Why Won’t My Bug Bite Go Away?

For most people, bug bites and insect stings are temporary inconveniences. Though they may be painful at the moment, symptoms like bumps and itching clear up in several days. Itching and swelling that won’t go away could be a sign of an insect allergy.

At Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan in Farmington Hills, Michigan, allergist Chad W. Mayer, DO, and the team specialize in allergy testing and treatment. They can help you determine if you have an insect allergy causing concerning symptoms after a sting. 

If you have a bug bite that won’t go away after days of itching or discomfort, here’s what you should know:

How to tell if you have an allergic reaction to an insect bite

Insect allergies cause your immune system to overreact to the venom from an insect sting. While most people experience some short-term swelling and discomfort, an insect bite on someone with an insect allergy can cause longer-lasting symptoms. 

The following symptoms may be telling you that your bug bite has caused an allergic reaction: 

• Swelling around the sting site
• Itching
• A rash
• Tingling or numbness in the bite area

Not everyone with an insect allergy has a severe allergy, but it’s important to be aware of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that can occur. 

Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and involves trouble breathing, swelling in your face and throat, and feeling lightheaded or dizzy. Get immediate medical help if a bug bite leads to these. 

Signs of an infected bug bite

Sometimes bug bites won’t go away quickly because they’ve become infected. This happens when bacteria get into your skin, often due to scratching an itchy bug bite. 

You might be dealing with an infected bug bite instead of an insect allergy if it doesn’t improve in a few days, feels warm or hot, or starts oozing pus or fluid. Any lymph nodes near the bug bite may swell as your body tries to fight the infection. 

An infected bug bite may also involve a solid lump forming under your skin in the area. This is different from a small bump caused by the initial bug bite. 

What to expect from allergy testing

If you feel like your reaction to a bug bite is unusual but not life-threatening, allergy testing can help you get answers. But before any tests, Dr. Mayer will ask about your symptoms and your medical history. 

Insect sting allergy tests usually involve exposing you to a small amount of insect venom and checking for signs of a reaction. Dr. Mayer may do this using a skin prick test. If a skin test is inconclusive, he may test a sample of your blood for an antibody that indicates an allergy. 

If your allergy test(s) confirm an insect allergy, Dr. Mayer may suggest carrying an epinephrine autoinjector to use in case of a reaction. You may also be interested in exploring immunotherapy to teach your immune system to adapt to specific bug venom.

Preventing future bug bites

You’ll probably want to take steps to prevent future attacks, especially if you discover you have an insect allergy. Dr. Mayer can offer some tips on preventing future bug bites and the allergic reactions they cause. 

Perhaps most importantly, you should familiarize yourself with the insect you’re allergic to. Memorize what it looks like and where you might encounter it so you can take steps to avoid it. It may also help to carry bug repellent with you when you’re at risk of insect stings. 

Get in touch

If you have a bug bite that won’t go away, allergy testing may be worth your time. Call Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan to schedule an appointment today.