Insect bites and stings

Common

A bite of an insect such as a bee or mosquito, which causes irritation and rashes. Some insects inject formic acid, which can cause an immediate skin reaction causing redness and swelling in the bite area.

Symptoms may include:

• Skin rash or redness
• Itching
• Stinging sensation or swelling

Hives

Very common

A skin rash with red itchy bumps as a result of allergic reactions of the body.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe itching
• Painful swelling of lips and throat
• Batches of red or skin colored welts
• Inflammation

Eczema

Very common

A group of skin conditions characterized by red, itchy rashes.

Symptoms may include:

• Dry, cracked, scaly skin
• Redness
• Itching, which may be intense
• Painful lesions

Psoriasis

Very common

A chronic skin disease which results in scaly, often itchy areas in patches.

Symptoms may include:

• Red patches with thick, silvery scales
• Dry, cracked skin
• Itching, burning, and painful lesions

Primary biliary cirrhosis

Rare

A chronic condition that causes progressive destruction of the bile ducts in the liver. Bile ducts are thin tube which connects the liver to the small intestine.

Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Itching
• Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)