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Insect Bites services offered in Canton, MA
Mild insect bites like mosquito bites usually aren’t any cause for concern, but other insect bites and stings can cause severe reactions or lead to infections if you don’t treat them properly. Muhammad Bajwa, MD, and Monika Parrish, PA-C, provide on-demand urgent care for insect bites and stings at Canton Urgent Care in Canton, Massachusetts. Call the office, book an appointment online, or walk in for an evaluation today.
What is an insect bite?
Insect bites and stings can result in immediate reactions on your skin that can be itchy, swollen, or painful. While many of them are easy to treat at home or don’t require treatment at all, others can result in severe reactions requiring urgent care visits. Some of the most common insects and spiders that bite or sting are:
- Wasps
- Yellowjackets
- Hornets
- Fleas
- Mosquitos
- Black widows
- Brown recluse spiders
When you visit Canton Urgent Care with an insect bite or sting, you should do your best to report what kind of insect bit you. If you’re unsure what kind of bug it was, try to remember its features. If you get a spider bite, it might be helpful to catch the spider, if possible, and bring it with you.
What are the signs of common insect bites?
Many insects in nature can bite or sting you, and you might not realize an insect is nearby until you feel the pinch. Some symptoms are from the initial bite or sting itself, while others come from the venom of a given insect or spider.
Insect bites and stings often result in:
- Itching
- Localized redness
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Burning
If you have an allergy to a certain insect’s venom, you can experience a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. This reaction can stop your breathing and needs medical attention right away.
How is an insect bite treated?
Canton Urgent Care examines your insect bite or sting and monitors your or your child’s reaction. Some insect bites and stings can lead to allergic reactions, so it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely.
First aid is essential when it comes to insect bites and stings. You should apply a cool compress, like a soaked cloth or an ice cube wrapped in a washcloth to the sting, and gently wash the area. Be sure to remove the stinger, or the bug itself, if it’s still there.
Canton Urgent Care can provide any additional treatment. You might benefit from antihistamines, antibiotics for possible infections of broken skin, or fever reducers if you get a fever or chills.
If you get a concerning or unfamiliar insect bite or sting, call Canton Urgent Care, book an appointment online, or walk in for an evaluation today.