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 Symptoms
of an insect bite result from the injection of venom or other
agent into your skin. The venom triggers an allergic (immune)
reaction. The severity of the reaction depends on a person's
sensitivity.
Most
reactions are mild, causing little more than an annoying itching
or stinging sensation and mild swelling that disappear within
a day or so. A delayed reaction may cause fever, painful joints,
hives and swollen glands. You may experience both the immediate
and the delayed reactions from the same bite or sting.
A
small percentage of people develop severe reactions to insect
venom (see below). Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and
fire ants are typically the most troublesome. Mosquitoes,
ticks, biting flies and some spiders can also cause problems,
but these are generally milder reactions.
For
Mild Reactions
- Move
to a safe area to prevent further stings.
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- Try
to remove the stinger by scraping or brushing if off
with a firm edge such as a credit card. Swab the site
with disinfectant.
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- To
reduce pain and swelling, apply ice or a cold pack.
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- Apply
0.5 or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion
or a baking soda paste to the bite or sting several
times daily until your symptoms subside.
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- Take
an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl,
Tylenol Severe Allergy) or chlorpheniramine maleate
(Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin). See the Allergy
Medication Table for the ingredients in these
over-the-counter medications.
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For
Severe Reactions
(see Anaphylaxis)
Severe reactions may
progress rapidly. If you experience any of these signs or
symptoms, 
call 911 in the U.S. & Canada. (For other countries,
see our First Aid page.)
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Difficulty
breathing |
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Swelling
of the lips, throat or tongue |
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Faintness |
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Confusion |
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Rapid
heartbeat |
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Hives |
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- Lay
the person down. If unconscious and breathing, lay
the person on the side to allow drainage from the
mouth.
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- Check
to see if the person is carrying an allergy kit containing
epinephrine. Follow instructions on the kit. Or they
may have an EpiPen, use it quickly as directed on
the pen -- directions are on the pen itself.
Be sure to tell the paramedics that you gave them
the epinephrine or you used the EpiPen!
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- If
not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing.
It is possible that their mouth and throat may be
too swollen for this to be effective, try it anyway.
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- Check
the pulse. If no pulse, begin CPR.
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Less
severe allergic reactions include nausea, intestinal cramps,
diarrhea or swelling larger than 2 inches in diameter at the
site. See your health care provider promptly if you experience
any of these symptoms.
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