What Should I Do If My Bug Bite Is Infected?

Although many of them aren’t cause for immediate concern, bug bites are no fun to deal with. They itch and swell, and in some cases, they can become infected.

Although infection caused from a bug bite is typically fairly easy to manage, it can get out of control if it isn’t taken care of quickly and correctly. Our AFC Urgent Care Memphis team further highlights what you need to know about bug bites below, so keep reading.

How Can I Treat a Bug Bite?

Most insect bites and stings cause minor, local reactions. This means that the redness, itchiness and swelling only occur around the actual site of the injury, rather than spreading to another area of the body.

If you think your bite or sting is only resulting in a mild, local skin reaction, the treatment tips that we’ve listed below can prove to be quite helpful!

How to Treat Insect Injuries

  • Remove any stingers.
  • Gently wash the area with soap and water.
  • Apply a damp rag soaked in cold water or ice to the area of the bite or sting for 10 to 20 minutes. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
  • Take an OTC pain reliever as needed.
  • If the injury is on an arm or leg, elevate it.

How Do I Know If My Bug Bite Is Infected?

Infected bug bites are more common than they should be, and they’re almost always the result of people messing with their bites or stings. The most typical way for an insect bite or sting to become infected is when someone scratches it too much or tries to pop a bite that looks like a blister or pimple.

Furthermore, the most common reason for a bite requiring medical attention is an infection. Visit our AFC center if your bite or sting exhibits any of the signs or symptoms described below. To treat the illness, you will most likely be given an oral or topical antibiotic.

Signs a Bug Bite Is Infected

  • A wide area of redness around the bite
  • Swelling around the bite
  • Pus
  • Increasing pain
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Feeling of warmth around the bite
  • Long red line extending out from the bite
  • Sores or abscesses on or around the bite
  • Swollen glands (lymph nodes)

We’re here for you now and always! Visit our AFC Urgent Care Memphis center if you need treatment for an infected bug bite.