A Quick Read About Insect Bites

It’s not just bees, wasps, and scorpions you have to watch out for. From bugs to lice, we’re surrounded by different insects that you should be wary about according to Arkell Walk-In Clinic & Arkell Pharmacy’s family doctor in Guelph. Getting bitten is an uncomfortable experience, especially if you don’t know what left you with a red, throbbing welt on your skin.

Most bug bites are from common insects. Most are harmless and heal quickly. But some bug bites may cause intense pain or even a sickness serious enough to bring you to our medical clinic in Ontario. The main culprits include:

• Bedbugs
• Fleas
• Mosquitoes
• Ticks

You may see or feel the insect on your skin but sometimes we won’t notice and may not be aware of a bite until the following symptoms emerge:

• swelling
• redness or rash
• pain in the affected area or the muscles
• itching
• heat on and around the bite
• numbness or tingling in the affected area

The reason that our skin reacts to insect bites is that our immune system signals our body for the bite. It’s the body’s immediate defense to the bite. So when you see the redness or swelling, your body is reacting normally. However, if your feelings become intense or difficult, seek medical care immediately at our walk-in clinic in Guelph.

Luckily, the majority of bites are treatable at home. Topical anti-itch creams, oral pain relievers, and more can combat annoying symptoms which you can grab at our pharmacy in Guelph. Don’t forget to wash the affected area too.