One of the amazing things about living in the South is the beautiful weather and sunny days that we get to enjoy during the summer. While you are out and about exploring, hiking or just playing with your kids outside, though, you are bound to come into contact with at least a few bugs this year.

Many bugs and other creepy-crawlies are more of an annoyance than a real danger to you, but some can cause some unpleasant symptoms if they bite or sting you.

Our AFC Urgent Care Sevierville team explains more about some common bites and stings and what to do about them below, so read on to learn more.

What Ticks Are Dangerous?

Tick season is at its peak right now, which means you may be seeing more of them in the grass or on your pant legs at this time of year. Most ticks aren’t harmful, albeit a little gross, so don’t panic immediately if you notice one on your skin! However, there is a small chance that the tick that bit you is infected with Lyme disease.

Unfortunately, you can’t tell right at the moment if the tick is carrying Lyme disease, so your main goal should be to remove it as fast as you can. The bite will probably be obvious as the tick will still be attached to you, but the bite will be red, raised and swollen. Your risk of contracting Lyme disease increases after 36 hours, so take action to remove it quickly.

Tips for a Fast Tick Removal

• Use a clean tweezers and pull slowly and steadily away from the skin.
• Do not twist as you pull.
• Take a picture of the tick.
• Dispose in the garbage in a piece of tape or flush in the toilet.
• Wash your hands and the bite site thoroughly.

What Stings Cause an Allergic Reaction?

Everyone is different, and all bodies have different reactions to environments and stimuli. This means there is no guarantee that you will or will not have a reaction to a sting. That said, you should always err on the side of caution and remove yourself from the area right away to avoid further stings and to monitor your situation.

Stings from bees, wasps or hornets can cause a serious allergic reaction in minutes, or they could just cause a mild reaction. Mild reactions typically turn the surrounding skin red and rash-like and the sting site might be raised and painful to the touch. In either case, keep a close eye on your symptoms and seek emergency medical attention if you start to experience any serious symptoms.

Warning Signs of Anaphylaxis

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the throat and tongue
• Itchy skin and swollen eyes, lips, hands or feet
• Loss of consciousness or fainting

If you are ever worried about an animal or insect bite, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Sevierville.