Discharge Instructions for Insect Bite
For most insect bites, clean the area with soap and water, apply ice to reduce swelling, and use over-the-counter pain medications and antihistamines for symptom relief. 1
Wound Care
- Clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and water
- Apply ice or cold packs with a thin barrier between ice and skin for 15-20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling 1
- Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection
- Avoid scratching to prevent secondary infection
Symptom Management
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 1
- For itching, use:
- Oral antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine/Benadryl or cetirizine/Zyrtec)
- Topical corticosteroid creams (such as hydrocortisone) 1
When to Seek Medical Attention
Return to the emergency department or see your doctor immediately if you develop:
- Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, or pus at the bite site 1, 2
- Fever or chills
- Spreading redness beyond the initial bite area
- Difficulty breathing, throat swelling, or facial swelling
- Dizziness, weakness, or rapid heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting 2
- Severe pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medications
Prevention of Future Bites
- Have known insect nests in your vicinity removed by professionals 3, 1
- Avoid wearing bright colors, flowery prints, or scented products that attract insects 3, 1
- Wear protective clothing when outdoors (long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks, closed shoes) 3, 1
- Be cautious near bushes, garbage containers, and picnic areas 3
- Consider using insect repellents containing DEET when outdoors 4
Special Instructions for Allergic Reactions
If you have had a systemic allergic reaction to an insect sting in the past:
- Carry prescribed epinephrine auto-injector at all times 3, 1, 2
- Know how to use your epinephrine auto-injector properly
- Inject epinephrine immediately if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, dizziness, swelling of face/throat) 3, 2
- After using epinephrine, seek emergency medical care immediately as symptoms may return 2
- Consider wearing a medical identification bracelet or necklace 3
Follow-up Care
- If symptoms worsen or do not improve within 2-3 days, contact your healthcare provider
- Consider referral to an allergist if you've had a systemic reaction to an insect sting 3, 1
Remember that most insect bites resolve without complications within a few days with proper home care. Monitoring for signs of infection or allergic reaction is important for preventing serious complications.