1Bees, wasps, spiders, mosquitoes and scorpions are just a few of the insects known for bites and stings. When one of these creepy crawlies bites or stings you, you might wonder if you should see a doctor. The good news is, we’re here to help.
Carlyn科茨、PA为旗帜急诊工作,nd she commonly treats patients for a variety of bites and stings. She says the most common pests that could send a person to the doctor in Arizona are scorpions and black widows. While both can cause symptoms that are potentially life-threatening, there hasn’t been a fatality in Arizona in many years. Typically, they can cause pain that can be worse in the elderly and the young.
Still, Coates says there are cases where you should see a doctor. This would include if you’re allergic to the insect’s bites, you’ve been bitten by a poisonous insect or the bite becomes infected.
Additionally, she says you should see a doctor if any of the following develop immediately or shortly following the bite:
- Hives or swelling around the mouth
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing
If any redness, swelling or hardening of the skin around the bite gets worse over 24 to 72 hours, be sure to get into the doctor as soon as possible.
“The most concerning symptoms would be those of a severe allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath, facial swelling or difficulty swallowing,” Coates said.
好消息是,严重的对昆虫的反应bites are not very common, according to Coates.
What about scorpions?
For some, scorpions may be one of the creepier things you can come across, and the idea of being stung by one? Forget it. Now, if you don’t live in the desert or where scorpions hang out, you might wonder just how bad their sting can be.
Well, if you’ve ever burnt your hand while cooking, you might have a good idea of what a scorpion sting feels like. Except, the burning sensation spreads from where you were stung. Of all insect bites or stings you could get, a sting from a scorpion has the most potential to be concerning—although still very rare.
“There can be complications,” Coates said. “Most often, it will cause intense burning pain.”
If you experience changes in your vision or uncontrollable muscle movements, call the Poison Center right away. If you or your child develop a lot of saliva in the mouth, call 911.
What about black widow spiders?
Easily recognizable because of a red hourglass on their stomach, the black widow can be found creeping in dark places in the western United States. It has a reputation for having poisonous bites, and while they can cause serious amounts of pain, the bite is very rarely fatal to healthy adults—children and the elderly are more at risk.
You can recognize black widow bites quickly compared to other spider bites because you will see two puncture wounds rather than one from other spiders. The bites also cause nearly immediate pain that can worsen over time. Most people recover from black widow bites without treatment, but if children and the elderly are bitten, take them to a doctor just to be safe.
If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, excessive sweating, severe pain or cramping in the abdomen, you should be evaluated by a doctor.
Avoiding bites and stings
So, how do you avoid getting bitten or stung altogether? Coates says avoiding the creepy crawly is your best bet. Be careful or completely avoid areas where the insects like to hide, such as wood piles and large rock piles. Make sure to wear closed-toe shoes while outside or working in the yard. And, gloves are a must if you’re going to be gardening or working in the yard.
Coates’ final piece of advice?
“It is rare to have a bad reaction to an insect bite or scorpion sting, but if you are worried, stopping by your local Banner Urgent Care is never a bad choice for even peace of mind,” she said.
Find an Urgent Care Near You →And, don't forget theBanner Poison and Drug Information Centeris just a phone call away if you ever need advice about anything potentially poisonous: 1-800-222-1222.
