Stinging insects that are common in the UK include: wasps, bees and hornets. The sting is due to venom (like a poison) which the insect 'injects' into the skin.

• Biting insects that are common in the UK include: midges, gnats, mosquitoes, flies, fleas, mites, ticks, and bedbugs.

What may happen after an insect sting or bite?

A small local skin reaction - most cases

Most people will be familiar with the common local skin reactions caused by insects.

• An insect sting - typically causes an intense, burning pain. This is quickly followed by a patch of redness and a small area of swelling (up to 1 cm) around the sting. This usually eases and goes within a few hours.
• An insect bite - you may not notice the bite (although some can be quite painful, particularly from a horsefly). However, saliva from the insect can cause a skin reaction such as:
• Irritation and itch over the site of the bite.
• A small itchy lump (papule) which may develop up to 24 hours after a bite. This typically lasts for several days before fading away. Sometimes some redness (inflammation) surrounds each papule.
• A weal which is like a small fluid filled lump and is very itchy. It may develop immediately after being bitten. A weal lasts about two hours, but is often followed by a small itchy solid lump which develops up to 24 hours later. This can last for several days before fading away.

Occasionally, small skin reactions following an insect bite persist for weeks or months. A persistent skin reaction is particularly likely following a tick bite. Severe allergic reactions (described below) are rare after insect bites - they are more common after insect stings.

• Back
• Next: Insect stings and bites - further reactions in children

• Comment on this
• Send to a friend
• Print this page