First Aid for Insect
Bites and Stings
Venom injected into the skin from insect bites can cause mild or serious reactions. The severity of symptoms depends on sensitivity to the insect venom. Bites from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants are typically the most troublesome. Bites from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies and some spiders typically cause milder reactions.
Mild reactions to bites include an itching or stinging sensation and mild swelling that should disappear within a day or so. Delayed reactions may occur and cause fever, hives, painful joints and swollen glands.
A small percentage of people develop severe reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect venom. Signs and symptoms of a severe reaction include facial swelling, difficulty breathing and shock.
First Aid for mild reactions:
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Move to a safe area to avoid more stings.
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Scrape or brush off the stinger with a straight-edged object.
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Wash the affected area with soap and water. Don't try to pull out the stinger; it may release more venom.
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For pain and swelling, apply a cold pack or cloth filled with ice.
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Apply hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion or a baking soda to the bite or sting several times a day until your symptoms subside.
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Take an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol Severe Allergy) or chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin).
Allergic reactions may include mild nausea and intestinal cramps, diarrhea or swelling larger than 2 inches in diameter at the site. See your doctor promptly if you experience any of these signs and symptoms.
For severe reactions call 911 immediately
Severe reactions may progress rapidly. Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance if the following signs or symptoms occur:
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Difficulty breathing
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Swelling of your lips or throat
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Faintness
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Dizziness
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Confusion
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Rapid heartbeat
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Hives
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Nausea, cramps and vomiting
Take these actions immediately while waiting with an affected person for medical help:
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Check for special medications that the person might be carrying to treat an allergic attack, such as an auto-injector of epinephrine (for example, EpiPen). Administer the drug as directed — usually by pressing the auto-injector against the person's thigh and holding it in place for several seconds. Massage the injection site for 10 seconds to enhance absorption.
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After administering epinephrine, have the person take an antihistamine pill if he or she is able to do so without choking.
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Have the person lie still on his or her back with feet higher than the head.
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Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don't give anything to drink.
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If there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking.
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If there are no signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement), begin CPR.
If your doctor has prescribed an auto-injector of epinephrine, read the instructions before a problem develops and also have your household members read them.
Taken from the Mayo Clinic website
