Insect Bites and Stings

Visit urgent care for localized swelling, pain, itching, or signs of infection like redness and warmth. Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, throat swelling, severe dizziness, rapid heartbeat, widespread hives, or loss of consciousness—these are signs of anaphylaxis requiring emergency treatment. If you've had severe allergic reactions to insect stings in the past, seek emergency care immediately after any new sting.

Signs of infection typically develop 24-48 hours after the bite and include increasing redness spreading beyond the bite site, warmth to touch, swelling that worsens rather than improves, pus or drainage, red streaks extending from the bite, fever, or increasing pain. According to medical guidelines, any of these symptoms warrant professional evaluation. Our medical providers can assess the infection and prescribe antibiotics if needed.

Yes, we frequently treat fire ant stings, which are common in Florida. Fire ant stings create distinctive pustules and can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. We provide treatment for both local reactions and systemic allergic responses, including prescription antihistamines, corticosteroids, and antibiotics if secondary infection develops. Multiple fire ant stings covering large body areas should be evaluated promptly.

Yes, if you've experienced a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting, our medical providers can prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and provide training on proper use. We also offer guidance on when to use it and emphasize the importance of seeking emergency care immediately after using epinephrine, as symptoms can return after the medication wears off.

Please bring your photo ID, insurance card if applicable, and a list of current medications and known allergies. If possible, note when the bite or sting occurred and any symptoms you've experienced. If you know what type of insect caused the reaction, this information helps guide treatment, though it's not required for care.

No appointment is necessary. We welcome walk-ins daily from 8am to 8pm at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations. For severe allergic reactions with breathing difficulty or throat swelling, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room.

According to medical literature, normal local reactions to bee stings peak within 48 hours and typically resolve within 5-10 days. However, some people experience large local reactions with swelling extending several inches beyond the sting site, which may take 7-10 days to fully resolve. If swelling continues to worsen after 48 hours or you develop fever or other concerning symptoms, return for evaluation as this may indicate infection or a more serious reaction.

A normal reaction includes pain, redness, and swelling limited to the sting site, typically resolving within a few days. A large local reaction involves swelling extending beyond the immediate area but without systemic symptoms. An allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) involves symptoms beyond the sting site: difficulty breathing, throat tightness, widespread hives, dizziness, rapid pulse, nausea, or loss of consciousness. Any systemic symptoms require immediate medical attention. Our medical providers can assess your reaction severity and provide appropriate treatment and prevention strategies.