Insect bites are a common occurrence. Most of the time, they don't really affect us much - the bite and the area around it might be red and itchy, but that's about it. 

However, some insect bites can be quite dangerous, which is why you need to pay attention to any bites on your body. If they look more serious than past bites, or they worsen, it could be a sign of something serious.

Of course, you shouldn't start panicking the moment you notice that an insect has bitten you. We'll be guiding you through a few steps to take when you have an insect bite. 

Determine what kind of insect bite you have 

Most people know the common types of insect bites. For example, you probably know what a mosquito bite looks and feels like. However, there are some bites that you may not recognize - such as flea bites on humans. Luckily, various resources can help you determine what insect bit you. 

Knowing what kind of insect bit you will help you determine whether your bite is serious or not and whether it needs further attention. Most generic insect bites will go away on their own when given enough time.

Get over-the-counter medicine 

In some cases, an insect bite may not be severe enough to warrant a visit to the doctor, but it will still have some side effects. If that's the case, you can visit the pharmacy and receive over-the-counter ointment to relieve some of your symptoms. Allergy medication can also be helpful. 

If you don't want to use medicine for something as small as an insect bite, you can try some at-home remedies. You can click here for some home remedies for mosquito bites if the itching starts to bother you too much. 

See a doctor 

It's a good idea to monitor the insect bite as well as any other symptoms you may be having. This way, if there are any changes, you will know. If your symptoms are worsening or the bite seems to be growing redder and more swollen, it could be helpful to see a doctor. Rather be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your health. 

If you are in a different country, this is especially helpful since you may not know which insects are dangerous. Hopefully, your international health insurance will cover your doctor's visit.

Get rid of the insects

Sometimes, an insect bite could be a sign of something bigger - not necessarily in terms of your health, but in terms of your house. In other words, you could have a pest infestation. 

If you and your family members all have multiple bites that are the same, it could mean that you have bed bugs or some similar pest. It's a good idea to call out a pest exterminator, and you may also have more peace of mind if you give your house a god clean. Use this as an opportunity to deep clean your furniture, as well as your mattresses and carpets.