First Aid For Insect Bites and Stings

As the weather warms, bare feet and bees emerge to enjoy the warm weather, leading to bee stings and moderate-to-severe reactions to bug bites. Today we share some facts you should know in case you are bitten or stung.

Are you allergic?

First, we address a common misconception: If the sting site swells, I’m allergic to the insect that stung or bit me.

Most people experience localized pain, itching and swelling at the site of bites or stings. Reactions may vary depending on how many times you have been stung or bitten. They may get worse or less severe. Local reactions do not indicate a severe allergy, as most people will have some swelling and pain in the area of the sting.

However, in rare cases, a patient may experience anaphylaxis following an insect bite or sting, requiring immediate emergency care. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Skin reactions, including hives, itching and flushed or pale skin
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the throat and tongue
• A weak, rapid pulse
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Dizziness or fainting
• Loss of consciousness

Any patient who has experienced anaphylaxis has a 60% chance of another severe reaction to a sting or bite and is advised to keep an epinephrine auto-injector nearby when it is likely he or she will be in contact with stinging insects. Someone who is not necessarily “allergic” could experience severe symptoms if subjected to multiple stings within a short time.

Treating Bites and Stings

When stung or bitten, it is important to stay calm and try not slap away the offending insect. European honeybees, which are commonly encountered visiting herbaceous flowers and lawn clover, are generally not aggressive. Upon delivering their sting, bees’ “sting” (the correct term for the barbed appendage commonly referred to as “stinger”) and venom sac remain attached to their target.

If you take a second to look immediately after being stung, you may find a pulsing, amber sac on the surface of the site. In this case, take a rigid sheet of paper, or any fine- edged item, and gently scrape away the sting and sac. This reduces the amount of venom injected into the skin. Take care to avoid crushing the sac, thereby forcing more fluid into the sting site.

Frantic slapping motions at wasps may reward you with multiple stings from the same insect. While there is no venom sac to remove, bites from wasps are painful. For all stinging insects, an over-the-counter oral antihistamine will reduce minor swelling, pain and itching at affected sites.

Antihistamines may reduce or delay more serious reactions; so take some time to rest and monitor yourself, particularly on hot days.

When To Call a Doctor

After any negative encounter with a stinging insect, it is a good idea to take note of how you’re feeling for the next few hours or days, and to record any medications taken to counteract symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, visit your medical provider or urgent care:

• Symptoms of anaphylaxis
• Increased swelling and pain well beyond affected area
• Original symptoms persisting for more than 7 days

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