Insect bites can be an itchy nuisance, especially if you are bitten by the same type of insect multiple times in a row.
Some insects, like flying insects, may bite once and then move on to their next victim.
However, other insects can trigger multiple bites at the same time. And if you’re on the other end of this attack, you might see a group of bites on one line.
What types of errors do these types of bites cause?
Here you can see various mistakes that leave multiple bites in a row, as well as the ways in which you can treat those bites.
Different insects can leave different types of bite marks, including those that appear in a line.
If you notice multiple bites in a row, there are a few possible culprits:
Insect bites can cause pain, redness, and severe itching. You should therefore take immediate steps to relieve discomfort and prevent future bites.
Identify and remove the culprit
The first step in treating an insect bite is to identify the culprit.
If you suspect a bug or flea infestation in your home, call a pest control company to find and remove the insects. You can also prevent an infestation by treating fleas in your pets.
Although irritating, most insect bites are minor and can be treated with home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.
Prevent swelling and infection
With light bites, wash the area with soap and water to avoid infection.
Apply a cool compress to the bite to reduce pain and swelling.
If you have bites on your arms or legs, lifting that part of your body can also reduce the swelling.
Relieves pain and itching
Next, apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to the bite to relieve the itching, or take an OTC oral antihistamine.
If you’re in pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Continue this treatment until the symptoms go away.
Treat lice and scabies with prescription drugs
For lice
If you have lice, you’ll need a shampoo with over-the-counter medication to kill the lice and their eggs. If these treatments don’t work, ask your doctor about a prescription lice treatment.
It is important to note that lice itching does not go away immediately after treatment. Also, the initial treatment cannot kill lice eggs. You may need to treat the area again in a week when the eggs have hatched.
For scabies
The treatment for scabies is a prescription anti-parasitic topical cream. It will kill the mites and their eggs. Even after medication kills the mites, the itching can persist for a few weeks.
To avoid re-infection, wash all clothes, towels, and laundry in hot water to kill the mites.
About scabies bites
The bite of a scabies mite isn’t what itches. These pests burrow under the skin and leave their poop behind. The poop then triggers an allergic reaction that causes itching and irritation.
A severe allergic reaction to an insect bite is a medical emergency. See a doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms:
Also, see a doctor if you cannot identify an insect bite, or if an insect bite does not heal or deteriorates in appearance.
If your bite is itchy, keep in mind that scratches can break your skin and allow bacteria to penetrate the deeper level of your skin. This can lead to a bacterial skin infection called cellulite.
Signs of infection are:
- increased redness or pain
- Blistering
- fever
Don’t wait for a fever!
If you suspect you may have a bacterial skin infection, see a doctor right away.
You can make an early diagnosis of cellulitis by looking for red streaks that go from the irritated area towards the heart. Thickening of the skin around the bite or wound is another indication of infection.
Insect bites aren’t fun, but they usually don’t cause problems or complications. Still, it’s important to identify all of the insect bites that appear in a row to avoid further bites.
At-home treatment can relieve symptoms quickly. However, if your symptoms worsen or if you cannot identify the cause of a bump or rash, don’t hesitate to see a doctor.
