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Bites and Stings

Expert treatment for bites and stings

Bites and stings aren’t usually a health risk other than itching, pain and a minor wound. Often, these types of injuries are properly treated at home. However, some animals and insects deliver life-threatening injuries through venom, infections and wounds. Goshen Hospital Emergency Department evaluates and diagnoses serious bites and stings.

When to go to the ER

After an animal bite or sting, look for certain signs and symptoms to determine if the injury requires medical attention. Spiders, ants and larger animals are all capable of biting.

Visit the nearest emergency room in these situations:

  • The bite came from a wild animal, an animal unknown to you, a pet not up-to-date on immunizations or an animal acting strangely.
  • The bite victim is not up-to-date on tetanus shots.
  • The bite is on the face, head, neck, hand, foot or joint.
  • The bite is a deep puncture, the skin is torn or there is heavy bleeding.
  • There are signs of infection, including redness, swelling or oozing.

Preventing serious complications from an insect bite or sting

Some people experience anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to insect bites and stings. Call 911 if these signs and symptoms appear afterwards:

If you aren’t experiencing signs and symptoms of a serious animal bite or sting, follow these tips below for at-home treatment:

  • Gently remove the stinger if it is in the skin.
  • Wash the bite or sting with soap and water.
  • Apply a cold compress.
  • Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion.
  • Take oral antihistamines to ease symptoms.
  • Use over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.

Emergency treatment for snake bites

Fortunately, most snake bites come from nonvenomous snakes. For nonvenomous snake bites, Goshen Hospital Emergency Department provides around-the-clock care. Even if you don’t know if a snake is venomous, you should still seek emergency treatment. Visit our emergency room to have a snake bite evaluated.

Signs of a venomous snake bite

A nonvenomous snake bite presents symptoms that range from minor wounds to torn skin. Injury from a venomous snake bite has additional signs and symptoms, such as:

Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room if you or someone with you experiences the symptoms above.

Protecting yourself and others from snake bites

Venomous snake bites are not common in the U.S. It’s still important to be aware and familiar with the types of snakes that deliver venomous bites, including:

  • Rattlesnakes
  • Copperheads
  • Cottonmouths or water moccasins
  • Coral snakes

Except for coral snakes, these snakes have a similar look of slit eyes, triangular heads and indentations on each side of their head.

Bit by a snake? First aid treatment for a snake bite

After calling for emergency help, follow these first aid tips to stabilize a snake bite until medical help arrives:

  • Remain calm and remove tight jewelry and clothing in case of swelling.
  • Position the bite site below the level of the heart to minimize blood flow.
  • Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
  • Do not cut the bite with a knife or suck out the venom.
  • Do not use a tourniquet or apply cold compresses.
  • Do not give anything by mouth including caffeine, alcohol or medications.
Emergency Care

Worried that your animal bite or insect sting needs medical treatment? Visit our dedicated team when you need to go to the ER. Whether you need expert wound care or lifesaving treatment for anaphylaxis, we can help.

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*Note: Some offices may require a referral to schedule an appointment.