Insect bites become more and more common during warm months. Because we spend more time outdoors, we tend to encounter insects more frequently. While most bug bites are mild and can heal on their own, bug bites often cause unpleasant symptoms like extreme itching and swelling at the bite site due to the histamines released after a bug bite. This can lead to bug bites itching for days, and excessive scratching can cause infection. Keep reading to learn more about when to seek medical care for a bug bite and at-home treatment options to manage symptoms like itching.
If you’re concerned that a bug bite could be infected, it’s important to seek medical care. At AFC Burlington, our walk-in clinic makes it easy to receive prompt care for minor conditions like infected bug bites when it’s convenient for your schedule. Simply walk into the clinic, or save your spot online in advance below.
Is it Normal for Bug Bites to Itch for Days?
Getting bug bites during the spring and summer months is almost impossible to avoid. In most cases, bug bites are harmless. Mosquitos and horsefly bites are some of the most common summer bug bite culprits, however ticks, bees and wasps also can cause a nasty bite or sting.
Itching is a common symptom of bug bites due to the histamines released by your immune system as a reaction to the bug bite. When bugs break the skin, they expose you to saliva or venom which causes your immune system to attack the bite site. This can lead to swelling, redness and intense itching. In most cases, bug bites will itch for a few days following the bite.
Signs of Infection in Bug Bites
If you’re bitten by a bug and are experiencing itchiness at the site of the bite, it is critical that you don’t scratch it. Although itching the area may bring a feeling of short lived relief, breaking the skin can introduce bacteria and germs into the bite site. This can lead to the development of an infection.
If you’re concerned that your bug bite may be infected, check for any of the following symptoms:
- Increased redness or swelling days after the bite occurred
- Fluid or pus leaking from the area
- Skin around bite site feeling warm
- Pain in the affected area
- Fever
How to Manage Itching Caused by Bug Bites
It can be difficult to avoid itching a bug bite. This is especially true for young children who don’t understand the implications of itching a bug bite. Preventing bug bites is the best method for avoiding infections. DEEP approved bug sprays should be applied anytime you’re planning on spending time outdoors, especially on areas of exposed skin.
If you do have a bug bite that is itching, over the counter creams like hydrocortisone can help reduce itching and swelling at the same time and help keep you comfortable. Applying ice to a bite will numb it and stop the itching as well.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Burlington for Same-Day Bug Bite Care
Bug bites can cause severe itching that lasts for multiple days. However, it is important not to touch a bug bite to avoid the potential of an infection forming. At AFC Urgent Care Burlington, our walk-in clinic offers rapid walk-in care for infected bug bites. If you think your bug bite is infected, or are looking for relief for bug bite irritation, walk into AFC Urgent Care Burlington.
Our clinic is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm, including on weekends! We offer rapid care on a walk-in basis for patients of all ages. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient. Our clinic works with most medical insurance providers and offers affordable rates for patients paying out of pocket for their medical care. For more information, give us a call at (781) 270-4700.
