WHAT ARE INSECT STING ALLERGIES 

Bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, or the fire ant stings are most often the insects whose sting triggers allergies. Most people aren’t allergic to insect stings but few are. So, if someone is allergic he or she may need to see a doctor.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF INSECT STING ALLERGIES  

1. In general, a normal reaction sets off pain, swelling, and redness around the sting site but a large local reaction causes swelling that extends beyond the sting site like for example, a person stung on the ankle may have swelling of the entire leg. Large local reactions would peak at about 48 hours, later gradually get better in 5 -10 days

2. The most serious allergic reaction is the  allergy that'll need to get medically treated right away

3. A mild allergic reaction may include pain, pimple-like spots, mild to moderate swelling, redness, warmth, itching

4. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic) is rare. But when it happens, it is counted as an emergency. There could be trouble breathing, hives that appear as a red, itchy rash and spreads to areas beyond the sting. Swollen  face, throat, or any part of the mouth or tongue. Wheezing or trouble swallowing, rapid pulse along with restlessness and anxiety, dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure are few other indications.

It is advisable to avail emergency treatment if the symptoms prevail. 

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Treatment (For people Not allergic) 

• First, if you’re stung on the hand, remove any rings you are wearing right away.

• The bee usually leaves a sac of venom and a stinger in your skin if you are bitten by the bee. Remove the stinger within 30 seconds so as to avoid receiving more venom. 

• Gently scrape the sac and stinger out with a fingernail or any stiff-edged object like a chip card. Please try not squeezing  the sac or pulling on the stinger, as this way eventually more venom will get into you.

• Wash the affected area with soap and water. Later apply an antiseptic or a soothing ointment such as hydrocortisone cream  or calamine lotion and cover the area with a dry, sterile bandage

• In case of swelling, apply an ice pack or cold compress 

• Take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine to ease up itching, swelling, and hives. But don’t give this medication to children under 2 years or to pregnant women unless the doctor okays.

Treatment (For people who are Allergic) 

• If a person is allergic, he or she can inject themselves with epinephrine, before calling for Emergency to stop a more severe allergic reaction from happening.

• Emergency medical care may be needed even if the symptoms seem to stop.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Prevention 

1. Learn to recognise insect nests and avoid the same e.g. yellow jackets nest in the ground in dirt mounds , old logs and walls. Honeybees usually camp out in beehives. Hornets and wasps make their homes in bushes, trees, and on buildings for your information

2. Put your shoes and socks when you are outdoors

3. Always wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when  camping in rural or wooded areas

4. Try not wearing perfumes or brightly colored clothing as they attract insects

5. In case you have severe allergies, make sure you having someone with you if you are going on excursions as such hiking, boating, swimming, golfing, other outdoor activities

6. Use window screens and doors at home

7. When outside, use insect repellents