How To

How to Treat Insect Stings

Contributor
By Erica Lamberg
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Warmer weather, frolicking children, and entertaining outdoors are part of the fun of spring and summer. Wasps, bumble bees, mosquitoes, greenflies, and other insects are sure to be there trying to spoil the good times. Here are a few steps on how to treat a sting or bite should you encounter one of these unfriendly-pests.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

    How to Treat a Bee or Insect Sting

  1. Step 1

    Try to Remove the Stinger as quickly as possible.When a person is stung by a wasp or bee, chances are there will be a stinger still in the skin. If there is a stinger, use a tweezer or other sterlized instrument to extract it. Squeezing the skin is not advised, as it may cause more pain, or more of the venom to be released into the site of the sting.

  2. Step 2

    Stay CalmAdded-commotion or tension will make not only the person stung more upset, but may antagonize other insects or upset children. Staying in control, and caring for the bite calmy will benefit all those concerned.

  3. Step 3

    Clean the siteSimple soap and water is beneficial for keeping the site of the sting clean. The site may be sensitive, so easy cleaning is the best way. A hand-santizer will work if no soap and water is handy.

  4. Step 4

    Use ice to help relieve the swellingThey don’t call it a sting for nothing. Using ice will reduce swelling, tenderness and redness. Keep ice on as long as possible, even though it means missing some of the play-time and fun.

  5. Step 5

    Take pain-relievers when needed.A pain-reliever like Tylenol or Advil will take the edge off, and will reduce swelling. To control itching, pain or irritation at the site, an antihistamine like Benadryl is a good bet. If a topical medication is all that is needed, apply some hydrocortisone cream which will treat the itching and soreness.

Tips & Warnings
  • Seek medical attention if the person stung has an allergic reaction such as difficulty swallowing, breathing, or shows signs of hives, a rash or excessive swelling.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Have you done this? Click here to let us know.

I Did This

Related Ads

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

eHow Sports and Fitness
eHow_eHow Sports and Fitness