People who are severely allergic to bees can develop a whole-body allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If possible, avoid open-toed shoes, and loose clothing as this can trap flying insects such as wasps and bees.Keep in mind that some allergic reactions to bee venom are life-threatening. □ To help reduce the risk of being stung, if you are in an area known to be inhabited by wasps or bees, try to avoid wearing bright or flower-print clothing, and avoid using floral scents or perfumes. Do not be tempted to burst any blisters that may develop as this can increase the risk of infection. Stay with the person who has been stung to watch for any severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Time is the best medicine with insect bites and sting, but if after a day or two you notice any discharge or pus then it may be a sign that the sting is infected and you should see your doctor. Try a cold compressĪn ice pack or cold compress may also help to reduce the swelling and irritation of a sting. If there is any pain associated with the bite then a painkiller such as ibuprofen may be used. Hydrocortisone cream may also help to reduce the irritation of the sting. Use an antihistamine that works quickly, like acrivistine or chlorphenamine and avoid using things like vinegar or calamine lotion as these do not neutralise any venom deep under the skin. Take an antihistamines to help reduce the swelling or itching. The best way to remove a bee sting is by scraping off a sting with a bank card or with fingernails, rather than trying to pick it out using the fingers or tweezers, as this may cause more venom to be injected. Keep calm and walk away slowly from any wasps or bees in the area. This is more important with bee strings, as the sting is often left in the skin. Avoid rubbing the areaĪfter being strung, try to keep still and avoid rubbing the area around the string, as this can increase the spread of venom into the bloodstream. However, unlike wasps - who can sting someone repeatedly - bees leave their stinger embedded in the person they have stung.įollow these tips to treat insect stings: 1. Bee sting symptomsīee stings cause almost identical symptoms to a wasp sting, and the risks and symptoms of a severe anaphylactic reaction are the same. If you have a history of anaphylaxis you should always carry an adrenaline auto-injector pen kit - ask your GP about being given a prescription for this. A sudden drop in blood pressure and a weak or very fast pulse rate.Severe swelling of the face, lips and throat, sometimes with breathing difficulties such as wheezing or gasping for breath.Some 3 per cent of adults and almost 1 per cent of children have insect sting allergies to varying degrees.) Some, or all of the following symptoms can occur in anaphylaxis: The most severe reaction to a wasp or bee sting is called an anaphylactic reaction and is a medical emergency requiring urgent attention, initially with adrenaline injections. Wanderluster Getty Images Wasp sting severe symptoms Swelling ( a raised 'welt' at the site).A sharp or burning feeling at the sting site.If you are not allergic to a wasp sting, the usual symptoms are relatively short-lived and typically include: ![]() This causes a reaction and the typical pain and irritation that occurs after a wasp sting. Like bees, wasps are equipped with a stinger for self-defence and when a wasp stings a person, venom is transmitted into the sting. If you experience a serious reaction, breathing difficulties, or swelling of the face and mouth then you should seek urgent medical assistance. Most insect bites are not serious and can be safely treated at home, but occasionally they can become infected or cause a severe allergic reaction. ![]() The good news is most insect stings are perfectly harmless and while the severity of the reaction varies from person to person, you should recover within a day or two.ĭr Roger Henderson offers his expert tips on how to treat bee and wasp stings: What is a bee and wasp sting?īoth bee and wasp stings cause a sudden sharp pain followed by itching, redness and swelling of the skin around the area. ![]() If you've been stung by a bee, wasp, a hornet or any type of insect, it can be extremely painful and may cause quite a shock.
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