As the weather warms up, stinging insects come back in full force. Although they often won’t sting unprovoked, bee and wasp stings can be incredibly painful and even cause anaphylaxis for individuals with allergies to their venom. If you’re stung by an insect, it is important to understand when you may need to seek medical care and how to treat your sting at home effectively. Keep reading to learn more about how to manage an insect sting this summer.
At AFC Southcenter, our walk-in clinic is available Monday through Saturday to provide same-day treatment for minor conditions like insect bites and stings. Our board-certified medical providers can provide rapid care with short wait times - no appointment necessary. Simply walk in when it’s convenient for you, or schedule your visit online in advance using the button below.
What To Do If You’re Stung by an Insect?
Insect stings can be scary. Not only are they often painful, but they can catch you by surprise. If you’re stung by an insect, the first step is to identify what stung you. If stung by a bee, you need to remove the stinger from the skin to stop the release of venom into your body. You can do this by sliding an object like a credit card against the skin or with a pair of tweezers. If you were stung by a wasp or another insect, be sure to get inside to avoid being stung again. Then, wash the sting site with warm, soapy water. Applying ice and anti-itch cream can help you stay comfortable while the sting heals, which usually takes a few days.
When to Seek Medical Care
In most cases, insect stings are harmless aside from being painful. If you have an allergy to the insect that stung you, you need to call 911 for immediate emergency care. Otherwise, most cases of insect stings can be managed at home. If your sting doesn’t go away after a few days or shows signs of an infection like increased redness and swelling or discharge, you may need to seek medical care for treatment.
Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction
If you know that you’re allergic to an insect, you should always carry your epipen with you. However, if you’re not sure whether you have an allergy, be sure to monitor the sting closely for signs of an allergic reaction. Common symptoms include itchiness and swelling in the throat, swelling in the face, increased heart rate, and trouble breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should call 911 for emergency medical care.
Visit AFC Southcenter for Same-Day Insect Bite Treatment
Insect stings can be painful. It is important to know how to properly treat them at home to minimize discomfort. At AFC Southcenter, our walk-in clinic offers convenient same-day care with short wait times for insect sting treatment. We never require patients to schedule an appointment in advance, and are open Mondays through Saturdays. We work with most medical insurance plans and have competitive rates for self-paying patients. To learn more, give us a call at (425) 291-3300.
