As the weather warms up, insect bites tend to become a very common occurrence. Whether you’re someone who is spending their summer camping in the woods or you’re just trying to enjoy a drink on the porch, you’re bound to get bitten a few times. How long bug bites last for can depend on your body's immune response and how sensitive your body is to bug bites. For most people, insect bites will resolve in under a week. However, for some, insect bites can cause more severe symptoms that last for much longer. This article will review common bug bite symptoms and how to treat bug bites effectively this summer.
If you’re experiencing bug bites that are driving you crazy, AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst can help. Our walk-in urgent care clinic offers routine bug bite treatment for patients of all ages. Simply walk in for same-day care. We’re open 7 days a week and accept walk-in patients from Lyndhurst, NJ, and the surrounding areas. Or, schedule your visit in advance using the button below.
Why Do Bug Bites Itch?
There are many different bugs that can bite you and cause a reaction. Most commonly, mosquitoes can cause bites that lead to severe itching. You experience itching after a bite from a mosquito due to the immune response enacted by the mosquito's saliva. After the bite, your body releases histamines, which leads to swelling and itching. In most cases, itching caused by a bug bite will resolve in a few days as your body heals. However, itching can last for longer if your body is very sensitive to the saliva released by mosquitoes after a bite.
How to Treat an Itchy Bug Bite
If you’re struggling to get rid of an itchy bug bite, it can be frustrating. It is important not to itch your bug bite. Despite how tempting it may be, itching your bug bite could result in the skin breaking. Breaking the skin would allow bacteria and debris to enter the wound, potentially causing an infection. This can delay healing and lead to complications. Instead of itching, consider using ice to numb the affected area. Putting anti-itch creams on the bug bite and covering it with a band-aid can also help calm down irritation and itchiness. In most cases, bug bites will only itch for a few days. Resisting itching will help ensure that the bite heals as quickly as possible.
When to Seek Medical Care
In most cases, bug bites will heal on their own within a few days. However, if you itch the bite and break the skin, you may develop an infection. If you notice an infection, you should seek medical care for proper care. Infections can lead to complications and sometimes cause side effects like scarring. Increased redness, discharge, and the skin feeling hot around the bite site are all signs of an infection that warrants a visit to urgent care.
Walk Into AFC Lyndhurst for Same-Day Bug Bite Treatment
Bug bites are very common during the warmer summer months. They can happen to anyone and can cause irritation and itching. However, if your bug bite is showing signs of infection or worsening over time, you may need to seek medical care for treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst for same-day care for minor injuries like bug bites. We treat patients of all ages on a walk-in basis in Lyndhurst, NJ.
At AFC Lyndhurst, our board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week, including weekends, to provide rapid same-day care. We don’t require patients to schedule an appointment in advance. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient. We work with most medical insurance providers and offer affordable rates for patients paying out-of-pocket for their care. To learn more, give us a call at (201) 345-3839.
