Insect Bites and Stings

Insect Bites and Stings

• Insect bites are, mostly, not severe 
• Sometimes they cause a severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis
• Anaphylaxis is life-threatening if not treated on time
• Sting of bees, wasps, hornets / bite of fire ants, painful 
• Bites of insects, like mosquitoes, cause itching
• The bite of a black widow spider can be fatal, if left untreated

   Causes Examples of biting insects

• Mosquitoes
• Fleas
• Mites
• Spiders

Examples of stinging insect

• Bees
• Wasps
• Hornets

Symptoms

• Localized Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Itching
• Numbness
• Burning
• Tingling sensation
• Breathlessness
• Weakness

Treatment

• Remove the stinger using a straight- edged object
• Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water
• Place ice wrapped in a cloth on the affected area
• Repeat after every 10 minutes
• Apply a gentle cream to prevent itching
• Take anti histamines if necessary
• Observe for signs of infection like pain, redness or swelling

In case of emergency-

• Try to keep the person calm
• Check the person’s breathing
• Remove constricting items, like rings, from finger/nose/ears
• Do Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), if necessary
• If the person is carrying an emergency kit, use it
• If required, treat the person for signs of shock 
• Seek medical help as soon as possible

Consult a Doctor In case of the following, seek medical help

• Wheezing
• Swelling on the face
• Difficulty in breathing
• Tight feeling in the throat 
• Body turning blue

Steps to Avoid

• Do not remove the stinger using a tweezer
• Do not apply a tourniquet
• Aspirin, pain medications, should not be given unless advised by a doctor

Prevention 

• Avoid placing hand near the mouth of a seizure-affected person

Take caution to prevent your child from developing biting habit