Bug bites and stings

When some bugs (mostly insects and arachnids) bite or sting the skin, their saliva or venom can cause symptoms like bumps, itchiness, pain or swelling. Bites and stings can range in severity, from irritating to life threatening. 

Most symptoms* of common bug bites and stings include the following:

• Burning
• Itching
• Pain
• Raised spots
• Swelling

Some symptoms should immediately be evaluated by a health care provider:

• A red, spotted rash on your palms and the soles of your feet
• A skin rash that looks like a bull’s-eye
• Body aches
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Lack of appetite
• Muscle pain
• Swollen lymph nodes

Catching these symptoms early makes it easier to treat the diseases that cause them, such as Lyme disease* and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.*

Sometimes, bacteria can enter through a bug bite, causing an infection. When a bug bite gets infected, a visit to a health care provided is needed. Infection symptoms include the following:

• Blisters
• A reddish streak that extends from the bite or sting
• Pus drainage

MinuteClinic providers can review symptoms and a person’s health history. They can clean the site to prevent infection and help develop a treatment plan for managing symptoms like itching and swelling. They can prescribe antibiotics if the site is infected.

1. You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth, email address and phone number to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Many people have allergies to certain types of bites and stings. Allergic reactions can range in severity from mild itching up to problems breathing, which can be life-threatening.

Sometimes, bacteria can enter through a bug bite or sting. This can cause cellulitis, impetigo or a Staphylococcus infection. Contact a health care provider if there is a reddish streak that extends from the infected area or if there are blisters or drainage.

A health care provider may prescribe antibiotics for an infection. Symptoms* include the following:

• Drainage
• Fever
• Rash
• Redness
• Swelling

MinuteClinic providers can review symptoms and a person’s health history. They can clean the site to prevent infection and help develop a treatment plan for managing symptoms like itching and swelling. They can prescribe antibiotics if the site is infected.