. Bed bugs are flat, small, brown-colored insects that hide in cracks of upholstered furniture, curtains, mattresses, dresser drawers, bed frames and carpeting. Individuals who travel unknowingly transport bed bugs in their luggage, which makes hotels the ideal spot to end up with bed bug bites. Always bear in mind that bed bugs feed on blood every 5-10 days but can live up to a year without feeding.

Scabies

The red itchy bites can also occur if the individual has scabies. These are microscopic mites that are spread via close contact with an infested individual. These mites are small in size which makes them hard to see, but capable of causing severe itchiness once they burrow into the skin.

If an individual has scabies, there is itchiness before the red pimple-like bites manifest on the skin. Scabies is considered common among those who have close contact with others such as children, elderly in nursing homes and sexually active young adults.

Treatment

In most cases, hydrocortisone cream or ointment, oatmeal baths and calamine lotion can be used to help reduce the itchiness of the red itchy bites from the insects. In case these treatment options are not effective, over-the-counter oral antihistamines might be needed. The antihistamines work by preventing the allergens from triggering symptoms. In some cases, the doctor might prescribe a potent medication if the over-the-counter medications do not work.

Permethrin or lindane creams are prescribed by doctors to manage scabies. These medications are allowed to stay on the skin overnight and washed off in the morning. This procedure is repeated one week after the initial application. In case bedbugs, scabies or fleas are the source of the bites, it is vital to wash clothing, bedding and stuffed animals thoroughly. In addition, it is also required to treat the house with pesticides to prevent reinfestation.

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