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Insect bites and stings
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
First Aid:
For emergencies (severe reactions):
-
Check the person's airway and breathing. If necessary, call 911 and begin rescue breathing and
CPR
.
-
Reassure the person. Try to keep him or her calm.
-
Remove nearby rings and constricting items because the affected area may swell.
-
Use the person's Epi-pen or other emergency kit, if they have one. (Some people who have serious insect reactions carry it with them.)
-
If appropriate, treat the person for signs of
shock
. Remain with the person until medical help arrives.
General steps for most bites and stings:
-
Remove the stinger if still present by scraping the back of a credit card or other straight-edged object across the stinger. Do not use tweezers -- these may squeeze the venom sac and increase the amount of venom released.
-
Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water.
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Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth) on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process.
-
If necessary, take an antihistamine or apply creams that reduce itching.
-
Over the next several days, watch for signs of infection (such as increasing redness, swelling, or pain).
Do Not:
-
DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
-
DO NOT give the person stimulants, aspirin, or other
pain medication
unless prescribed by the doctor.
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
Call 911 if the person is having a severe reaction:
-
Trouble breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath
-
Swelling anywhere on the face
-
Throat feels tight
-
Feeling weak
-
Turning blue
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.
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Review Date: 5/11/2006
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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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