Insect Stings
Stings and bites from bees, wasps, ants, and other insects often cause pain, swelling, redness, and itching.
How can you care for yourself at home?
▪️ Do not scratch or rub the skin where the sting or bite occurred.
▪️ Put a cold pack or ice cube on the area. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. For some people, a paste of baking soda mixed with a little water helps relieve pain and decrease the reaction.
▪️ Take an over-the-counter antihistamine to help relieve swelling, redness, and itching. Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream may also help. Do not give antihistamines to your child unless you have checked with the doctor first. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
▪️ Your doctor may prescribe a shot of epinephrine to carry with you in case you have a severe reaction. Learn how and when to give yourself the shot and always keep it with you. Make sure it has not expired.
▪️ Go to the emergency room anytime you have a severe reaction. Go even if you have given yourself epinephrine and are feeling better. Symptoms can come back.
When should you call for help? You have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. These may include:
▪️ Sudden raised, red areas (hives) all over your body.
▪️ Swelling of the throat, mouth, lips, or tongue.
▪️ Trouble breathing.
▪️ Passing out (losing consciousness). Or you may feel very light-headed or suddenly feel weak, confused, or restless.
▪️ Severe belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Call your doctor or 811 or seek immediate medical care if: You have symptoms of an allergic reaction not right at the sting or bite, such as:
▪️ A rash or small area of hives (raised, red areas on the skin)
▪️ Itching
▪️ Swelling
▪️ Mild belly pain or nausea
▪️ You have a lot of swelling around the site (such as your entire arm or leg is swollen)
▪️ You have signs of infection, such as:
▪️ Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the sting.
▪️ Red streaks leading from the area.
▪️ Pus draining from the sting.