WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Most insect stings leave a painful or itchy red lump that
may have a tiny hole in the center. Sometimes the stinger
remains in the skin. Unless you are allergic to the stings,
most cause no problems.
Causes
Mosquitoes, fleas, ticks,
chiggers, bedbugs, ants, bees, wasps, spiders, or other insects
all can leave annoying bites.
Signs/Symptoms
Typically, you'll find a red
lump, often accompanied by pain, swelling, itching, or a rash.
You may also have a fever, headache, or dizziness; and you may
feel nauseated or throw up. If you develop chest pain, a
tight-feeling in your throat or chest, and trouble breathing
seek care immediately. These are signs of a dangerous,
even life-threatening, allergic reaction.
Care
If necessary, the doctor can
recommend medicine for minor pain, swelling, or itching.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction demand emergency treatment at
a hospital. (See ""Insect-Sting Allergy.'')
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Take the stinger out by scraping it off with your
fingernail, the edge of a credit card, or a knife blade. Do
not squeeze it.
-
Wash the sting with soap and water, then put ice on
it.
-
Raise and rest the area of the
sting.
-
To help reduce swelling and itching, soak a clean
washcloth or towel in cold water, wring it out, and put it
on the sting. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes out of every
hour.
-
After 24 to 48 hours, a warm compress can be used to
soothe the area and reduce swelling.
-
To relieve pain, make a paste with water and either
meat tenderizer or baking soda and rub it on the bite or
sting for 5 minutes.
-
To further reduce the itching and swelling, use
over-the counter medicines such as diphenhydramine elixir
(be sure not to drink or drive while taking this
medication) or hydrocortisone cream. If you are using
calamine lotion with diphenhydramine do not take
diphenhydramine by mouth at the same
time.
-
If you are allergic to insect stings and have a
self-treatment kit, give yourself the shot of epinephrine
(eh-pih-NEF-rin) immediately, without waiting for the rash,
itching, or swelling to start. Then call your doctor right
away to make sure you are out of
danger.
-
To keep from getting bitten or stung again follow the
directions listed under ""Insect-Sting
Allergy.''
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Your symptoms do not improve in a few
days.
-
The area beyond the bite or sting becomes red, warm,
tender, and swollen. These are signs of
infection.
-
You have a high temperature.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have symptoms of an allergic reaction (wheezing
or trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, raised red
patches on the skin that itch, upset stomach, vomiting,
cramping, or diarrhea).
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!
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