What should you know about common insect bites?

The reaction depends on the insect and your skin's response. A bite may look like one bump or several itchy spots, sometimes clustered on exposed areas. Scratching can break the skin and allow bacteria to enter, causing increasing warmth, pain, swelling, crusting, or pus. Darker marks may remain after inflammation fades; this is called [Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation](/conditions/post-inflammatory-hyperpigmentation/). A skin reaction alone cannot reliably identify the insect.

Wash the area gently, use a cool compress, and keep fingernails short. Avoid scratching or applying irritating household products. A pharmacist or clinician may suggest [Antihistamine Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antihistamine-therapy/) for itch or [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) for a suitable inflamed area. Follow product directions, especially for children, pregnancy, facial skin, or broken skin.

Get urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, faintness, or widespread hives after a bite. Arrange medical review if redness spreads, pain worsens, fever appears, a bite is near the eye, or the area is not improving. Seek advice after a suspected tick or venomous bite, or if you cannot identify a concerning exposure.

Does this look like a simple bite reaction or an infection? Which treatment is suitable for this body area? What symptoms would suggest an allergic reaction, and how can I prevent more bites?