Apply a cold pack to heal bee stings
Stings and bites from bees, wasps, hornets and fire ants are a common outdoor nuisance. In most cases, the bites are just annoying, causing temporary pain and discomfort, and home treatment is all that’s necessary to ease the pain. However, if somebody is allergic to the insect venom or has been stung or bitten more than once, he could suffer a more serious reaction that calls for immediate emergency medical treatment.
Signs and symptoms
Most reactions to insect bites are mild, causing little more than an annoying itching or stinging sensation and mild swelling that usually disappears within a day. You may experience:
n Instant, sharp burning pain at the sting site
n A red welt at the sting area
n Slight swelling around the area
Delayed reaction
A delayed reaction may cause fever, hives, painful joints and swollen glands.
What You Can Do
n Avoid more stings. Run away to a safe area if there’s risk of repeated attacks.
n Remove the stinger.
n Wash the sting area. Use soap and water. This will reduce the absorption of venom left on the skin surface.
n Apply a cold pack. Use a cloth filled with ice. This will reduce the pain and swelling.
n Apply hydrocortisone cream (0.5 per cent or 1 per cent), or a calamine lotion to the bite or sting several times a day until symptoms subside.
When to Consult Your Doctor
Allergic reactions may sometimes include mild nausea and intestinal cramps, diarrhoea,
or swelling larger than two inches (5 cm) in diameter at the site. You should see your doctor promptly if you experience any of these signs and symptoms.
The writer is Senior Specialist, Safdarjung Hospital and Professor, VM Medical College
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