How To Treat Flea Bites On Humans?

Why are my insect bites itching/swelling all of a sudden, after nearly a week of no itching/swelling/redness?

• I went camping last weekend. Exactly one week ago, I was stung by three wasps on the arm and leg, and fleas on the feet. THe first day, my wasp stings hurt, and they were swollen. I had forgotten about the flea bites because of the wasp stings. The second day, there wasn't pain, but the skin around the wasp stings was red. After that, I nearly forgot about them. Then suddenly on Wednesday (six days later) ALL of my stings started itching insanely. Several of the flea bites from last week are VERY itchy, and the wasp stings are near unbearable. I try not to scratch, but can't help it in my sleep. The stings on my leg are swollen and red, even without scratching, and the surrounding area is red and swollen out about 2.5" in diameter (the stings on my leg are only about 1" apart). The one on my arm is slightly swollen, but not red like the leg. My ankles are insanely itchy as well, where the flea bites are. Same problem, they didn't bother me for several days, now they are going to drive me insane. I have never been allergic to stings, and I am baffled why the symptoms went away for five days before appearing double time! And why are ALL of my stings itchy?? Flea and wasp, maybe some fire ants. It was a rough day for stings!! I know how to treat the itching, my question is really should I be worried? Is this a weird allergic reaction? I can't find any info online.

• Answer:

  Allergic reactions, especially to stings and bites, are likely to be triggered as you describe if you get over-heated. It can also happen because of an overload; stings + bites + some other insult (being around smoke, pollen, eating a food to which you're mildly allergic). What happens is that your immune system gets excited and produces a lot of histamine. That causes the inflammation and itching (and may cause you to feel achy in your joints). Topical cortisone is good. I'd take a systemic antihistamine such as benadryl. (Do NOT take the decongestant Sudafed/pseudoephedrine with benadryl.) Stay cool. Rest. Avoid any known allergans. If your ears get itchy, if your throat gets swollen or if you start drooling, get to an ER. You don't want to wait until you have trouble breathing.