If you are on the receiving end of a bite or sting, it’s never pleasant. Stings and bites usually cause a minor injury. There are times, however, when a bite or a sting requires you to 911 or immediate medical attention. These circumstances include a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis.
Dignity Health St. John’s emergency care doctors can provide treatment if you or a family member has an allergic reaction to mosquito bites, or if you are bitten by a wild animal. Let our doctors, who are focused on quality care, treat your allergic reactions to bug bites and stings.
There are a number of ways for you to get bitten by an animal or stung when an insect injects, through its stinger, venom into your skin. Some common kinds of stings and bites include:
Seek medical attention if any of the following apply:
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
Treatment of bug bites and stings depends on whether you have an allergy. If you are allergic and carry an epinephrine autoinjector, you should use it and call 911. Your Dignity Health St. John's doctor can advise you to seek medical attention even if you believe your symptoms are improving.
If you do not have an allergy, you can take care of most minor stings and bites by following these steps:
If your condition requires a visit to the ER, Find a Doctor online after your visit to make an appointment and pinpoint your allergies.