Insect Bites And Stings And Spider Bites: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you think you have a skin infection at the site of a bite or sting?

See significance of signs of a skin infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have diabetes?

Yes

Do you have peripheral arterial disease?

Yes

Do you have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with your immune system?

Yes

Do you have red streaks extending from a bite or sting?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around a bite or sting?

Yes

Do you have pus in or around a bite or sting?

Yes

Do you know or think you have a fever?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness less than around a bite or sting for 24 hours or longer?

Yes

Have you had swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpit, or groin for 24 hours or longer?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	February 01, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Sean P. Bush, MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine and Envenomation Specialist
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer