What is insect bite urticaria, and how should it be managed?

Mar 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Introduction
In general, insect bite urticaria may be caused by factors such as high mental stress, physical stimuli, allergic reactions, infections, or autoimmune diseases. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. If the condition is severe, timely medical treatment is essential to avoid delaying the optimal treatment window.

Under normal circumstances, insect bite urticaria may be caused by factors such as high mental stress, physical stimulation, allergic reactions, infections, or autoimmune diseases. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Mental stress: If an individual has been experiencing significant psychological stress recently, it may trigger emotions such as anxiety or depression. Once this affects the body's endocrine system, it can lead to the development of insect bite urticaria. Maintaining a positive and healthy mindset is important; when necessary, timely medical consultation for psychological counseling is also advised.

2. Physical stimulation: Excessive pressure or friction on a particular area of skin may provoke a bodily stress response, resulting in insect bite urticaria. Avoid excessive skin irritation and wear loose, soft clothing whenever possible.

3. Allergic reaction: This condition occurs when the body reacts to allergens. If a person is allergic to certain pathogens, being bitten by an insect may trigger insect bite urticaria. In mild cases, symptoms may improve simply by avoiding the allergen. For more severe cases, medications such as chlorpheniramine maleate tablets, loratadine tablets, or levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets should be taken as directed by a physician.

4. Infection: Infections caused by pathogens such as viruses or bacteria may stimulate the immune system and induce insect bite urticaria. For viral infections, antiviral medications such as ribavirin capsules, acyclovir capsules, or oseltamivir phosphate capsules may be used under medical supervision. For bacterial infections, antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules, cefixime capsules, or cefuroxime axetil tablets may be prescribed according to a doctor’s instructions.

5. Autoimmune diseases: These conditions result from abnormal immune responses, with common examples including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with autoimmune diseases may produce antibodies that attack their own skin tissues, leading to insect bite urticaria. Such patients may be treated under medical guidance with medications like tripterygium glycosides tablets, artesunate tablets, or prednisone acetate tablets.

If insect bite urticaria is severe, prompt medical care is essential to avoid delaying optimal treatment. During recovery, maintain proper local hygiene to prevent secondary infection.