Insect Stings and Bites

Ifyou have been stung, you will probably want to know what you can do so you do not get stung again.

Usually, stings from bees, hornets, wasps or yellow jacket, or bites from insects or spiders cause redness, swelling, and itching at the site. In children the redness and swelling may be worse.

Some people may have a really bad skin reaction from the sting or bite. A few people have an allergic reaction that effects their whole body.

Prevention:

• Wear shoes or sandals when walking outside
• Keep your body scent free when you go outside. They like perfumes and sweet smells.
• Wear clothes in summer that are tan, white, or beige. Bright colors and floral patterns attract bees and wasps.
• Whenever you can, you should wear long pants and long sleeved shirts when outside in warmer weather.
• Keep away from public picnic areas and garbage cans. These are yellow jackets favorite spots.
• Shake your towels and clothes well, when outside, before putting them on.
• Wear gloves and tuck your pant legs in your socks when working with woodpiles, sheds and basements where you usually find spiders.
• Be extra careful around attics, old buildings, trees, gardens, orchards and grass. These are places where stinging insects like to go.
• Wear insect repellent containing DEET in places where you know there will be stinging insects. Make sure you use a product that is made for children, because DEET can be harmful. If you are pregnant use a product that is low in DEET or check with your doctor or pharmacist. Wash the DEET off when you go inside. Alpha-Keri bath oil and Skin-So-Soft seems to keep some insects away and are safer to use than DEET.

Treatment:

• Remove the bee stinger as soon as possible by scraping or flicking it out. If you can not see a stinger, then assume there is none. Try not to squeeze the stinger, because you may release more venom into the skin.
• Put an ice cube or cold pack on the bite or sting. Try making a paste with baking soda and water and putting it on the bite or sting. This may help with the pain and decrease the reaction.
• An antihistamine like Benadryl or Chlor-Tripolon may help with the pain, swelling and itching. Check the package for the right amount to take.
• Calamine lotion or a local anesthetic that has benzocaine (Solarcaine) may also help
• Cut fingernails to stop scratching because this can cause infection.
• If you have had an allergic reaction before to stings, you should carry an emergency kit with you i.e. Epi-pen. Make sure you know exactly how to use it in case you get stung again.

Go to the Emergency Department IMMEDIATELY IF (allergic reaction):

• Wheezing, hard time to breathe, or hoarseness
• Swelling around the lips, tongue or face or a lot of swelling around the sting site (whole leg or arm)
• Skin rash, itching, feeling warm or hives (red rash)
• Tightness in your chest
• Trouble swallowing or feel a lump in your throat
• Stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea
• A vague feeling of illness or impending doom

If you have had a bad reaction the first time you are stung, you need to talk to your doctor about an adrenaline kit and/or allergy shots for insect venom.