Summer beware of itchy rashes caused by insects
Hot and humid weather is a favorable condition for insects to thrive. Therefore, when working, playing... it is easy to get injured by insect bites and stings.
Insect bites are so diverse that they are difficult to distinguish. Some types can be dangerous, so treatment and prevention are necessary.
Common insects
- Mosquito :Có rất nhiều loài muỗi ở khí hậu nhiệt đới, một số loài chỉ đốt mà không truyền bệnh, một số loài còn lây truyền các bệnh: sốt xuất huyết , sốt rét…
Sau khi bị muỗi "tấn công", không ít người có cảm giác ngứa ngáy, nổi mẩn đỏ, nhiều người khó chịu phải gãi liên tục. Điều này khiến lớp biểu bì bị tổn thương, dẫn đến viêm nhiễm.
Sau đó, vùng da bị tăng sắc tố, đậm màu hơn những chỗ khác khi vết thương hết viêm. Vết tăng sắc tố đó còn gọi là sẹo thâm.
Tình trạng này nặng nề hơn ở những người có cơ địa bệnh chàm, vết thương sẽ ngứa ngáy hơn. Với trường hợp được cho là có "làn da lành", những vết mẩn đỏ sẽ hết sau vài giờ và thường không để lại sẹo.
 |
Muỗi đốt có thể lây truyền các bệnh: sốt xuất huyết, sốt rét… |
- Rệp: Thường ẩn náu ở các khe kẽ đồ vật trong nhà, sau khi đốt thì chúng lại quay về nơi ẩn nấp. Các triệu chứng của rệp cắn bao gồm: Xuất hiện các nốt nhỏ từ 3-5 đốm, lớn dần, đỏ. Các nốt sưng thường xuất hiện trên tay, cánh tay, vai, cổ, mặt và chân; Vết sưng, ngứa và có thể đi kèm với phồng rộp.
- Bọ chét: Thường ký sinh trên vật nuôi trong nhà: chó, mèo…
Fleas bite people to suck blood and cause scabies. In Vietnam, dog fleas and cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis) are commonly found.
The lesions are serous papules, 1-2mm in size, with edges higher than the skin surface, with small vesicles at the top of the papules, very itchy. In cases of strong reactions, there may be widespread inflammation and redness around the papules.
Lesions often occur on exposed skin or in areas of skin that come into direct contact with the animal when holding or handling them, such as: neck, face, arms, legs, and waist area.
In addition, fleas can be intermediate hosts for some diseases. The Oriental flea (Xenopsylla cheopis) transmits some diseases, rat-borne typhus to humans. Cat and dog fleas transmit tapeworms from one host to another…
 |
Insect bites often cause inflammation and redness, and in the early stages, the bite mark can be seen in the middle of the lesion. |
Identification of insect bites and treatment
At the site of insect bites, there is often inflammation and redness. In the early stages, the bite can be seen in the middle of the lesion. Then, the lesion gradually forms a serous papule or nodule. Patients are often bitten, so the most itchy is in exposed areas such as the lower limbs, forearms, face, and when bathing, the back and chest are also bitten.
After being stung, the puncture site bleeds after 5-30 minutes, leaving a rash like a mosquito bite, sometimes swollen like a bee sting, itchy.
The rash lasts for 3-6 hours, sometimes 7-10 days. The more you scratch, the itchier and more prominent it becomes. Scratching causes infection with pus and crusts, and when healed, it leaves dark scars. About 10% of the rashes gradually harden and thicken into lumps the size of beans or corn kernels. Sometimes the rashes become densely packed into lichenified lumps, causing intense itching and persistent progression.
Depending on the level of damage, the treatment is different.
Local treatment: Mild initial itching can be gently squeezed to bleed, apply 1% iodine alcohol, use balm oil, rub mugwort leaves,... on the affected area, avoid scratching to avoid infection.
In severe cases, antibiotic creams, ointments, and corticosteroids should be applied to reduce itching and prevent infection. If there are many bites, antihistamines, low-dose corticosteroids, etc. may be prescribed by a doctor.
If the patient shows signs of an allergic reaction to insect venom: fever, difficulty breathing, hives all over the body... the patient needs to be given emergency care at a medical facility.
Doctor's advice
The following simple measures can prevent insects that people need to take, especially in the summer, including cleaning the house, utensils, pets, etc. regularly.
Spray insecticides in the house and around the living area. Can use insect repellent products on the skin
When traveling or camping, cover your body with clothes, hats, socks and gloves when entering areas with a high risk of insect bites. Avoid using perfume and bright-colored clothing to reduce the risk of bee stings.
Control odors at picnics, garbage... places that can attract insects.
In the family and community, it is necessary to clean up, avoid stagnant water which will attract mosquitoes. Maintain good personal and household hygiene, regularly check and destroy fleas on cats, dogs and pets in the family.