Insect Bites and Allergic Reactions: What to Watch For and When to Visit Urgent Care

By AFC Urgent Care Coppell

Whether you're enjoying a backyard barbecue in Coppell, hiking a trail in Grapevine, or walking your dog around Valley Ranch, insect bites are a common part of life in North Texas — especially during spring, summer, and early fall. For most people, a mosquito bite means a little itching and discomfort. But for others, insect bites can lead to serious allergic reactions, infections, or more severe complications.

At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we regularly treat patients from Lewisville, Flower Mound, Las Colinas, Carrollton, and Irving for insect bites and stings — ranging from mild irritation to severe swelling and allergic reactions. In this guide, we'll explain:

• Common types of insect bites in North Texas
• Signs of allergic reactions to insect bites and stings
• First aid tips and when to seek urgent care
• What to expect during your visit to AFC Coppell
• Prevention tips to help keep your family safe

Common Insects That Bite or Sting in North Texas

Our warm climate and suburban green spaces attract all kinds of insects — and unfortunately, some bite or sting.

1. Mosquitoes

The most common culprit in our area. Bites often cause:

• Small, raised, red bumps
• Intense itching
• Local swelling

Complications: In rare cases, mosquito bites can transmit viruses like West Nile or Zika, though these are uncommon in urban areas like Coppell or Carrollton.

2. Fire ants

Fire ants are aggressive and can bite and sting multiple times.

Symptoms include:

• Clusters of painful red bumps
• Pustules or blisters
• Intense burning or itching

Allergic Reactions are common in some individuals and may require medical attention.

3. Bees and Wasps

Bee and wasp stings are painful and may cause:

• Sudden sharp pain
• Swelling around the sting site
• Itching or burning sensation

For some, they can trigger anaphylaxis — a life-threatening allergic reaction.

4. Spiders

Most spider bites are harmless, but some species like the brown recluse or black widow found in Texas can be dangerous.

Brown recluse bites may:

• Cause a small blister
• Turn into an open ulcer
• Lead to tissue damage over time

Black widow bites can cause:

• Muscle cramps
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Systemic symptoms

5. Other Insects

• Fleas, bed bugs, and ticks may also bite, leading to irritation or transmitting disease.
• Ticks, in particular, can carry Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, though rare in North Texas.

What’s a Normal Reaction vs. an Allergic Reaction?

For most people, insect bites and stings cause minor localized symptoms:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Itchiness

But allergic reactions occur when the body overreacts to insect venom or saliva.

Signs of an Allergic Reaction Include:

• Hives or widespread rash
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat

These symptoms could indicate anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical care.

If you're in Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound or nearby and experience these symptoms, call 911 or visit the ER right away.

When to Visit Urgent Care for Insect Bites or Stings

At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we treat insect bites and allergic reactions 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends.

Come see us if:

• The bite or sting is painful or swollen after 24–48 hours
• You notice spreading redness or pus, which could indicate infection
• You have a low-grade fever
• There’s a large local reaction (swelling larger than 4 inches in diameter)
• You’re unsure what bit you and need evaluation
• You need prescription-strength antihistamines or corticosteroids
• You were stung multiple times or bitten in a sensitive area (face, eyes, neck, groin)

When to Go to the ER:

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat
• Severe hives all over the body
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Known anaphylactic allergies without access to an EpiPen

Even if you’re not sure, AFC Coppell can help assess the severity and guide you to the appropriate care.

First Aid Tips for Insect Bites and Stings

While you're waiting to visit urgent care, here’s what you can do at home:

1. Clean the Area

Wash the bite or sting with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.

2. Apply a Cold Compress

Use a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling and pain.

3. Take Over-the-Counter Medication

• Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain
• Take diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for itching or swelling
• Apply hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation

4. Watch for Worsening Symptoms

Monitor for increased redness, pus, fever, or spreading rash.

How AFC Urgent Care Coppell Treats Insect Bites

Our experienced medical team offers quick, effective relief from insect bites and allergic reactions.

During your visit, we may:

• Assess the site for signs of infection or allergic response
• Clean and dress the area
• Prescribe oral or topical medications (antibiotics, steroids, antihistamines)
• Administer a steroid injection if needed for large local reactions
• Provide referral or epinephrine prescription for patients with severe insect sting allergies
• Offer follow-up guidance to prevent future bites or address scarring or healing

Most visits take under an hour, and we accept most major insurance plans.

Pediatric Care for Insect Bites

Children are especially vulnerable to insect bites due to outdoor play, thinner skin, and developing immune systems.

Common pediatric reactions include:

• Larger swelling at bite sites
• Scratching that leads to infection
• Anxiety or fear after a sting

At AFC Coppell, we provide child-friendly urgent care for insect bites, including calming strategies and age-appropriate treatment. We also provide school notes if your child needs time to recover.

Preventing Insect Bites in North Texas

While you can’t eliminate all insects, smart precautions can reduce the risk:

In Your Yard:

• Use insect repellent (DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus)
• Remove standing water to discourage mosquito breeding
• Keep grass trimmed and bushes maintained
• Treat fire ant mounds professionally

During Outdoor Activities:

• Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes in grassy or wooded areas
• Avoid perfumes or bright clothing that attract stinging insects
• Carry EpiPens or allergy meds if you have known reactions
• Check for ticks after hiking or playing in wooded areas

In Your Home:

• Use window screens and keep doors closed
• Treat pet bedding and carpets for fleas
• Wash bedding frequently, especially if bitten indoors

Are Some People More Sensitive to Insect Bites?

Yes — some people experience exaggerated local reactions or systemic allergic responses, even to bites that don’t affect others.

Risk factors include:

• Personal or family history of allergies
• Previous severe reactions to insect stings
• Frequent outdoor exposure (landscapers, hikers, athletes)
• Immunocompromised individuals

If you've had large swelling, difficulty breathing, or multiple insect stings in the past, talk to our team at AFC Urgent Care Coppell about preventive strategies.

Don’t Ignore Insect Bites — Get Checked When Needed

Most insect bites are harmless and heal quickly. But if pain, swelling, or allergic symptoms escalate, it’s important to get medical care right away. Serious infections and reactions can develop quickly, especially in kids and individuals with sensitivities.

At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we’re here to help you get relief — fast, safely, and affordably. Whether you live in Coppell, Lewisville, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Carrollton, Irving, or Grapevine, our team is ready to treat your family with care and convenience.

Visit AFC Urgent Care Coppell Today

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