When to Seek Medical Care for an Insect Bite

April 14, 2024

Now that the weather is getting warmer, nature is coming back to life. During the spring and summer months, this can introduce a variety of allergens and hazards that you need to watch out for. In addition to the irritating spring allergy symptoms, springtime tends to bring the risk of insect bites. Ticks, bees, wasps, and even ants all can pose a risk to your health. Luckily, with proper care, insect bites can be treated and the symptoms managed with correct medical care. Keep reading to learn more about when to seek medical care for an insect bite.

AFC Urgent Care Southcenter is here to offer comprehensive urgent care services for patients in the Kent, WA area. If you have experienced an insect bite or sting, walk into AFC Urgent Care Southcenter for prompt evaluation and treatment. Our medical staff is board-certified and can help manage discomfort and perform any necessary tests to check for infections resulting from insect bites such as Lyme disease. We never require that you schedule an appointment in advance to receive prompt medical care. Simply walk into the clinic, or schedule an appointment in advance online using the button below.

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Do Insect Bites Require Medical Treatment?

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors in the warmer months, you probably are no stranger to insects. While in most cases, you can coexist peacefully with the wildlife, there are some cases where you may find yourself getting bitten or stung by an insect. In most cases, insect bites are harmless. However, depending on where you live, there is a risk that you encounter a poisonous or venomous insect. In these cases, you may require immediate medical care for treatment.

If you are bitten or stung by an insect, you should monitor the area for signs of an allergic reaction. It is estimated that about 2 million Americans are allergic to bees, and in some cases, allergic reactions to insects can lead to anaphylaxis and require urgent medical care. If you are allergic to an insect, it is important to carry your EpiPen in case you do suffer a bite or a sting from the insect that you’re allergic to. You should always be careful to monitor children who are bitten or stung by an insect, because they may be allergic and not previously had a reaction.

How to Know if You’re Allergic to an Insect?

In most cases, insects will not seek to harm you. This makes it relatively easy to avoid stings or bites from insects while spending time outdoors. If you do find yourself suffering from a sting or bite from an insect, you should draw a circle around the bite to monitor the bite site for signs of swelling. If your bite is extremely painful, swells up quickly, oozes puss, or causes any kind of swelling in other parts of the body such as the face or neck - seek urgent medical care in the emergency room.

It is normal for there to be some pain and redness at the sight of a bite or sting, depending on what insect you were bitten by. If you’re not sure whether you’re experiencing an allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting, it is important to seek medical care. Allergic reactions require medical treatment, and catching it early is important to prevent severe symptoms.

Visit AFC Urgent Care Southcenter for Same-Day Urgent Care in Kent, WA

During the warm spring and summer months, it is important to enjoy time spent outdoors. If you find yourself experiencing a bite or sting from an insect, catching any signs of an allergic reaction early is important to ensure that you can receive adequate medical care. If you’re suffering from an insect bite, AFC Urgent Care Southcenter can help diagnose and treat your symptoms. Simply walk into the clinic.

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