Bee, wasp stings

BEE & WASP STINGS

 

Most insect stings, for someone who is not allergic, need no more than first aid given at home.

1 Remove any stingers immediately.

2 Applying ice to the site for 20 minutes once every hour as needed may provide some mild relief. Wrap the ice in a towel or keep a cloth between the ice and skin to keep from freezing the skin.

3 Taking an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or a nonsedating one such as loratadine (Claritin) will help with itching and swelling.

4 Take ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief as needed.

5 Wash the sting site with soap and water. Placing hydrocortisone cream on the sting can help relieve redness, itching, and swelling.

6 If it’s been more than 10 years since your last tetanus booster, get a booster within the next few days.

If someone has a severe allergic reaction such as low blood pressure, swelling blocking air getting into the lungs, or other serious problems breathing, they have a true life-threatening emergency. (See Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis))

Source: HSA

Disclaimer: The Emergency Guide is provided as a reference only.  Every effort has been taken to acquire and publish accurate information provided by medical authorities.  In case of emergency, always call or have someone CALL 9-1-1.