Insect Bites

Insect bites are a common occurrence and, while irritating to deal with, are often harmless. But some insects are venomous or can pass diseases. If you are having an adverse reaction to a bite from an insect get checked out here at WellCare Urgent Care center to make sure you are healthy.


Insect bites are not an uncommon phenomenon. Many people get bites from small insects, often without even noticing. Some insects can cause an allergic reaction if they bite you. In this case, it is important to seek care for this reaction at WellCare Urgent Care Center in Grand Rapids.

What is an Insect Bite?

Allergic reactions from insects can happen when venom is injected by the insect’s stinger or mouth. It can cause redness, swelling, itchiness, and soreness. Some insects, like mosquitos or ticks, can spread diseases through bites.

Common Insect Bites

It can be hard to identify the kind of bug that bit you, especially if you don’t see it happen. Bug bites can occur anywhere and can be done by a variety of insects.

The most common types of insect bites are:

  • Mosquitos: These are very common, and cause raised, itchy bumps on the skin. Mosquito bites can be a singular bite or a group of them as one mosquito can bite several times.
  • Ticks: This can produce pain and swelling and is typically just one bite. Ticks can spread Lyme disease which results in a bull’s-eye-shaped rash. Ticks have flat, teardrop—shaped bodies but can become round and full if they have bitten something.
  • Spiders: Spider bites create two puncture marks on the skin, and the skin may become red or blistered. They can cause pain and itching. Most spider bites are harmless unless from a venomous spider such as a brown recluse or a black widow.
  • Bedbugs: These bites occur in groups and cause small, red bumps that are itchy.
  • Flea: Flea bites cause an itchy welt on the skin which usually appears on the legs or the ankles. Fleas live on pets and can multiply quickly.
  • Lice: Lice hide in the hair; their bites cause an extremely itchy scalp.
  • Fly: Bites from horseflies or houseflies are painful and can appear as a welt that is very itchy.
  • Chigger: These can be groups of welts, blisters, and hives that are itchy.

Treatment of Insect Bites

Typically, insect bites can be treated at home by avoiding itching the area and washing it. Using cold compresses can help to reduce the swelling and redness. Taking antihistamines can also be beneficial in helping relieve some symptoms.

Come into WellCare

If you are having an allergic reaction to an insect bite then it is important to come into WellCare Urgent Care in Grand Rapids to get treatment immediately. Come into our Cascade and Leonard locations or schedule an immediate appointment online.

Should I visit Urgent Care or Emergency Room?

Urgent Care

When you have any medical condition that is non-life threatening or have general medical needs, then an Urgent Care center can take care of these. WellCare Urgent Care takes care of a variety of medical concerns such as the flu, vaccinations, physicals, allergy symptoms, and more.

WellCare Urgent care is convenient because it is quick and cost-effective.

Average visit time: 1 hour
Average cost: $150

Emergency Room

Emergency care is necessary when you are suffering from a life-threatening condition. This could be a heart attack, stroke, head injury, or other trauma that requires more advanced treatment. If you or someone you love has a life-threatening illness or injury, then you need to call 911 and get to the closest Emergency Room.

Emergency Rooms, while the best option for serious trauma, do take time and are costly.

Average Time Spent: 4.5 hours
Average Cost Per Visit: $1700

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