Cellulitis after an insect bite: what to know

A simple bite reaction is often focused around the bite and may be itchy or swollen. Cellulitis tends to bring increasing warmth, tenderness, swelling, and redness that extends into nearby skin. Scratching can damage the surface and let bacteria enter. A clinician may also consider an allergic reaction, a retained foreign body, or an abscess. Take a photo and note whether the affected area is expanding, but do not rely on appearance alone if symptoms are worsening.

Wash the area gently, avoid scratching, and use a clean cool compress for itch or discomfort. Keep nails short and cover broken skin with a clean dressing. Do not squeeze a blister or use leftover antibiotics. Tell the clinician about the bite, when it happened, any travel or outdoor exposure, and whether you have diabetes or a history of recurrent skin infection.

Get prompt medical advice if redness is spreading, the site becomes hot or painful, swelling increases, pus appears, or fever develops. Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, faintness, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness. A severe infection can progress to sepsis and needs urgent treatment.

Ask whether this is a bite reaction or cellulitis, how to protect the wound, whether an abscess is present, and what specific changes require urgent review.