Mountain Peaks Family Practice warns when bug bites need medical care

As summer outdoor activity rises in Utah, Mountain Peaks Family Practice is urging families to watch insect bites for signs of infection or allergic reaction. The practice says early care can prevent minor bites from becoming more serious, especially for children and tick exposure. Why it matters: - Utah families spend more time hiking, camping and playing outside in summer, which raises exposure to mosquitoes, bees, wasps, spiders and ticks. - Most bites and stings are minor, but some can turn into skin infections or allergic reactions if they are not treated promptly. - Early recognition of warning signs can reduce complications and keep families out of urgent care or the emergency room. What happened: - Mountain Peaks Family Practice in Orem, Utah, issued guidance on when insect bites and stings need medical attention. - Dr. Robert Durrans, the practice’s owner and lead physician, said the clinic sees more patients each summer for insect bites, stings and related skin infections as outdoor recreation increases. - Dr. Durrans said most bug bites are not emergencies, but worsening redness, swelling, warmth, drainage or fever can signal infection. - Dr. Durrans said difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat requires immediate emergency care. The details: - The practice recommends using an EPA-registered insect repellent before going outdoors. - Hikers should wear long sleeves and pants when moving through brush or tall grass. - Adults, children and pets should be checked for ticks after time in wooded or grassy areas. - Bites should be washed with soap and water. - Scratching should be avoided because it can introduce bacteria into the skin. - A physician should be contacted if redness, swelling or pain keeps getting worse after 24 to 48 hours. - A physician should also be contacted if drainage or fever develops. - Dr. Durrans said children are especially prone to secondary skin infections because they scratch bites, break the skin and allow bacteria to enter. - Dr. Durrans said catching a bite early usually makes treatment simpler. - Mountain Peaks Family Practice provides primary care for patients of all ages, including evaluation and treatment of insect bites, allergic reactions, skin infections and other seasonal health concerns. Between the lines: - The message is preventative, not restrictive: the clinic wants families to keep enjoying summer outdoor activities while spotting the small number of bites that need care. - The warning is especially relevant in Utah, where warm-weather recreation increases exposure to insects and ticks in both wild and neighborhood settings. - The emphasis on children reflects a common pattern in primary care, where scratching can turn a routine bite into a secondary infection. What’s next: - Families heading outdoors this summer are expected to use the clinic’s guidance to decide when home care is enough and when a doctor should be called. - Mountain Peaks Family Practice said early intervention can help stop minor bites from becoming bigger problems.