Warmer temperatures bring the return of pesky insects, especially at dusk. Experts say while most bug bites are not serious, there are times when you need to see a health care provider immediately.
Most bites can be treated quickly. Dr. Andrew Zasada, an internal medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, says treatment of most minor bug bites (think mosquito or bee) is down to a science.
First, move away from the area so the bugs don’t bite you again. If the insect left a stinger behind, gently remove it with tweezers.
“Put some ice on the bite site. Wash it gently. Put a little calamine or hydrocortisone on it. Keep it elevated,” Dr. Zasada recommended.
Don’t scratch the bite site. Leave it alone and let it heal. For children who may find it difficult not to itch, put a bandaid over the bite. You can take an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, Allegra, or Zyrtec, for itching and ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain.
If you notice a rapid worsening of symptoms in the 30-to-45 minutes following the bite, or if the wound is not healing over several days, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. See a health care provider.
Serious insect bites:
In the Midwest, two types of spiders come with dangerous fangs – the black widow and brown recluse.
“These bites can cause tissue destruction at the bite site,” Dr. Zasada explained. “The venom is very potent and can cause cell death. It’s very irritating.”
If the venom gets into your bloodstream, then chest pain, muscle cramps, sweating, and nausea could follow. Dr. Zasada said black widow and brown recluse bites are “very rarely” fatal, but the illness they bring is quite unpleasant.
If you think you’ve been bitten by a black widow or a brown recluse, see a health care provider right away. Local urgent care facilities are equipped to treat insect bites, but if symptoms worsen, the Emergency Department at your local hospital may be the best destination.
Another serious condition to keep an eye on after a bug bite is an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include shortness of breath, wheezing, and a drop in blood pressure. Dr. Zasada noted some people with known allergies may have an EpiPen handy and can inject themselves to alleviate symptoms. Regardless, immediate attention from a medical professional still is needed.
Leave the critters alone:
It’s inevitable that a stroll through the neighborhood will bring an encounter with an insect, such as an ant or mosquito. But Dr. Zasada said spiders that pack a punch don’t want to mess with humans. They tend to come out at night and live in wooded areas or a dark space in the back of a garage. In other words, don’t mess with them, and they won’t mess with you.
“When you take clothing out of storage, shake it to make sure there are no spiders,” Dr. Zasada suggested. “When you clean the garage, don’t sit on anything that’s been stored there for a while. Dust it off first.”