Samples collected on tape applied to the skin surface or from surfaces where a suspected insect/mite is present also can usually be examined successfully. Samples that need identification should be preserved as well as possible to prevent fragmentation. If county Extension offices are unable to make the diagnosis these can be forwarded to Extension entomology on campus. Samples of specific arthropods or suspected arthropods can often be evaluated through CSU Extension.Similarly, skin scrapings cannot be evaluated except by medical personnel. Observation of the affected area by anyone other than appropriately trained medical personnel will not assist in the diagnosis. Never attempt to diagnose the cause of a “bite” based on symptoms.Suggested protocol for county Extension offices in Colorado when handling queries regarding “invisible itches” or “bites” of unknown origin. A suggested protocol for attempting to determine the cause follows Properly diagnosing a “bug bite” is very difficult and often does not have a satisfactory end result. Underlying health conditions (bacterial infections, diabetes, drug reactions, etc.) Reaction to chemical agents (personal care products, cleaning agents, inks, etc.) Environmental conditions (chemical or physical agents contacted or dispersed in air, abrupt changes in humidity) Similar symptoms can be, and often are, produced by other causes that include: This confusion is made worse as bites by insects or arachnids (e.g., mites, spiders, ticks) can rarely be diagnosed by symptoms alone. At least as often self-diagnosed “bug bites” that occur in Colorado have a different origin. Sometimes this is a correct diagnosis of what cause the itch/sore/bite, as there are a few insects, mites and spiders that do bite humans. Often these are suspected – or self-diagnosed – as being Abug of some sort. Michael Potter: Įveryone has experienced at some time various skin bumps, sores, or persistent itching that have no obvious source. Often clients that will insist otherwise.Īcknowledgment: The development of this fact sheet, adapted to Colorado, was largely derived from work that was developed for the University of Kentucky Extension fact sheet by Dr. Very few arthropods can actually infest human skin (topically or subdermally) and reproduce. Identification of an insect, mite or spider as the cause of a suspected “bug bite” is usually not possible based on just symptoms alone. Skin irritation resulting from bites of arthropods varies greatly between individuals, in large part due to individual immune responses. When handling a client with a concern about arthropod bites/itches, an open mind must be kept in regard to the possible identification of a source that may be the cause of the client’s concern. ![]() Often sources of skin irritation or those that produce “bite-like” reactions include environmental allergens such as chemicals or irritant fibers. There are some insects, mites, and spiders that bite humans and/or can cause skin irritations or dermatitis.
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