So THAT'S When You Should See A Doctor For A Bug Bite
The Question: When does a bug bite require serious medical attention?
The Answer: Sometimes that pesky mosquito bite just needs a little hydrocortisone cream and time to heal. But occasionally, it’s not so simple.
While most bug bites and stings are harmless, some can be dangerous if not treated properly — especially if you have an undiagnosed allergy to a particular bug venom or if that bug is a disease carrier.
The summer months seem to be stocked with extra critters crawling and buzzing around us, upping the chances that you, a friend or a family member might need a dermatologist’s expertise. Here’s how the experts determine the difference between a nuisance and a health concern that requires attention.
One of the first steps to differentiating between a minor and serious bug bite or sting is to work through some of the key symptoms. “Significant pain, swelling, and bruising are all signs that a bite may be serious,” said Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist and assistant professor at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. “Swelling that is spreading significantly beyond the initial bite may also be a sign of a serious issue.”
Of course, in extreme instances, a bug bite reaction can be grave enough to result in an ER visit. Dr. Margaret Parsons, a dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, Davis, advises people to pay attention to symptoms like the sensation ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news
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