Bug Bites and Stings: When to See a Dermatologist

Bug Bites and Stings: When to See a Dermatologist

Bug stings and bites are a part of life in Utah. From summer hikes in the canyons to evenings spent on the porch, insects always seem to find us. Most reactions are mild with just a bit of redness, swelling, and itching, but some can lead to severe skin irritation or infection. Knowing when to seek professional help is the key to quick healing and preventing long-term issues.

At Swinyer Woseth Dermatology, our team helps patients across Salt Lake City and South Jordan understand when you may need professional bug bite treatment. Here’s what to look for and how to manage symptoms.

Understanding Stings and Bites: What Happens in Your Skin

Mosquitoes, spiders, bees, wasps, ants. Utah has them all. Each bite or sting triggers a reaction in your skin. Your body recognizes the insect’s saliva or venom as foreign and releases histamines to fight back. The result? Itchiness, redness, swelling, and occasionally, some creative vocabulary choices.

In most cases, this response fades within a few days. However, for individuals with sensitive skin, allergies, or certain immune system conditions, the reaction can persist longer or become more severe. That’s when you’ll need professional dermatologist advice.

Insect Bite Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Here’s the rule of thumb: if it’s not getting better, or if it’s getting weirder, call your dermatologist. Watch for these insect bite symptoms that could mean your body is struggling to heal:

• Redness or swelling that keeps spreading
• Pain that worsens instead of easing up
• Blisters, pus, or oozing are telltale signs of infection
• Red streaks moving outward from the bite
• Fever, chills, or fatigue
• Rash or hives beyond the original area
• Swelling of the lips, eyes, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or dizziness is a medical emergency

Smart Bug Bite Treatment You Can Do at Home

If the bite is mild, there’s plenty you can do to help your skin heal faster and stay more comfortable in the meantime:

• Clean it up – Gently wash with soap and water to remove bacteria and irritants.
• Cool it down – Apply an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Soothe the itch – Use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion.
• Take an antihistamine – Medications like cetirizine or diphenhydramine can calm the allergic response.
• Don’t scratch – It’s tempting, but scratching can break the skin and lead to infection.
• Keep it covered – if it’s open or oozing, and change the bandage regularly.

If your skin irritation doesn’t start to fade after a few days, or it seems to be getting worse, it’s time to see a dermatologist for more targeted bug bite treatment.

When to Call in the Professionals

Here’s where a dermatologist’s advice becomes essential. Reach out to a skin specialist if:

• The bite is large, painful, or in a sensitive area (like near your eyes or lips)
• You see signs of infection, such as pus or spreading redness
• You develop a rash, hives, or swelling beyond the bite
• You have multiple bites or aren’t sure what caused them
• The bite came from a tick or spider, or you suspect an allergic reaction
• You’ve had reactions to stings and bites in the past

How Dermatologists Diagnose and Treat Bites

Dermatologists don’t just identify the cause of the problem. They also rule out other conditions that can mimic bug bites, like rashes, allergic reactions, or infections. During your visit, your provider may:

• Examine your skin under magnification
• Ask about recent outdoor activity or travel
• Check for signs of infection or allergic response

If needed, they might prescribe bug bite treatment such as topical steroids, antihistamines, or antibiotics. For stings or bites that cause scarring or hyperpigmentation, cosmetic dermatology options, like laser therapy or chemical peels, can help restore your skin’s even tone.

How to Prevent Future Bites (Because We’ve All Had Enough)

Prevention is the best form of bug bite treatment. Utah’s summers are beautiful, but mosquitoes and biting insects love them too. A few quick habits can make a big difference:

• Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear lightweight long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
• Avoid scented lotions and perfumes that attract insects.
• Keep doors and screens closed during mosquito season.
• After hiking or camping, do a tick check, especially behind knees, ears, and along the scalp.

These simple steps protect your skin (and your sanity) from repeat offenders.

Why Swinyer Woseth Dermatology?

If you need help managing stings, bites, or lingering skin irritation, the team at Swinyer Woseth Dermatology is here for you. Our board-certified dermatologists have decades of experience treating a wide range of complex skin reactions, from minor bites to severe allergic responses. Here’s what makes our practice stand out in Salt Lake City and South Jordan:

• Decades of experience – Our doctors and staff have been treating Utah’s skin for years, from routine dermatology to advanced surgical care.
• Comprehensive services – We offer medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, so you can get everything from bite treatment to scar repair in one place.
• Active research involvement – Our clinic regularly participates in clinical research studies, ensuring our patients benefit from the latest, evidence-based care.
• Advanced surgical dermatology – If a bite leads to infection or scarring, we provide precise treatment and repair.

When in Doubt, Get It Checked Out

Here’s the bottom line: if a bug bite looks suspicious, feels painful, or just isn’t healing, don’t ignore it. The sooner you get dermatologist advice, the easier it is to treat, and the faster your skin can get back to normal.

Swinyer Woseth Dermatology provides expert bug bite treatment and compassionate care for stings and bites throughout Salt Lake City and South Jordan, UT. If your skin irritation is giving you trouble, schedule an appointment today. We’ll help you figure out what’s going on.