The great outdoors provide a lot of opportunity for summertime fun. but that fun is sometimes filled with things that want to bite us - some more concerning than others. Cleveland Clinic infectious disease specialist Dr. Alan Taege says most spider bites will cause an uncomfortable, local reaction, but are typically nothing to worry about - even if a black widow or a brown recluse bites you.
Taege says however, you should always notify your doctor if you think you've been bitten by a tick, especially if you develop a rash that looks like a "bull's-eye," or if you begin to get achy. But without a doubt, he says animal bites should always be checked by a doctor because they present a much higher risk of infection and other serious problems.
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"Whether it be just to clean the wound, inspect it, be sure that no other additional care is needed, as well as a tetanus booster if that is appropriate," Taege explained.
He says in the end, if something bites you or your child over the summer, pay close attention to what your body may be telling you.
"If you have a significant expansion of redness around the bite site and pain, as well as any fever at all, then you should be contacting someone," Taege warned.
The specialists says it's important to note that a little redness around the area of the bite should not be alarming. Taege adds, if it keeps getting bigger, don't hesitate to call your doctor.