Bee Stings or Insect Bites- Home Suggestions

1. If you have previously had an allergic reaction to a sting or bite, you should immediately take an antihistamine (see page 95). If you do not have a known allergy you should wait for redness, swelling or itching to develop and take an antihistamine to relieve these symptoms if they occur.

2. Apply a cold pack immediately for a maximum of 20 minutes; this will reduce the redness and swelling. You can reapply this cold pack for 20 minutes every hour as long as there is redness and swelling.

3. In relieving the discomfort of a sting, it is important to make sure you have removed the stinger. At the end of the stinger there is a venom sack which can continue to release venom as long as it is embedded in the skin. To remove the stinger you should gently scrape it out from the side with a sharp-edged object like a knife. Do not squeeze and pull.

4. Non-prescription or over-the-counter antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream can help reduce the skin irritation and itch. Ask your pharmacist to help you choose this medicine.

5. If you have had a serious reaction in the past, you should carry an adrenalin kit/Epipen with you. Discuss this with your nurse/doctor.

After 48 hours following the sting or bite, please continue with the question below.

Questions

Is there a fever, increasing redness or red streaking up a limb?