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Care For Insect Bites
You're not alone as you enjoy the warm days and longer
hours of the summer season. Anyone who has ever spent
much time outdoors knows how pesky insects can be. What
they may not know is how to respond when those pesky
insects bite.
Anyone who appears to be having an allergic reaction
to a bee or wasp sting should seek medical attention
promptly. Call 911 or take the person to the emergency
room. A dose of epinephrine is the only effective treatment
for a person experiencing a severe allergic reaction
to a bee sting. Doses may be injected every 15 minutes
if needed.
For a non-allergic reaction to a bee or wasp sting,
look at the site for a stinger embedded in the skin.
If not removed, the stinger will continue to inject
poison for two or three minutes. Scrape the stinger
away with a hard object such as a long fingernail, credit
card, scissors edge or knife blade. Then follow these
steps:
- Wash the site with soap and water.
- Apply an ice pack over the site to slow absorption
of the venom and relieve pain.
- Give aspirin or acetaminophen to further relieve
pain and itching. Hydrocortisone cream can help combat
local swelling and itching.
- Observe the victim for at least 30 minutes for signs
of an allergic reaction.
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