Summer is prime time for outdoor fun but it’s also a season full of unexpected scrapes, stings, and skin irritations. Whether it’s a campfire burn, a mystery bite, or a run-in with poison ivy, it can be hard to know when to treat at home and when to seek medical attention.
Insect Bites and Stings
Most bug bites and stings can be treated with ice, topical or oral antihistamines and or ibuprofen. If there is no improvement in 48 hours or worsening redness, swelling and/or pain, you should see a medical provider.
If there is redness and/or swelling at the site of the bite that does not improve with ice and/or antihistamines, or if you develop a rash, fever, or feel unwell you should visit an urgent care or primary care provider as soon as possible.
For tick bites, the tick should be removed as soon as possible, and this can be performed at a Pardee Urgent Care location. Tick bites have the potential to cause longer-term conditions such as Lyme disease, so if there is redness/swelling at the site of the bite, or if you develop a rash, fever, or feel unwell following a tick bite you should be evaluated.
Burns
Burns involving the face, parts of the body larger than the palm of their hand and burns that have blisters or signs of a second- or third-degree burn should be evaluated.
First-degree burns are limited to the top layer of skin, can be treated with cool water/ice and over the counter ibuprofen for pain and generally do not need to be seen by a provider.
Second- and third-degree burns involve deeper skin layers which may present with more pain and redness, blistering, and a higher chance of infection and scarring. These should be evaluated in a medical clinic as soon as possible, and the closest emergency department if the burn is significant.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions often present with a rash or hives that are itchy.
Mild reactions can be managed by using ice and over the counter antihistamines, which often resolve the issue.
Moderate reactions that are more extensive, covering more of the body, or those not responding to ice and antihistamines should be evaluated immediately at an urgent care location.
Severe reactions that include extensive hives as well as throat swelling, trouble breathing, dizziness are an emergency that requires immediate evaluation. If severe, go right away to your closest emergency department.
Poison Ivy
One of the most common outdoor skin risks is poison ivy or oak. While it may seem like a minor irritation, poison ivy can cause significant discomfort if not properly managed.
To prevent a reaction, it’s important to wear protective clothing when spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or overgrown areas. After returning inside, be sure to wash any exposed skin and change out of and wash your clothing promptly, as the plant’s oil can linger and continue to cause a reaction.
Treat mild cases of poison ivy with soothing lotions such as calamine and over-the-counter cortisone creams. Cool baths also help soothe the rash. For more extensive cases, see a provider, who may prescribe steroids to give relief.
Know Where to Go
If you’re experiencing symptoms from a bite, sting, burn, or allergic reaction — and you’re not having trouble breathing or throat swelling starting with urgent care or primary care is often appropriate. If you’re unsure, call ahead for guidance. When in doubt, it’s always safer to be evaluated.
Click here to learn more about where to seek care during a medical issue or emergency.
Find a Pardee location near you:
- Pardee Emergency Department – 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville
- Pardee Urgent Care – Hendersonville, Brevard, and Mills River
- Pardee BlueMD – primary care locations in Hendersonville, Brevard, Mills River, Fletcher, Arden, and Asheville
