Spending time outdoors comes with its fair share of minor hazards– bee stings, tick bites, and mysterious rashes can appear out of nowhere, especially during the spring and summer months. While some of these issues can be managed with simple first-aid, others require prompt medical attention to prevent complications. So how do you know when urgent care is necessary? In this blog, we’ll provide a breakdown of what to watch for and when it’s time to seek a professional evaluation.
Looking for same-day healthcare? Visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9! We’re conveniently located at 111-117 Spring Street in Elizabeth, NJ. Simply walk in or plan your visit in advance below.
Bee Stings: When To Seek Treatment
Bee stings are painful, but usually not dangerous. In most cases, symptoms are limited to redness, swelling, and burning at the site of the sting. The symptoms can be treated with cold compresses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and oral antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream for itching. However, it’s important to seek urgent care if:
- Swelling extends beyond the sting site
- You’ve been stung multiple times
- The sting is near the eyes, mouth, or throat
- You experience any concerning symptoms
If you’re allergic to bee stings (rapid heartbeat, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, trouble breathing or swallowing), it’s important to seek immediate medical attention at the ER.
Tick Bites: What To What For
Ticks latch onto the skin and feed slowly, which can go unnoticed for hours or even days. After spending time outside, it’s important to do a full body check– especially behind the knees, around the ears, and along the hairline. If you find a tick, carefully remove it with clean tweezers. Once a tick is removed, monitor the area for signs of irritation or rash. While most bites don’t cause serious problems, some ticks carry bacteria that can lead to infections like Lyme disease. It’s advised to seek urgent care if:
- The tick has been attached for more than 24-36 hours
- You’re unable to fully remove the tick
- You develop symptoms like: fever, chills, body aches, a spreading rash (especially a “bull’s-eye” pattern), joint pain, or fatigue
A medical provider may prescribe preventive antibiotics or order lab tests depending on your symptoms and the type of tick exposure.
Rashes: What’s Normal and What’s Not
Rashes are a common skin complaint seen in urgent care. They can appear as redness, bumps, blisters, or patches. They may be caused by allergies, contact with irritants, viral or bacterial infections, or insect bites. While some rashes clear up on their own, others are persistent, painful, or rapidly worsening– making professional evaluation important. While a rash can be harmless and go away with time, some are signs of a more serious issue. You should visit an urgent care center if:
- The rash is painful, blistering, or rapidly spreading
- You have a fever along with the rash
- The fever shows signs of infection (warmth, pus, or red streaks)
- You suspect contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac
- You’re unsure what caused the rash and it’s not improving
Urgent care providers can help determine the cause, offer fast relief for itching and swelling, and prescribe medications if necessary.
Get Walk-In Expert Seasonal Care at AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9 in Elizabeth, NJ
While it can be tempting to wait things out, insect-related injuries and skin conditions can escalate quickly. Whether you’re dealing with a bee sting that’s not improving, a tick bite with lingering symptoms, or rash you can’t identify, urgent care is a convenient and efficient option for diagnosis and treatment. At AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9, we offer walk-in visits, on-site diagnostics, and expert providers ready to help you feel better– no appointment necessary. Just walk-in any day of the week! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the types of services we provide, please contact a member of our team directly at (908) 570-5801.
