Insect bites and stings: First aid

April, 10th, 2024

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Overview

Most insect bites and stings are mild and can be treated at home. They might cause itching, swelling and stinging that go away in a day or two. Some bites or stings can transmit disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites. Stings from bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets and fire ants might cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

When to seek emergency help

Call 911 or your local medical emergency number if a child is stung by a scorpion or if anyone is having a serious reaction that suggests anaphylaxis, even if it’s just one or two of the following symptoms:

• Trouble breathing.
• Swelling of the lips, face, eyelids or throat.
• Dizziness, fainting or unconsciousness.
• A weak and rapid pulse.
• Hives.
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:

• Ask whether the injured person is carrying an epinephrine autoinjector (Auvi-Q, others). Ask whether you should help inject the medicine. This is usually done by pressing the autoinjector against the thigh and holding it in place for several seconds.
• Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket.
• Don’t offer anything to drink.
• If needed, position the person to prevent choking on vomit

Treatment

To treat a mild reaction to an insect bite or sting:

• Move to a safe area to avoid more bites or stings.
• Remove any stingers.
• Gently wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply to the affected skin a cloth dampened with cold water or filled with ice. Keep it on for 10 to 20 minutes. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
• If the injury is on an arm or leg, raise it.
• Apply to the affected skin calamine lotion, baking soda paste, or 0.5% or 1% hydrocortisone cream. Do this several times a day until your symptoms go away.
• Take an anti-itch medicine by mouth to reduce itching. Options include nonprescription cetirizine, fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy, Children’s Allegra Allergy), loratadine (Claritin). These types of medicines are also called antihistamines.
• Take a nonprescription pain reliever as needed.

When to call your doctor

See a healthcare professional if the swelling gets worse, the site shows signs of infection or you don’t feel well.