Category: Bug bite bruise

Complications from bug bites include allergic reactions, skin infections, poisoning, and necrosis (skin and tissue death).     

Allergies

Allergies to stings and bug bites require immediate medical attention. Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Flushing
• Hives
• Swelling
• Dizziness
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea
• Loss of consciousness
• Shock

Around 15% of fatalities from anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) are from venom allergies.

Skin Infections

Since bug bites break the skin, they can lead to an infection. Symptoms of a skin infection include:

• Rash
• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain
• Pus
• Itching

Necrosis

Necrosis is when an infection results in the death of skin and surrounding tissues. This kind of infection is more likely with venomous spiders. Necrotizing infections are dangerous and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms include:¹²

• Swelling
• Blisters
• Skin that turns violet or black
• High fever
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

Poisoning

Not all spider bites can make you sick, but some can. Symptoms of a venomous bite include:¹³

• Pain
• Swelling
• Necrosis
• Fever
• Trouble breathing

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience the above symptoms following a spider bite.

Usually, bug bites are a minor nuisance, but sometimes they can be more concerning. Therefore, the first step in treating a bug bite is identifying the culprit since this may determine the actions you take.

If you have a non-venomous, allergic, or infectious bite, the following is recommended:

• Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever for pain.
• Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain and to relieve itching.
• Use OTC anti-itch cream, if needed.
• Take OTC antihistamine for itching.

In addition, take preventative measures to avoid insect bites by using insect repellent with DEET when spending time outdoors and keep your skin covered with clothing.

Often the cause of purple skin around a bug bite is your body’s reaction to the saliva or venom from the insect. For example, when a mosquito sucks your blood, it injects saliva into your skin. This fluid exchange produces an itchy rash in most people, and it can also lead to a bruised appearance.

Other times, like with a bee sting or spider bite, when the venom releases into the skin and surrounding tissue, it causes pain and inflammation. These reactions can sometimes lead to bruising. 

Some insect vectors (those responsible for spreading human disease), like ticks, may cause a rash that appears purple. These rashes are unlike other bug bite reactions because they indicate a systemic (body-wide) infection rather than a localized skin reaction.

Bug bite symptoms vary; however, they often share some common traits. These include:

• Redness
• Welts
• Hives
• Pain
• Itching

Various insects can leave behind a bruise after they bite. Sometimes, this reaction is from the injury; other times, it merely appears bruised as the bug bite darkens. 

Spiders:

It is not typical for non-venomous spiders to leave a bruise after biting. However, if you are bitten by a venomous spider, like a black widow or a brown recluse, the bite site may turn from red to purple.

In addition to a bruised appearance, other symptoms of a venomous spider bite include:

• Itching
• Pain
• Sweating 
• Trouble breathing
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever, chills
• Anxiety
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Venomous spider bites require immediate medical attention.

Bees:

Bee stings—especially those from hornets and wasps—are painful. While not a primary symptom of a sting, a bruise may occur around the sting due to the injury. 

Other symptoms of hornet and wasp stings include:

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching

Allergic Reactions

Signs of an allergic reaction include flushing, hives, dizziness, trouble breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Mosquitos:

Mosquitos are well known for their red welts and itching. But, bruising can also occur, especially in people with a mosquito allergy, known as “skeeter syndrome.” Skeeter syndrome is not typically a life-threatening allergy.

Other symptoms include:

• Large areas of swelling
• Heat
• Redness
• Itching

Ticks :

Tick bites are painless, which is why it’s essential to check your body after time outdoors in tick-infested areas. When a tick embeds in your skin, the site may appear red or purple. 

After the bite, a skin rash is common, especially in the case of a tick-borne illness. The rash can look like a bullseye and is often pink or red, but it can be darker in color, too.

Other symptoms of a tick-borne illness include:⁵

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches

Be aware that tick-borne illness symptoms can take up to a few weeks to develop. If you experience any of the above symptoms after you’ve spent time outdoors, speak to a healthcare provider.

If a bruise is accompanied by allergy or poisoning symptoms, like difficulty breathing, wheezing, nausea, or confusion, seek medical attention immediately.

You probably don’t think of bruising when it comes to bug bites. Red marks, welts, and itching are the most common symptoms of insect bites. However, bites from bugs like spiders, hornets, wasps, mosquitos, and ticks may cause bruising.

This article explains bug bites that can leave a bruise, bug bite symptoms, treatment, and possible complications.