Infected bug bite? How to spot the signs and when to visit urgent care.
You’re outside enjoying the summer weather, until a mosquito or spider leaves you with an itchy bite. No big deal, right? But a few days later, the spot is red, swollen and more painful than before. What seemed like a harmless nuisance might now be something more: an infected bug bite.
Most insect bites clear up on their own, but when bacteria enter the skin, often from scratching or broken skin, an infection can develop. Knowing the difference between a normal bite and one that needs medical attention can help you avoid complications.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to tell if a bite is infected, how to treat it at home and when to head to CityMD for expert care.
How do you know a bug bite is infected?
Most of the time, bug bites are harmless, even if they’re a little itchy or annoying. But if the area around the bite starts to look angrier than usual, it might be a sign that something else is going on.
An infected bug bite happens when bacteria enter the skin, often through scratching or broken skin. It can start off looking like a typical bite, but over time, the redness, swelling, or pain may increase instead of getting better.
Here are a few signs that a bug bite might be infected:
- The skin around the bite is warm, red, or tender
- You notice swelling that gets worse instead of better
- The bite starts to ooze pus or other fluid
- A hard lump forms under the skin
- You develop a low-grade fever or swollen lymph nodes nearby
If you’re not sure, that’s okay. Many people mistake a normal reaction for an infection (and vice versa). When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to have a medical provider take a quick look.
A quick note on tick bites.
Be especially alert for tick bites. Watch for a bullseye-shaped rash, which could be an early sign of Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that requires prompt medical treatment.
If you’ve been bitten by a tick and notice signs of infection or other unusual symptoms, CityMD is here to help.
Our providers can safely evaluate the area, remove remaining tick parts (if needed) and prescribe the right treatment to prevent complications.
How to treat an infected bug bite at home (safely).
If you think a bite might be infected, don’t panic: many mild skin infections can be treated at home with a little extra care.
The key is to keep the area clean, reduce irritation and watch for signs that things might be getting worse.
Here’s what to try at home for a mild infected bug bite:
- Wash the area gently with soap and warm water to remove any bacteria
- Apply an antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) to help prevent the infection from spreading
- Cover the bite with a clean bandage to protect it while it heals
- Use a cold compress to calm swelling or tenderness
- Take an over-the-counter antihistamine or pain reliever if you’re feeling itchy or sore
- Try not to scratch. It’s tempting (we get it), but scratching can introduce more bacteria and slow down healing
If the bite doesn’t start to improve after a day or two, or if it gets worse, it might be time to stop by CityMD.
A provider can check for signs of a deeper infection and prescribe the right treatment, whether that’s a stronger antibiotic cream or an oral medication.
When to go to urgent care for an infected bug bite.
Sometimes, a bug bite needs more than just home care. If the bite starts to look worse instead of better, or if you're just not sure what you're dealing with, it's smart to get it checked out.
Here are a few signs it’s time to stop by your local CityMD urgent care:
- The redness is spreading or forming red streaks
- You see pus or yellowish fluid coming from the bite
- The area is hot, swollen, or getting more painful by the day
- You develop a fever, chills, or feel run down
- The bite is near your eye, on your face, or in a spot that’s especially sensitive
- You have a medical condition (like diabetes) that could slow healing
In some cases, an infected bug bite may need prescription antibiotics or a small in-office procedure to drain the area.
Our team at CityMD is here to help with fast, walk-in care and expert treatment, so you can stop worrying and start healing.
We’re ready to care for you.
Visit any CityMD urgent care location in your community today for an evaluation with one of our expert providers.