A Bad Bug Bite: When is it time to go to the emergency room?
Most of us have experienced a bug bite that caused redness, itchiness, and even pain at the bite site–ouch! Biting insects are not only a concern when you are outside during the summer months. It’s possible to encounter an insect any time of year, indoors or out.
When you do get a bug bite, there is often nothing to worry about. However, sometimes, you may notice an unusual reaction. When you experience a bad bug bite, there are signs it’s time to visit your local emergency room and seek medical help.
Note: Even though most bug bites are not preventable, if you know you are going to be near bugs, wear bug spray.
Signs it is Time to Go to the Emergency Room For a Bug Bite
- Fever: A fever is your body’s defense against foreign substances. A fever paired with chills means your body is fighting something internally.
- Swelling: Moderate swelling with a bug bite can be expected. However, if you begin to experience swelling that moves outward, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction or spreading infection. Also, swelling paired with blisters may be a sign of venom in the body from a bite.
- Redness and Puss: Bug bites are known for itching, but it is important not to scratch! We know, easier said than done. But, scratching a bite can cause an infection, creating redness and puss or even a red line outlining the wound site.
- Oozing Liquid from Bite: If your bite has crust or an oozing liquid, this may be a sign of a more serious condition like impetigo.
What Can Happen if You Do Not Seek Treatment For a Bad Bug Bite
- Allergic Reactions: As the reaction to a bug bite worsens, you may discover you are allergic to the bug that bit you. Spreading pain, swelling, and trouble breathing are signs of an allergic reaction. Without the proper care in an allergic reaction situation, anaphylaxis may set in, causing symptoms that spread to the entire body.
- Serious Complications: Allergic reactions are not the only possible outcome of a bad bug bite. Some bugs have poisonous venom, others carry fatal diseases. It is important to listen to your body. If you are experiencing symptoms, seek medical attention immediately to avoid serious medical conditions.
How to Treat Bites at Home
If you are experiencing mild bug bite symptoms and showing no signs of an allergic reaction or other serious conditions, your bug bite can be treated at home. Here are the steps:
- Wash the bite site with warm water and soap.
- Use an ice pack to reduce swelling.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
- Apply an over-the-counter itch relief cream or take Benadryl to relieve itching.
24/7 Emergency Bite Care
Kyle ER & Hospital provides 24/7/365 emergency bite care. If you are feeling any uncomfortableness after a bug bite or sting, from allergic reactions to severe symptoms, our expert team can accurately treat and quickly alleviate your symptoms. For expert pediatric and adult emergency care, visit our premier hospital facility!
Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Kyle ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.