When Bug Bites and Stings Need Medical Attention

6/23/2023

Victoria, TX – Summertime brings sunshine, increased hours spent outside, and more and higher risk of bug bites and stings. Insects like mosquitoes, ticks, bees and spiders are often harmless, but sometimes their bites and stings can spread disease or cause unexpected and dangerous allergic reactions or infections.

Venom and saliva released by insect stings and bites can make skin red, inflamed, and irritated. If symptoms persist for more than a few days or get worse, medical intervention may be required.

“If you spend a lot of time outside, getting bit or stung by an insect is nearly unavoidable, which is why it’s important to know when to get medical treatment,” says Brian Contreras, M.D. “Depending on the severity of a reaction to a bite or sting, a round of antibiotics or topical ointment may be prescribed.”

Dr. Contreras recommends seeking medical care if you experience any of the following after a bug bite or sting:

• An allergic reaction: Hives, rapid heartbeat, or swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat could indicate an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which is life threatening, call 911 and administer epinephrine if it is available.
• Cellulitis: Cellulitis is a non-contagious skin illness that requires medications for treatment. Symptoms of the condition include swollen lymph nodes and pus-oozing skin. Neglecting to treat cellulitis can result in sepsis.
• Bite from a disease carrier: Lyme disease can be carried by ticks, and West Nile and Zika viruses can be transmitted by mosquito bites. Seek medical help if you have been bitten by an insect that can spread disease and are experiencing symptoms like fever, exhaustion, or red streaks around the bite.
• Flu-like symptoms: If symptoms like fever, chills, headache, or a sore throat persist for more than 48 hours following a bite or a sting, go to the nearest emergency room.Worsening redness: Redness usually goes away after a few days, however, if the redness spreads or red lines from the bite site develop, it could be a sign of infection.

“To better protect yourself or your loved ones this summer, wear long sleeve shirts and pants, use insect repellents with DEET as an active ingredient and avoid bug-infested areas. Make it a point to check your skin when you go inside to find any insects that might have attached to you or bites needing treatment,” says Dr. Contreras.

If you do experience an allergic or other serious reaction to a bug bite or sting, seek immediate care.

Brian Contreras, M.D., is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and specializes in treating acute and chronic illnesses in adult patients. Dr. Contreras also provides preventive care such as wellness exams, screenings, and immunizations to ensure his patients achieve their personal health goals. Dr. Contreras is fluent in Spanish and is currently accepting new and existing patients. To schedule an appointment, please click here.

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