How to prepare for a video visit about Insect Bites and Stings

Audience: adult

Insect bites and stings can cause discomfort, swelling, and sometimes allergic reactions. Preparing for a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, you may discuss your symptoms, the type of insect involved if known, and any treatments you have tried. Telemedicine can help assess mild to moderate bites and stings, guide home care, and determine if further in-person care is needed. However, severe reactions, signs of infection, or worsening symptoms usually require urgent medical attention in person. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for insect bites and stings, and know when to seek emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat — call emergency services immediately.
• Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting after a bite or sting — seek urgent medical care.
• Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever indicating possible infection — arrange prompt in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate insect bites and stings.
• Guidance on home care and symptom management.
• Advice on when to seek emergency or in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe allergic reactions requiring immediate emergency treatment.
• Signs of serious infection needing antibiotics or surgical care.
• Complex or unusual symptoms needing physical examination or diagnostic tests.

Common symptoms of insect bites and stings

Insect bites and stings often cause redness, swelling, itching, and pain at the site. Some people may develop small blisters or a rash. Mild symptoms usually improve within a few days with home care. Watch for signs like spreading redness, increasing pain, or fever, which may suggest infection or allergic reaction.

What to have ready for your video visit

Prepare to describe when and where the bite or sting happened, what insect you think was involved if known, and any symptoms you've noticed. Have a way to show the affected area clearly on camera. Also, list any medications or treatments you've used, including creams, antihistamines, or pain relievers.

How telemedicine can help

During your video visit, the healthcare provider can assess your symptoms, review your history, and guide you on home treatments such as cleaning the area, using cold compresses, or taking medications. They can also advise if you need to visit a clinic or emergency room for further care.

When to seek in-person care

If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or severe pain, seek emergency medical care immediately. Also, if the bite area becomes increasingly red, warm, swollen, or produces pus, or if you develop a fever, you may need antibiotics or other treatments that require an in-person visit.

Tips for home care after your video visit

Follow the healthcare provider's advice on wound care and medications. Keep the bite area clean and avoid scratching. Monitor your symptoms closely and report any worsening or new signs promptly. Use over-the-counter remedies as recommended to ease itching and swelling.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for your video visit.
• Have a device with a working camera and microphone ready.
• Prepare to show the affected skin area clearly on camera.
• List your symptoms, when the bite or sting occurred, and any treatments used.
• Have a list of your current medications and allergies.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on wound care and medications.
• Keep the bite or sting area clean and avoid scratching.
• Monitor for any worsening symptoms or new signs of infection.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek emergency care immediately if you develop severe symptoms like difficulty breathing.

FAQs

Can a video visit diagnose the type of insect that bit or stung me?

A healthcare provider can often make an educated guess based on your description and the appearance of the bite or sting, but identifying the exact insect may not always be possible via video.

What treatments can I use at home for insect bites and stings?

Common home treatments include cleaning the area with soap and water, applying cold compresses to reduce swelling, using over-the-counter antihistamines or hydrocortisone creams to ease itching, and taking pain relievers if needed.

When should I go to the emergency room for an insect bite or sting?

Seek emergency care if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, fainting, or severe allergic reactions. Also, if you have a rapid heartbeat or severe pain, get immediate help.

Can insect bites or stings cause infections?

Yes, bites and stings can sometimes become infected, especially if scratched. Signs of infection include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever. These usually require in-person medical evaluation.

Is it safe to use telemedicine for insect bites and stings?

Telemedicine is often safe and effective for mild to moderate bites and stings. It allows you to get timely advice without leaving home. However, severe or complicated cases should be evaluated in person.

Sources

1. Insect Bites and Stings — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Insect Bites and Stings: Overview — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Insect Bites and Stings — Mayo Clinic.
4. Insect Bites and Stings — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, seek immediate medical attention or visit a healthcare facility.