13/09/2026
Bug bites and what they look like
Different insects and arthropods can cause characteristic skin reactions. Appearance alone, however, cannot always identify the culprit.
Common bites
1. Mosquito
* Small, raised, itchy bumps
* Usually pink/red
* Often on exposed skin
* May occur in scattered groups
2. Bed bugs
* Small, red, very itchy bumps
* Often occur in clusters or lines
* Common on exposed areas such as arms, legs, neck and face
* New lesions may appear after sleeping
3. Fleas
* Small, intensely itchy red bumps
* Frequently around the ankles and lower legs
* May occur in groups
4. Ant bites/stings
* Pain or burning initially
* Red swollen area
* Some species can produce small pustules
5. Tick bite
Often initially appears as a small red area.
* Some tick-borne infections can produce an expanding "bull's-eye" or target-like rash.
6. Spider bites
* Can cause localized redness, swelling and pain.
* Many lesions presumed to be spider bites are actually caused by other insects or skin infections.
When to seek medical care
Get urgent help if a bite causes:
* Difficulty breathing or facial/throat swelling
* Widespread hives
* Rapidly increasing swelling
* Severe pain
* Fever or pus
* A spreading target-like rash
* Black/necrotic skin
* Signs of infection
