Whether you’re hiking a local trail, hanging out in your backyard or spending time on the baseball field, you’re going to encounter some sort of bug in its habitat. And when you do, sometimes they can get a little irked and bite or sting.
Bug bites and stings are very common during the spring and summer and aren’t usually causes for much concern. How can you know that whatever sting or pain is caused by a bug bite, though, and not some other irritant?
Our AFC Urgent Care Hixson team provides some helpful answers below, so keep reading!
How Can I Know If I’ve Been Bitten By a Bug?
Lots of things cause weird skin reactions and irritations in the spring or summer. Bug bites and stings typically look and feel different than other irritants and allergens, though.
If you experience the signs and symptoms we’ve listed below, odds are that you’ve been bitten or stung by a bug—even if you didn’t feel it when it initially occurred.
Bug Bite Or Sting Symptoms
- Swelling
- Redness or rash
- Pain in the affected area or in the muscles
- Itching
- Heat on and around the site of the bite or sting
- Numbness or tingling in the affected area
How Can I Treat Bug Bites?
Although they tend to be painful and cause swelling shortly after, bug bites are typically not a cause for serious concern and can be treated at home.
If your bug bite is only swelling around the location of the bite, it is considered to be minor. We’ve listed some helpful ways you can treat your injury below!
How to Treat Mild Insect Bites and Stings
- Remove any stingers.
- Gently wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply a damp rag soaked in cold water or ice to the area of the bite or sting for 10 to 20 minutes. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
- Take an OTC pain reliever as needed.
- If the injury is on an arm or leg, elevate it.
If you’ve been bitten or stung by a bug and aren’t sure what to do next, don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Hixson team! We can provide the non-emergency care you need.
