What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Insect Bites and Stings

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for insect bites and stings in children, families usually receive advice on how to care for the bite at home. This may include cleaning the area, using cold compresses, and giving medicines to reduce itching or pain. The healthcare provider will watch for signs of infection or allergic reactions and explain when to seek urgent care. Follow-up visits might be recommended if symptoms do not improve or if new symptoms appear. Telemedicine can help guide families quickly and safely, but some situations require in-person care. It is important to watch for warning signs like difficulty breathing, spreading redness, or high fever. This guidance helps families understand what to expect after the visit and how to keep their child safe and comfortable.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue — call emergency services immediately.
• Rapidly spreading redness, warmth, or swelling around the bite or sting site.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) or your child appears very unwell or lethargic.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing mild to moderate insect bites and stings.
• Providing advice on home care and symptom management.
• Identifying when urgent or emergency care is needed.
• Answering questions about common reactions and treatments.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical procedures such as wound cleaning or removal of stingers.
• Diagnosing severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis requiring immediate treatment.
• Treating serious infections that need antibiotics or hospitalization.
• Providing emergency care for life-threatening symptoms.

What to Expect Right After the Visit

Your healthcare provider will review the bite or sting and suggest ways to care for it at home. This often includes cleaning the area gently with soap and water and applying a cold pack to reduce swelling. They may recommend over-the-counter medicines to help with pain or itching. You will get instructions on how to watch your child’s symptoms over the next few days.

When to Watch for Warning Signs

It is important to look for signs that the bite or sting may be causing a serious problem. These include increasing redness or swelling, pus or discharge, fever, or if your child has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or mouth, or feels very weak. If you notice any of these, seek emergency care immediately.

Follow-Up Care and Monitoring

Sometimes the healthcare provider will ask you to check back in if symptoms do not get better or if new symptoms appear. This might be another telemedicine visit or an in-person appointment. Keep track of any changes and follow the care plan given during your visit.

How Telemedicine Helps

Telemedicine allows quick access to medical advice without leaving home. It helps families learn how to care for insect bites and stings safely and when to get more help. However, it cannot replace hands-on exams or treatments that need to be done in person.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your visit, have your child’s bite or sting area ready to show on camera. Write down any questions or symptoms to discuss. Make sure you have a quiet space and a good internet connection for the call.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting to clearly show the bite or sting area during the video call.
• Have a list of your child’s symptoms and any changes since the bite or sting occurred.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.
• Have any medications or treatments already used on hand to report.
• Find a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection for the telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the home care instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms closely for any changes or worsening.
• Use recommended medicines as directed to relieve pain or itching.
• Keep the bite or sting area clean and avoid scratching to prevent infection.
• Schedule or attend any recommended follow-up visits or calls.
• Seek immediate care if any red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can I treat insect bites and stings at home without seeing a doctor?

Many mild insect bites and stings can be treated at home with basic care like cleaning the area and using cold compresses. However, if your child has a severe reaction, signs of infection, or worsening symptoms, you should seek medical advice.

How do I know if my child is having an allergic reaction?

Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, hives, or feeling faint. These require emergency medical care immediately.

When should I schedule a follow-up after a telemedicine visit?

You should follow up if your child’s symptoms do not improve within the time frame given, if new symptoms appear, or if your healthcare provider recommends it during the visit.

Are insect bites and stings dangerous for children?

Most insect bites and stings cause mild symptoms that improve quickly. However, children can be more sensitive, and some bites can cause infections or allergic reactions that need prompt care.

What should I do if my child scratches the bite and it gets worse?

Try to keep your child’s nails trimmed and cover the area if needed to prevent scratching. If the bite becomes red, swollen, or oozes pus, contact your healthcare provider as it may be infected.

Sources

1. Insect Bites and Stings — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
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 your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek emergency or in-person care immediately.