For most of us, insect bites are simply annoying, but certain types of bites can be life threatening. When an individual is bit by an insect, they usually do not feel the initial bite. That’s why it is important to know what common insect bite rashes look like. You will need to be able to determine what caused the rash, if it needs medical attention, and what treatment options can be used.

A potentially dangerous insect is the red ant. Predominate in the southern United States, these tiny red ants build large anthills. When an individual inadvertently steps on the hills, they swarm out and attack the person, generally in the feet and legs. At first they may not even notice they are being bit until a tingling, painful, burning sensation is detected. Once all the ants are shaken off, the area will have small red blotches which quickly develop into small red bumps with white centers. Fire ant bites are painful and itchy and can last for several weeks. To avoid infection, do not try to pop the bumps. While red ant bites are generally not fatal, being bitten by many ants can be dangerous, especially for individuals who are allergic. I remember after moving to Florida sitting outside a cafe with friends and then later having red bumps all over my ankles. I had no idea I was being attacked by those fire ants till after I returned home. Taking benadryl helped the swelling go down. But it was one of the worst itchy skin rash problems I ever had.

Two poisonous spiders that cause rashes are the black widow and the brown recluse. As both of these spider bites require medical attention, it is imperative that you learn what the insect bite rash looks like. When a black widow bites she will leave two fang marks at the bite sight. The brown recluse is common in North and South Carolina as well as other areas in the United States. The brown recluse will cause a rash similar to a bull’s eye or target with a red outer ring and a white center. The rash then blisters and is extremely painful. It is important to receive medical treatment if you are bit by either of these insects.

Other common insect bite rashes are from fleas, ticks, mites, and bedbugs. Fleas leave small red bumps at the bite sight. They are usually found around the feet and ankles as they live in carpet and attack when they are stirred up by a passerby. Ticks are found in wooded areas. They burrow under the skin after biting. Initially the rash will appear as a red bump with a small dark brown or block dot. As the tick burrows into the skin, just the red rash will be visible. And if the tick is carrying Lyme disease the rash will quickly turn into a bull’s eye, with a red outer ring and a clear center. Mites live on the skin for a few days before falling off. At that point, individuals will develop itchy red welts on their body where the bugs where. Scabies can take two to six weeks to show a rash. Pictures of Scabies can show the rash but the mites themselves are invisible to the human eye. Bedbugs on the other hand live in bedding and usually prefer to attack an individual in the arm and shoulder areas. They leave behind extremely itchy small red bites. If the rash spreads, then the person is continuing to get bitten by the bedbugs.

As you can see, there are a numerous bugs that cause common insect bite rashes. It’s important to know which insects are dangerous and which ones are not so you seek proper medical treatment when needed.