Thorough Care to Help You Heal

Minor Burns and Insect Bites

About Minor Burns and Insect Bites

Caring for Minor Burns and Insect Bites

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the bugs and their bites. The occasional insect bite or sting is part of life, but it shouldn’t be painful or cause serious symptoms. While most stings will go away on their own, some may require medical attention. Expert care can help, and that also goes for minor burns. It’s easy for some people to brush off a minor burn as no big deal. However, burns cause serious damage to your skin. A compassionate medical care provider can determine the degree of the burn. If it’s a small first- or second-degree burn, you can likely continue treatment at home. The professionals at Center for Advanced Wellness are happy to help you with insect bites and minor burns.

What to Watch For

Signs and Symptoms of Insect Bites

Most insect bites will heal on their own without any intervention. However, some stings and bites cause allergic reactions or severe symptoms. You should seek urgent care if an insect bite causes any of the following symptoms.

Swelling in the mouth or throat

You notice a swelling in your mouth or throat, although you can still properly breathe

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping

Although these symptoms are usually related to other issues, if you've been anywhere where bug bits are prevalent, consider getting checked

Muscle spasms

Experiencing painful contractions and tightening of your muscles can be signs of an insect bite

Blistering

Noticing an influx or sudden appearance of blisters after being in a bug-filled area can signal a bug bit

Hives

These red, itchy welts are hard to miss, make sure you don't ignore any red, itchy patches you find after being outdoors

Dizziness

Feeling dizzy or unsteady while you walk, or even while seated, can be a sign of a bite

Serious Reactions to Look Out For

Allergic Reactions to Bug Bites

Some allergic reactions can be immediately life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room if you or someone near you have the following symptoms after a bug bite: - Difficulty breathing - Swelling in the mouth or throat that makes it difficult to breathe - Loss of consciousness

What to Watch For

Types of Burns and How to Care for Them

Some burns only affect the top layer of skin and can therefore typically be treated at Urgent Care. Other, more severe burns, require emergency care.

First and second degree burns

These burns only affect the top layer of skin. Both will create red, painful skin, but second degree burns will also produce blisters and swelling. These can be treated with antibiotic ointment and acetaminophen or creams/ointments prescribed by a doctor, respectively

Third and fourth degree burns

Third degree burns affect deep tissue, creating white or blackened, charred skin that can be numb. Fourth degree burns affect muscles and bones, typically damaging nerve endings. These may require skin grafting, as well as IV therapy like antibiotics or fluids

Burns that affect the eyes, face, hands, or genitals

Burns that affect these areas are extremely sensitive and dangerous. These should be treated in an emergency setting, and should be treated as quickly as possible

Chemical burns

Generally caused by strong acids or things like drain cleaner, gasoline, or paint thinner, chemical burns are serious. At home, before receiving care, you can take steps such as putting on gloves to wipe the area, remove affected clothing, bandaging the burn, and rinsing the area

Electrical burns

Coming about from electricity coming in contact with your body, these burns can travel through your body, affecting tissue and organs. You should seek care immediately after suffering an electrical burn

Burns larger than three inches in diameter

Nobody how the burn was inflicted, any burn that is larger than three inches in diameter should be treated as quickly as possible by a medical provider

Getting the Proper Care

Treatment for Bug Bites & Burns

Learn how we can help treat bug bites and minor burns.

Prevent Infection

Treat Symptoms

Extract Venom or Stingers

Clean, Medicate, and Bandage the Burn

Helping You Heal

What to Expect at Your Appointment

If you have a minor burn or insect bite, give us a call. Your local Center for Advanced Wellness can set you up with an appointment. Then, just confirm your appointment and check-in 15 minutes before your appointment time.

Get the Answers You Need

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our services, or how you should handle your particular bug bite or minor burn? We have your answers.

Do I need insurance for an insect bite or minor burn?

Definitely not. We accept patients with and without insurance. If you don’t have insurance, or you’re not happy with yours, consider our membership plans. If you have insurance, your cost will depend on your coverage. If you don’t have insurance or your deductible is simply too high, consider our membership plans. Options start at $50 per month for adults and bring your copays at our clinic to just $10.

How do I know if a burn is serious?

Burn severity is dependent on a few factors, such as location, degree of the burn, size of the burn, signs of infection, and more.

When should I be concerned about a bug bite?

If your symptoms don't improve over a few days, or start to get worse, you should seek medical care. Apart from that, symptoms such as hives, swelling, nausea, and more, can be signs of an infected bite.

Do burns leave scars?

Depending on the severity of the burn, a scar can develop. Burns that only affect the outer layer of skin will generally not scar, while burns that affect deeper layers of skin will usually develop a more permanent scar.