Urgent care for insect bites and stings

Summer season is insect season

For most people, insect bites or stings are a minor annoyance that requires some first aid. However, for a small percentage of us, insect stings or bites can be a life-threatening concern. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology reports that there are at approximately 50 deaths each year in the U.S. due to allergic reactions from insect stings. This information is not passed on to scare you, simply to offer some well-timed tips about insect bites, their diagnosis, and treatment; so that you and your family can have a great time outdoors this summer.

When is an insect bite serious?

In the unfortunate event that you are bitten or stung, pay careful attention to the appearance of the bite. Trust your instincts and do not ignore and the way you are feeling. If your bite or sting only presents with subtle swelling and slight discomfort, then you can reasonably assume that a topical medications such as Benadryl cream will take care of the problem without the need of further medical attention. However, if you start showing a significant allergic reaction, you need to seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of a normal, non-allergic reaction to a bee sting

Minor reactions are common with the majority of insect bites or stings such as:

• itching
• hives or rashes
• soreness in the immediate area

It is permissible to treat a bite or sting when one is NOT allergic. In most cases you simply remove the stinger, apply a cold compress or ice, administer an over the counter pain reliever, and apply topical ointments to fight any possible infection and to relieve itching.

Convenient, walk-in care for Germantown, MD

We all want the best for our families, especially when it comes to general healthcare and occupational medicine. Medical Access provides convenient walk-in care as an alternative to long waits in the emergency room. Their friendly staff will carefully and quickly assess your needs and provide the appropriate services, from preventive medicine to x-ray and lab services. Their facilities are fully staffed and equipped in order to meet the demands of their patients and their healthcare needs.

Dr. Manbir Takhar is the Chief Medical Officer, and has been associated with Medical Access since 1999. She is qualified to treat almost any type of injury or illness that may present itself. In addition to these qualifications, she is also a Civil Surgeon and Medical Review Officer. Call them today or simply drop in, as no appointment is needed to receive timely, quality urgent care for insect bites or any non life-threatening health issues.