Review article

REACTIONS TO INSECT STINGS AND BITES

SUZANA LJUBOJEVIĆ ; University Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
JASNA LIPOZENČIĆ ; University Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Reaction to insect sting and bite may be local, such as erythema, edema and pruritus, or systemic, such as anaphylactic reaction. Diagnosis can be made by patient history, clinical picture, skin testing, total and specific IgE level, and provocation test. Local reactions are treated with cold compresses, topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines. Oral and intramuscular antihistamines and corticosteroids are used for the treatment of mild systemic reactions, and in severe reaction epinephrine injections are added. Hyposensitization is indicated in patients with severe systemic reaction, positive skin tests and high level of specific IgE antibodies.

Keywords

hymenoptera; hyposensitization; insect sting, insect bite

Hrčak ID:

87890

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/87890

Publication date:

1.4.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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