ALLERGY: WHAT TO DO FOR INSECT STINGS AND BITES
April 7th, 2009Mild local reactions require little or no treatment. Allergic or toxic reactions, however, demand appropriate care.
• Scrape out the stinger, if one is present, with your fingernail or a dull knife. Do not try to pull the stinger out – squeezing it will only inject more venom into the wound. (Bumblebees, wasps and hornets leave behind no stinger since their stingers are not barbed. Mosquitoes and flies have no stinger.)
• Wash the site well with soap and water. Follow with application of an antiseptic if bitten by a fly.
• Apply an ice pack and/or a paste of baking soda and water to relieve pain.
• Elevate the arm or leg to reduce oedema (fluid retention) and swelling.
• Be alert for symptoms of systemic reaction or unusual swelling, especially swelling that extends far beyond the sting site. If reaction looks at all serious, use an insect-sting kit as directed, and then rush the victim to the nearest doctor or hospital.
• Avoid using tourniquets, sucking venom from the wound or cutting at fang marks.
• If possible, take the dead insect along with you to the doctor so that the insect can be correctly identified.
Note: Allergic or not, consult a doctor without delay if you are stung on the face, nose, mouth or throat, areas which are especially susceptible to sting injuries.
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