Bug Bites & Stings: When to Get Medical Help
Bug bites and bee stings are usually harmless, just a bit of pain, redness, itching or swelling that clears up in a few days. But in some cases, they can lead to serious health issues. Here’s how to tell when home care is enough, and when it’s time to get medical help.
Treating Minor Bites and Stings
For most people, bug bites and stings can be managed at home with simple care. If a stinger is left behind, gently scrape it out with a fingernail or the edge of a card, avoid squeezing it or using tweezers, as that can release more venom. Ticks should be removed carefully with tweezers, gripping close to the skin. Always clean the area afterward with soap and water.
When It’s More Than Minor
In some cases, a sting can cause a serious allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. “If someone has trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, swelling of the face or lips, or develops hives after a sting, call 911 immediately’, emphasizes Dr. Brown. These are signs of a medical emergency.
If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction before, you should carry an EpiPen and use it at the first sign of symptoms.
Watch for Signs of Infection
A bite or sting that becomes more painful, red, or swollen after a few days could be infected, especially if it feels hot to the touch or starts oozing pus. Red streaks spreading from the site are another warning sign. If you suspect infection, it’s time to see a doctor. You may need antibiotics to help clear it up.
Illnesses That Can Follow a Bite
Sometimes, the real danger of a bite doesn’t show up right away. Ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If you notice a bull’s-eye-shaped rash, fever, headache, or joint pain in the weeks after a tick bite, contact your doctor.
Mosquitoes can also carry viruses, depending on where you live or travel. If you feel unwell within a couple of weeks of a mosquito bite, fever, fatigue, or body aches, it’s worth checking in with a healthcare provider to rule out illnesses like West Nile, Zika, or Dengue.
Most bites and stings are nothing more than a temporary nuisance. But stay alert! If symptoms worsen, you feel sick afterward, or experience signs of a serious allergic reaction, don’t wait. Get medical help. It’s always better to play it safe when it comes to your health. Visit PIHHealth.org/Doctors to find a doctor near you or visit PIHHealth.org/UCC to find an Urgent Care Center near you.
Elisabeth Brown MD
Dr. Elisabeth Brown enjoys family medicine because she sees patients at different stages of their lives and how so many of them are connected. “I have a couple four-generation families that I care for in my practice,” she explains. Dr. Brown knew she wanted to be in the medical field since she was three years old. Her love for animals initially drew her toward veterinarian school, but her interest in helping people improve their lives led her to a medical degree. Dr. Brown has three sons and enjoys writing in her spare time. She plans to publish a book someday.
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