Including Wasp Stings, Cellulitis, and Rare Compartment Syndrome
Living in Brisbane means enjoying the outdoors — but insect bites are common, especially in warmer months. Most are harmless, but some can lead to significant allergic reactions or bacterial infection such as cellulitis. In rare cases, severe swelling (particularly after venomous stings like wasps) can cause serious complications.
At SkyArch Medical Clinic Brisbane, we frequently assess patients unsure whether their reaction is “normal” or something more serious.
What Happens After an Insect Bite?
When an insect bites or stings, your body reacts to:
- Saliva (mosquitoes, sandflies)
- Venom (wasps, bees)
- Minor skin trauma
Typical local reaction:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itchiness
- Warmth
- Mild tenderness
Symptoms usually peak within 24–48 hours and improve gradually.
Venom-Type Bites (Wasp & Bee Stings)
Wasp stings inject venom and may sting multiple times. They often cause:
- Immediate sharp pain
- Significant swelling
- Local inflammation
Large Local Reaction
Some patients develop:
- Swelling involving an entire hand or limb
- Tightness
- Redness extending widely
This can appear dramatic but is often allergic inflammation rather than infection.
Allergic Reactions
Mild allergic reaction:
- Hives (urticaria)
- Itching
- Local swelling
Severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis)
Emergency symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Throat tightness
- Swelling of lips/tongue
- Dizziness or collapse
Call emergency services immediately.
Patients with known severe allergy should carry an adrenaline injector.
When Does It Become Cellulitis?
Sometimes bacteria enter through the broken skin and cause cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection.
Signs suggesting cellulitis:
- Spreading redness
- Increasing warmth
- Worsening pain after 2–3 days
- Fever
- Feeling unwell
Unlike allergic swelling, cellulitis typically:
- Worsens progressively
- Is more painful than itchy
- May cause systemic symptoms
When Are Antibiotics Needed?
Most insect bites do NOT require antibiotics.
However, antibiotics are indicated when:
- Clinical cellulitis is diagnosed
- There is spreading erythema with systemic symptoms
- Fever is present
- Lymphangitis (red streaking) develops
- Immunocompromised patients show signs of infection
In Australia, common first-line oral antibiotics for cellulitis (depending on individual factors and guidelines) may include:
- Cephalexin
- Flucloxacillin
- Alternative agents if penicillin allergy present
Early treatment reduces risk of complications.
⚠ Important: Large allergic swelling alone does NOT require antibiotics unless infection is present.
Rare but Serious: Compartment Syndrome
Severe swelling after venomous stings (especially on fingers, hands, or lower limbs) can very rarely cause compartment syndrome.
This occurs when swelling increases pressure inside a muscle compartment, impairing blood supply.
Warning signs:
- Severe escalating pain (out of proportion)
- Increasing tightness
- Numbness or tingling
- Pale or cold digits
- Reduced movement
This is a surgical emergency requiring urgent hospital assessment.
When to Seek Medical Review
Please see a GP if:
- Swelling worsens after 48 hours
- Redness spreads
- Fever develops
- Severe pain occurs
- Numbness develops
- You are unsure whether it is infection or allergy
Early assessment helps prevent complications.
Key Takeaway
Most insect bites are harmless.
Venomous stings can cause large allergic reactions.
Sometimes bacterial infection (cellulitis) develops and antibiotics are required.
Rarely, severe swelling can become dangerous.
If in doubt — get it checked.
At SkyArch Medical Clinic Brisbane, we are happy to assess insect bites, allergic reactions, and skin infections promptly.
References
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care – Cellulitis Clinical Care Standard
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/clinical-care-standards/cellulitis-clinical-care-standard - Healthdirect Australia – Insect Bites and Stings
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insect-bites-and-stings - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) – Allergic Reactions to Insect Stings
https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/insect-allergy-bites-and-stings - Queensland Health – Skin Infections
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/infection-control - Cleveland Clinic – Compartment Syndrome
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15315-compartment-syndrome
