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Insect bites and stings

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Bedbug bite; Bee sting; Bites - insects, bees, and spiders; Black widow spider bite; Brown recluse bite; Flea bite; Honey bee or hornet sting; Lice bites; Mite bite; Scorpion bite; Spider bite; Wasp sting; Yellow jacket sting

Prevention:

• Avoid provoking insects whenever possible.
• Avoid rapid, jerky movements around insect hives or nests.
• Avoid perfumes and floral-patterned or dark clothing.
• Use appropriate insect repellants and protective clothing.
• Use caution when eating outdoors, especially with sweetened beverages or in areas around garbage cans, which often attract bees.
• For those who have a serious allergy to insect bites or stings, carry an emergency epinephrine kit (which requires a prescription). Friends and family should be taught how to use it if you have a reaction. Wear a medical ID bracelet.

References:

Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine , 22nd Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2004:1617-1619, 2126-2128.

Noble J, ed. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine . 3rd Ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:805-813.

Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine . 4th Ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.

• Review Date: 5/11/2006
• Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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