Virtual ER · 24/7 Emergency Telemedicine & Virtual Urgent Care
24/7 Online Insect Bite, Tick Bite, Sting & Cellulitis Treatment.
A bite that keeps itching or an area that looks more swollen than expected can leave you unsure what to do. Our team can review the concern and discuss whether video care is appropriate.
Video visits · Open 24/7 · Board-certified MDs & NPs · Backed by Bellaire ER
For chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke symptoms, or major bleeding, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
| Specific Presentation | Symptoms Evaluated on Video | Video Treatment & Local E-Prescribing Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Ant Stings, Mosquito Welts, Bee Stings & Spider Bites | Exaggerated local swelling, pustules, intense itching, or secondary redness after bite | Abscess vs. cellulitis check + oral antibiotic, steroid, or antihistamine e-Rx |
| Tick Bite Evaluation & Doxycycline Prophylaxis | Attached deer/lone star tick removal or bullseye rash (erythema migrans) | Tick-borne illness risk assessment + prophylactic or therapeutic doxycycline e-Rx |
What to tell us about your symptoms
Bites and stings may cause itching, pain, redness or swelling. The skin’s appearance alone does not reliably identify the insect or prove that there is an infection.
What the video visit can help with
Show the area in good light and explain when it happened, how it has changed and whether you have symptoms elsewhere. Mention previous serious reactions and any travel or known tick exposure.
When an examination or testing may be needed
An in-person examination may be needed when swelling, pain or illness is getting worse. The visit should help determine that need, not label an uncertain bite from a photograph.
Discussing treatment
For an appropriate concern, discuss symptom relief and whether further treatment is needed. Any prescription depends on the assessment rather than an assumption that every swollen bite needs an antibiotic.
When to get care in person
Trouble breathing, throat swelling, fainting or a widespread severe reaction after a sting needs emergency help. Seek prompt care for worsening illness, spreading skin changes or significant pain.
Before your visit
Keep track of when the bite was noticed and which products you have applied. A clear timeline and current view are useful even when you did not see what bit you.
Verified Clinical Team · Backed by Our 24/7 Physical Emergency Room
Meet the Physicians & Nurse Practitioners Behind Your Care
Every video visit is conducted by our licensed physicians, physician assistants, and emergency nurse practitioners from Bellaire ER — combining 24/7 telemedicine convenience with the clinical depth of a real emergency department.
Backed by Our Brick-and-Mortar 24/7 Emergency Room & CT Imaging Suite
Unlike app-only telehealth directories, Virtual ER is operated by our licensed 24/7 freestanding emergency center at 5306 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401 — equipped with on-site CT, digital X-ray, ultrasound, and STAT laboratory suites.
Meet all 15 physicians & nurse practitioners on our team →
Questions about this care
Can you tell what bit me from a photo?
Often not. The clinician can assess the symptoms and changes without claiming to identify an insect that was never seen.
Your next step
Let’s talk about getting you care.
Start with a video visit. Your clinician can help you understand what can be addressed online and what needs care in person.
Sources and service information
MedlinePlus: Insect bites and stings
Virtual ER public service overview
Information updated October 3, 2026. General information does not replace your own clinical evaluation.