This post was written by Chrissy Lucas, FNP, Employer Solutions.
As we spend more time outdoors—whether working, exercising, traveling or enjoying summer activities—bites and stings become more common. Most are mild and improve with simple home care, but some reactions may require medical attention.
Knowing what symptoms are normal, what over-the-counter treatments may help and when to follow up can help our patients stay healthy and avoid unnecessary urgent care or emergency visits.
Common symptoms after a bite or sting
Most insect bites and stings cause:
- Redness
- Mild swelling
- Itching
- Tenderness or burning
These symptoms typically improve within a few hours to several days.
Over-the-counter treatments to try
For itching
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec®)
- Loratadine (Claritin®)
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) — may cause drowsiness
- Calamine lotion
- Hydrocortisone 1% cream
For pain or swelling
- Ice packs for 10–15 minutes at a time
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
- Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) if appropriate
For bee stings
If a stinger is visible, gently scrape it away with a fingernail or credit card.
For tick bites
Remove the tick promptly with tweezers by pulling straight upward. Wash the area with soap and water afterward.
When should patients follow up with a medical professional
Patients should seek medical evaluation if they experience:
- Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling after 48 hours
- Drainage or pus
- Fever
- A spreading rash after a tick bite
- Flu-like symptoms after a tick bite
- A tick attached for 36 hours or more
- Symptoms lasting longer than a week
- Significant swelling that interferes with daily activities or work
Early evaluation can help identify infection, allergic reactions, or tick-borne illness before symptoms worsen.
Seek emergency care immediately for:
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Dizziness or fainting
- Widespread hives
These may be signs of a severe allergic reaction requiring urgent treatment.
Prevention tips
To avoid uncomfortable, symptomatic bites, consider these prevention tips:
- Use insect repellent when outdoors
- Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas
- Perform tick checks after outdoor activities
- Avoid walking barefoot outdoors
- Keep food and drinks covered during outdoor breaks or events
Supporting Employee Health
An employer clinic provides convenient, high-quality healthcare designed specifically for employees and their families. These clinics offer services such as preventive care, treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, chronic disease management, wellness coaching, and health screenings, all with the goal of improving employee health, reducing healthcare costs, and increasing access to care.
If your organization is interested in learning how an employer clinic can support your workforce, please visit our webpage or reach out to our Parkview Employer Solutions team at ParkviewEmployersSolutions@parkview.com.
