How To Treat Insect & Spider Bites

Monitor Bite For Signs Of Infection

Patients who have recently had an insect or spider bite should monitor bite for signs of infection on a daily basis. Some of the signs that could indicate a potential infection include warmth or redness at the site. For example, the patient may notice the area feels much warmer than the surrounding skin or to the skin on the opposite side of the body, and any redness of the skin that goes beyond the area of the bite itself could indicate inflammation. Swelling, pain, and discharge of any fluid, including clear fluid and pus, also indicate infection and should be evaluated by a physician. It can be helpful to draw around the area of the initial bite with a marker; this enables the patient to easily see whether redness or swelling is spreading outside of the site. If the patient develops hives or has swelling of the eyelids, lips, or throat, this could indicate an allergic reaction that requires prompt medical attention.

Take Over-The-Counter Pain Medication

Bites from certain insects such as scorpions, hornets, and honeybees can cause significant pain for some patients, and it may be necessary to take over-the-counter pain medication in these instances. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen are generally safe and effective over-the-counter pain relievers for the majority of individuals, and acetylsalicylic acid is typically appropriate for patients nineteen years old or older. Individuals who have cardiovascular, kidney, or liver issues should ask their healthcare providers about which over-the-counter medications are safe for them to use, and patients who have diabetes should also consult their doctors before taking any over-the-counter drugs.

Individuals taking ibuprofen could experience nausea, vomiting, an upset stomach, diarrhea, and dizziness. Since this medication may raise blood pressure, patients who have hypertension might need to use another pain reliever instead, and doctors advise all patients using ibuprofen to monitor their blood pressure at home. Acetaminophen may cause nausea and vomiting, and some patients have reported constipation and an upset stomach. Patients taking any over-the-counter pain reliever should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible amount of time, and they should report any troublesome side effects to their healthcare team.