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Insect Bites and Stings

It doesn’t seem to matter where you live or what time of the year it is, there is always some creepy-crawly thing out there that sees your skin as a walking buffet. Most of the time, those bugs are only defending themselves and will generally leave you alone unless threatened. But there are some insects, like the dreaded mosquito and ticks, that don’t seem to need a reason to feast on your flesh.

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The good news is that most insects, even though nearly all insects possess the ability to bite or sting, are not lethal. The biggest risk is some minor pain and the potential for an ALLERGIC REACTION to venom from the bite or stinger.  

 

Insects can be classified as follows:

Intentional biters – these include:

  • Ticks

  • Chiggers

  • Scabies

  • Bedbugs

  • Fleas

  • Lice

  • Flies

  • Mosquitoes

 

Spiders – most spiders are harmless, but there are a few that will bite and ARE poisonous.

  • Black Widow

  • Brown Recluse

  • Wolf Spider

  • Hobo Spider

 

Stinging Insects – these usually wont bother you unless they feel threatened

  • Bees

  • Wasps/hornets

  • Yellow jackets

  • Fire ants

 

​Although symptoms from any of the above insects can vary, in general you can expect the following to occur:

 

  • Pain at the site of the bite or sting

  • Swelling

  • Redness

  • Itching

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Heat/warmth at the site of the bite or sting

  • Rash surrounding the area

 

SEVERE REACTIONS can include:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Swelling of the lips, throat or face

  • Muscle spasms

  • Fever

  • Confusion

  • Loss of consciousness

 

Immediate Treatment

  • Remove the stinger (learn how to do this properly)

  • Wash your skin/affected area

  • Apply ice to reduce pain and swelling

  • Consider OTC (over the counter) pain relievers or antihistamines (Benadryl)

  • Apply topical anti-itch cream to affected area

 

SEEK PROFESSIONAL CARE

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  • SHORTNESS OF BREATH or any signs of allergic reaction

  • FOR ANY SUSPICIOUS SPIDER (Brown Recluse, Black Widow) bite.

  • Any wound or rash that does not heal or appears to develop a Bulls Eye type rash

  • Large joint pain

  • Difficulty concentrating

Schedule Appointment
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