Insect Bites and Stings Treatment Specialist Questions and Answers

Did you get an insect bite or sting? Get comprehensive treatment at Broadway Family Clinic in Pearland, TX. For more information call us today or visit online to book an appointment.

Regardless of the season, insect bites and stings are a year-round problem in warmer climates. Humans are not the only ones who enjoy warm weather; insects and arachnids also flourish in great numbers and can present danger any day of the year. Fortunately, healthcare professionals are well-prepared to deal with insect bites and stings and can provide prompt care in order to ensure the most propitious prognosis.

What are the signs of an insect sting?

Signs of an insect sting can include:

• Hives
• Skin flushing
• Itching
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Stomach cramps
• Weakness
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• A sharp drop in blood pressure

In the most severe case, an insect sting can cause an anaphylactic reaction, which may result in swelling of the tongue, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and, if emergency medical treatment is not immediately administered, even death. If there is any uncertainty about whether the reaction to an insect sting is an allergic one, it is best to be safe and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

When should you worry about an insect bite?

In most cases, an insect bite is no cause for concern, however, the following symptoms should receive immediate medical attention:

• Symptoms of Lyme disease
• Signs of infection (including discharge and fever)
• The bite is in the mouth/throat
• The bite is near the eyes
• A large patch of skin is red & swollen
• Symptoms do not improve or get worse

How are insect bites and stings different?

While both bites and stings can be incredibly painful, they are very different in nature. A sting is what happens when an insect injects venom into the body using its stinger. Used as a self-defense mechanism, the venom travels through the insect’s stinger and into the affected area. Getting stung is typically painful, but it can also be life-threatening if the person is allergic to insect stings, resulting in an anaphylactic reaction. Among the most common stingers are:

• Wasps (including hornets and yellow jackets)
• Bees
• Fire ants
• A bite from an insect happens when a non-venomous insect pierces the skin and feeds on blood, such as a mosquito. This may cause a papule or bump to form, and the telltale sign of an insect bite is intense itching. Examples of biters include:
• Mosquitoes
• Fleas
• Bedbugs
• Lice

Insects are not the only creature that bite; arachnids do, too. Arachnids, which have eight legs, that cause these types of bites include spiders and ticks. Insect or arachnid bites can cause an allergic reaction, and some can even transmit diseases through their bites, such as Lyme’s disease with ticks or malaria with mosquitoes.

What insect bites cause a hard lump?

A hard bump caused by an insect bite is known as a granuloma. When a mosquito bites, for instance, it releases a chemical into the skin which prevents blood from clotting. This enables the mosquito to consume blood without any issues and often causes the area to itch or turn red; it can even transform into a firm bump or granuloma. Bites from mosquitoes, midges, and gnats often cause small, itchy lumps to form on the skin. In addition to granulomas, sensitivity to insect bites can also lead to the development of bullae (fluid-filled blisters), or weals, circular, fluid-filled areas surrounding the bite.

If you have been bitten or stung by an insect, come to Broadway Family Clinic for treatment you can trust. Our medical professionals are experienced at treating insect bites and stings and can help you on the road to recovery. Call us today to book an appointment with our insect bites and stings specialist. We serve patients from Pearland TX, Shadow Creek Ranch TX, Southern Trail TX, Pomona TX, Southlake TX, Sienna Plantation TX, Fresno TX, Manvel TX, and Rosharon TX.