Insect Bites

What are insect bites?

Bug bites and stings happen when insects make tiny holes in your skin. They can transfer venom or saliva to the affected area, which may cause itching, pain, redness, or similar symptoms. 

Insect bites can also trigger allergic reactions in some people. See Dr. Smith if you have an adverse reaction to an insect sting or bite. 

Which bugs can bite or sting?

The following bugs might bite or sting:

• Bees
• Wasps
• Scorpions
• Spiders
• Ants
• Ticks
• Bed bugs
• Fleas
• Flies
• Mosquitos
• Chiggers

If you’re not sure if an insect bite or sting is dangerous, call KC Cares Med to address your concerns.

What are the symptoms of insect bites or stings?

Bug bites and/or stings may cause the following symptoms:

• Itchy or irritated skin
• Welt or raised bump on the skin
• Skin redness or discoloration
• Multiple bumps
• Mild burning or tingling sensations
• Swelling
• Discomfort 
• Pain

More severe symptoms can include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Headaches
• Drooling
• Excessive sweating
• Fast pulse
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea 
• Muscle stiffness, pain, or spasms
• Numbness
• Slurred speech
• Light sensitivity
• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness or fainting
• Seizures 
• Tongue and/or throat swelling 

If you or a family member experiences severe symptoms, especially signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention right away or call 911. 

Swelling around a bite or sting that expands to cover more than 4 inches of your skin may indicate a problem requiring medical care.  

Which complications might insect bites cause?

Some bites or stings can cause vector-borne or bug-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, typhus, encephalitis, West Nile virus, or Zika virus. That’s why seeing Dr. Smith to discuss your symptoms after a bug bite or sting is helpful. 

Symptoms of an insect-borne illness may include chills, fever, body aches, and joint pain. You might develop a rash that looks like a bulls-eye or pain behind your eyes. Nausea, vomiting, and swollen lymph nodes are other signs of possible bug-borne health concerns. 

How are insect bites and stings diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Smith discusses your symptoms and examines the bite or sting area to learn which bug might have caused a reaction. He asks where you were at the time of the bite. Treatment options can include:

• Watchful waiting
• Removing any stingers or bugs from your skin
• Wound cleaning
• EpiPen® for a severe allergic reaction
• Medication management
• Injections
• Intravenous (IV) fluids
• Venom immunotherapy

It’s helpful to determine how the bite or sting occurred to reduce your risk of further bites. This may include avoiding places where there are bugs, wearing protective clothing, or using bug spray. 

Schedule an in-person or virtual insect sting or bite evaluation with Dr. Smith at KC Cares Med by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.