Stings and Bites
Insect stings and animal bites are very common, especially in the summer. Most stings and bites from mosquitoes, wasps, bees, ticks, and spiders are harmless and only cause local itching and swelling. However, some people can experience severe allergic reactions, and tick bites can, in rare cases, transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.
It is important to be aware of the symptoms that require medical attention, especially with tick bites where a red, expanding rash (erythema migrans) can develop as a sign of Lyme disease.
Symptoms
- Redness, swelling, and itching around the sting or bite site
- Pain and warmth in the area
- Blistering
- In case of an allergic reaction: large swelling, hives, difficulty breathing
- In case of a tick bite: ring-shaped rash that grows (can appear days to weeks after the bite)
- In case of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, and pus
When should you contact a doctor?
- Ring-shaped rash after a tick bite (possible Lyme disease)
- Severe swelling or allergic reaction
- Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling
- Fever or flu-like symptoms after a bite
- Bites on the face, near the eyes, or in the mouth/throat
- You are unsure what has bitten or stung you
Treatment
Most stings and bites are treated with cooling, antihistamines, and cortisone cream. Ticks should be carefully removed with tick tweezers. If Lyme disease is suspected, antibiotic treatment is necessary. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) require emergency treatment. A doctor at Eyr can assess stings and bites via video, provide treatment advice, and prescribe necessary medication.
