Mitchell J. Mandel, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, founder · All offices
Bug bites and stings
Medically reviewed by Mitchell J. Mandel, M.D., F.A.A.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist. Last reviewed .
Most bug bites cause a small, itchy bump that goes away in a few days. Some people have larger reactions, or bites that become infected from scratching. It can also be hard to tell what caused a bite, which matters when bed bugs or scabies are possible.
Get emergency care right away for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or hives all over the body after a sting.
When to see us
- Bites that are very swollen, blistered or painful
- Bites that are not healing or look infected
- Bites that keep appearing, which may point to bed bugs, fleas or scabies
- A bull's-eye rash or rash after a tick bite
How we treat it
- Prescription creams to calm itching and swelling
- Antihistamines
- Antibiotics for infected bites
- Help identifying the cause and preventing more bites
Where it is offered
Offered at all of our offices.
Q&A
How do I know if I have bed bugs?
Bed bug bites often appear in lines or clusters on skin exposed during sleep. Check mattress seams and bedding for tiny dark spots or bugs.
Should I worry about a tick bite?
Remove the tick promptly with fine-tipped tweezers close to the skin, pulling steadily upward. Contact a clinician promptly to ask whether preventive antibiotics are appropriate; for certain high-risk bites, they must be started within 72 hours of removal. Watch for an expanding rash, fever or aches, even without a bull's-eye pattern.
Who you can see
Dustin Marks, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Upper East Side
Emily Tongdee, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Downtown Brooklyn
Emma Newman, PA-C
Physician assistant · Upper East Side
Grace Jarrett, PA-C
Physician assistant · Downtown Brooklyn
Leah Aminov, PA-C
Physician assistant · Greenvale
Karen Chen, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Paige Yurick, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Arielle Ades, DNP, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Francesca Raedel, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Jennifer Telgener, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Christine Sacco, FNP-C
Nurse practitioner · Palm Beach Gardens