insect bite

insect bite

Etymology: L, in, within, secare, to cut

the bite of any parasitic or venomous arthropod such as a louse, flea, mite, tick, or arachnid. Many arthropods inject venom that produces poisoning or severe local reaction, saliva that may contain viruses, or substances that produce mild irritation. The degree of irritation produced by an insect's bite is affected by the design and shape of its mouth parts: A horsefly, for example, makes a short lateral and coarse wound whereas a tick takes hold with its backward curved teeth, making its removal difficult. Spiders inflict a sharp pinprick bite that may remain unnoticed until the injected venom has begun to produce a painful reaction. Treatment of a bite depends on the species of insect, the reaction to the bite, and the risk of sequelae from it. First aid treatment is generally symptomatic and includes ice or cold packs, careful cleaning of the wound, and antihistamines or specific antivenin as necessary.

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bite

1. seizure with the teeth.

2. a wound or puncture made by a living organism.

3. the position of upper and lower teeth in relation to each other when the mouth is closed. See also biting.

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animal bite

trauma caused by teeth and usually heavily contaminated with microorganisms. In countries where rabies is present the additional consideration is to ensure that the biter is not rabid, or if there is uncertainty to decide on whether postbite treatment or vaccination would be desirable. See also cat-bite abscess, cat-scratch disease, fighting.

dog bite

see animal bite (above).

insect bite

depending on the nature of the insect and the site, the tissue response may be minimal to extensive, particularly when a hypersensitivity reaction is involved. Pruritus is also variable.

open bite

upper and lower incisors fail to meet when the mouth is closed.

overshot bite

see brachygnathia.

pincer bite

upper and lower incisors make contact on their edges rather than overlapping when the mouth is closed.

reverse scissor bite

the labial surface of the lower incisors makes contact with the lingual surface of the upper incisors when the mouth is closed. Called also anterior crossbite.

scissor bite

the lingual surface of the upper incisors contacts the labial surface of the lower incisors when the mouth is closed. Generally, a normal bite in carnivores.

bite wound

it is often necessary to diagnose that a wound has in fact been caused by a bite. This may be aided by observation of typical puncture wounds, perhaps with extravasations of blood in the subcutaneous tissues, by parallel rake marks, by a matching pair of wounds made by the upper and lower jaws of the biter.

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Patient discussion about insect bite.

Q. an insect bite seems infected and is bleeding... the area under the skin is hard and sore... when pressed it bleeds quite a bit

A. It sounds like you have cellulitis around the area of the bite, and you should see a doctor to decide whether or not this requires antibiotics.