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Insect stings: What you need to know

By Phillip J. Gonzales, M.D.

 

Stings from insects are common. Most cause only redness, itchiness, and minor pain, and can be treated at home. This handout offers practical advice on how to treat a simple sting, how to differentiate a simple sting from a life-threatening one, and how to avoid being stung.
 
Tips to treat a simple sting -
 
Remove a bee stinger that's still in your skin.
By scraping the area with a credit card or fingernail, or using tweezers if need be. How you get it out isn't as important as getting it out quickly.
-Apply ice to the site of the sting.
-Elevate the part of the body that was stung.
-Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or
-Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve pain.
 -Take an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine
 (Benadryl), or apply an antihistamine cream or spray or a hydrocortisone cream
 (Cort-Dome, Cortaid, others), to relieve itchiness.
 
If over the next several days your wound gets worse instead of better, see your healthcare provider. Many sting wounds take several days to heal.
 
 Situations that require you to get a ride to the
 Emergency Department -
 
 -If you've ever had a severe reaction to a bee sting and you are stung again.
 
 -If you experience any of these symptoms following a sting:
 
         -Hives, rash, or swelling all over your body
 
         -Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
 
         -Dizziness or fainting
 
         -Chest tightness or pain
 
 Ways to avoid getting stung —
 
 -Avoid insect nests and hives.
 
 -Have any hives or nests removed by a professional exterminator
 
 -Cover all garbage pails.
 
 -When eating outdoors, keep food covered until ready to be served and eaten.
 
 -If outdoors for extended periods, avoid wearing strongly scented perfumes or hairspray, and brightly colored clothing, especially floral designs.
 
 -If you are allergic to insect venom, carry an epinephrine Autoinjector (Epipen) or ANA-kit, which provides an antihistamine in addition to the Epipen, and know how to use it properly.

 

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