When to See the Doctor?

Most bug bites and stings aren’t serious and can be safely treated at home with topical medication, such as hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine to reduce the itch. But sometimes a bug bite or sting could become serious. Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after a sting or bite:

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • The sensation that your throat is closing.
  • Swollen lips, tongue or face.
  • Chest pain.
  • A racing heartbeat lasting more than a few minutes.
  • Dizziness.
  • Vomiting.
  • Headache.
  • A red, donut-shaped rash that develops after a tick bite. This could be a sign of Lyme disease.
  • A fever with a red or black spotty rash that spreads. This could be a sign of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology