What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Insect Bites and Stings

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for insect bites or stings, you will usually receive advice on how to care for the affected area at home. This may include instructions on cleaning the bite or sting, using cold compresses, and taking over-the-counter medicines to reduce pain and swelling. Your healthcare provider may also suggest signs to watch for that could mean infection or an allergic reaction. Follow-up care might be recommended if symptoms worsen or do not improve. Telemedicine can help you get quick guidance and avoid unnecessary travel, but some situations may still require in-person care. It is important to monitor your symptoms closely and seek emergency help if you experience severe reactions such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or spreading redness. This guidance helps you understand what to expect after your telemedicine visit and how to care for insect bites and stings safely at home.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or tightness in the chest — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat — call emergency services right away.
• Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting after a bite or sting — seek urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate insect bites and stings.
• Providing advice on symptom relief and home care.
• Monitoring symptoms through follow-up virtual visits.
• Guidance 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 intravenous antibiotics or surgical intervention.
• Unconsciousness, severe swelling obstructing breathing, or shock.
• Complex cases requiring physical examination or diagnostic testing.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and may give you instructions to treat the bite or sting at home. This often includes keeping the area clean, using ice packs to reduce swelling, and taking pain relievers or antihistamines if needed. You might also receive advice about avoiding scratching to prevent infection.

When to Watch for Warning Signs

Pay attention to changes such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus, which may indicate infection. Also watch for signs of a severe allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or throat, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat. If you notice these, seek emergency care immediately.

Follow-Up Care and Monitoring

Your provider may suggest a follow-up telemedicine visit or an in-person exam if symptoms do not improve within a few days or worsen. Keep track of your symptoms and any new concerns to share during follow-up.

How to Care for Insect Bites and Stings at Home

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When to Seek In-Person Medical Care

If you experience severe pain, spreading redness, fever, or signs of an allergic reaction, you should seek in-person medical evaluation promptly. Some insect bites and stings can cause serious complications that require immediate treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a clear view of the bite or sting area ready to show via video if possible.
• List your symptoms, including when they started and any changes.
• Prepare a list of current medications and allergies.
• Note any previous reactions to insect bites or stings.
• Have a thermometer available to check for fever.
• Be ready to describe any other health conditions you have.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment and care instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor the bite or sting site daily for changes or worsening symptoms.
• Use recommended over-the-counter medications as directed.
• Avoid scratching or irritating the area.
• Schedule a follow-up telemedicine visit if symptoms persist or worsen.
• Seek immediate emergency care if you develop any red flag symptoms.

FAQs

Can telemedicine treat all insect bites and stings?

Telemedicine can help assess most mild to moderate insect bites and stings and provide guidance for home care. However, severe allergic reactions or infections often require in-person medical treatment.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your symptoms worsen, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or signs of allergy, contact your healthcare provider for a follow-up or seek in-person care promptly.

How can I reduce itching and swelling at home?

You can apply a cold compress to the affected area, keep it clean, and use over-the-counter antihistamines or hydrocortisone creams as advised by your healthcare provider.

When is it necessary to go to the emergency room?

Go to the emergency room if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or fainting after an insect bite or sting.

Can I take pain relievers after an insect bite or sting?

Yes, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Always follow dosing instructions and check with your provider if you have concerns.

Sources

1. Insect Bites and Stings — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Insect Bites and Stings — 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 experience severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.