Spending more time outside is one of the best parts about summertime here in the Boulder area. With so much to do and so many trails to explore, you can spend all day every day exploring a new place!

With all of the extra time outside, you are bound to come into contact with nature every once in a while. Bites and stings from insects are just part of the outdoor experience. Thankfully, many bites and stings are more of a nuisance than anything, but some of them require more close attention.

Our AFC Urgent Care Boulder team explains more about how to treat a few different bites and stings, so read on to learn more!

Do Spiders Bite?

If you are a little wary around spiders, it’s probably because they move quickly and honestly look a bit alarming, but not because they bite often! Most spiders actually don’t bite and will do their best to avoid you. If you do encounter a spider and think you got yourself bitten, wash the area with soap and water and keep an eye on the site.

Spider bites from nonvenomous spiders usually appear as little raised bumps that can be itchy or painful. If you are in pain, an ice pack over the bite site will do the trick until your symptoms start to fade. We do have black widows and brown recluse spiders here in the Boulder area, so if you suspect an encounter with one of these dangerous spiders, seek medical care right away.

Signs of a Serious Reaction After a Spider Bite

• Swelling at the site
• Fluid-filled blisters
• Increasing pain or stiffness of the bite site
• Chills
• Fever

Are All Stings the Same?

Getting stung is a possibility whenever you are outside. Bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets all have the potential to sting you. It’s important to remember that they are not flying about just looking for someone to sting, so if you see them flying near you, don’t swat at it or cause it to feel threatened in any way.

If you do come upon a nest or get stung by something, remove yourself from the area quickly and inspect the site of the sting. Remove the stinger if it is still attached to your skin and wash the area thoroughly. Your skin will probably become red, painful and inflamed for a while as it reacts to the venom. If you have never been stung by that particular insect before, watch yourself carefully. Even if you aren’t allergic to a bee sting, for example, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t allergic to any type of sting. Serious allergic reactions are always medical emergencies.

Warning Signs of a Dangerous Allergic Reaction

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, throat or tongue
• Itchy skin or swollen eyes, lips, hands or feet
  
• Loss of consciousness

We can treat a wide variety of bites and stings! Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Boulder.