Treating Insect Bites

On this page you will learn about the symptoms of insect bites, treating insect bites and prevention to keep you and your family safe.

When my husband was nine years old, he was stung by a bee which caused him to swell up and have trouble breathing. Just as he arrived at the hospital his heart stopped beating. He was immediately given an adrenalin shot to get his heart beating again. He found out that he was hypo-allergic to bee stings and he had to go through four years of desensitizing shots to finally become immune.

For most children and adults the bite or sting of a mosquito, bee, ant, or other insect could cause a minor irritation and can be easily treated at home. However; for people who are hypo-allergic to insect bites or stings, the results can be dangerous and sometimes fatal. Call 9-1-1 if you or a family member has trouble breathing or goes into shock due to an insect bite or sting.

A black widow or brown recluse spider bite can also be serious and life threatening. Usually most spider bites are harmless, but should be checked out if you feel concerned.

• Momentary pain
  
  
• Redness
  
  
• Irritation
  
  
• Itchiness around the wound
  
  
• Reaction can be immediate or delayed
  
  
• Swelling, numbness or tingling

• Call 9-1-1 if the person's airway or breathing is restricted.
  
  
• If necessary begin CPR.
  
  
• Any constricting items such as, rings should be removed due to swelling.
  
  
• Use an Epi-pen or an emergency kit. People with known serious reactions, usually carry these with them.
  
  
• Try to keep the victim calm and treat the person if there are any signs of shock.
  
  
• Stay with the person until medical help arrives.

• If stung by a bee, use the edge of a credit card to scrape the stinger out of the skin.
  
  
• Do not use tweezers because you might squeeze more venom into the affected area.
  
  
• Use soap and water to thoroughly clean the affected area.
  
  
• Use a cold wash cloth or cold pak for ten minutes on, ten minutes off, and repeat this process.
  
  
• Take a antihistamine or apply an anti-itch gel which will help to reduce itching (check with your doctor).
  
  
• Watch for signs of infection such as, increased swelling, redness or pain.

• When outdoors, never walk barefoot.
  
  
• Use insect repellant and protective clothing.
  
  
• Do not provoke insects whenever possible.
  
  
• Do not wear floral-patterned or dark clothing when outdoors.
  
  
• When near insect hives or nests, avoid rapid movements.
  
  
• Do not wear perfumes when outdoors.
  
  
• When eating outdoors use caution especially with sweetened beverages or areas around garbage cans which often attract insects.

• Shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing.
  
  
• Severe swelling, especially around the face.
  
  
• Tightness or closing of the throat.
  
  
• Turning blue.