First aid - Insect bites and stings
 

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First aid - Insect bites and stings



















































































































































































































































































































































Signs and symptoms of an insect bite result from the injection of venom

or other substances into your skin. The venom triggers an allergic

reaction. The severity of your reaction depends on your sensitivity to

the insect venom or substance.



Most reactions to insect bites 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, hives, painful

joints and swollen glands. You might experience both the immediate and

the delayed reactions from the same insect bite or sting. Only a small

percentage of people develop severe reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect

venom. Signs and symptoms of a severe reaction include:

Facial swellingDifficulty breathingAbdominal painShock



Bites from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants are

typically the most troublesome. Bites from mosquitoes, ticks, biting

flies and some spiders also can cause reactions, but these are

generally milder.



For mild reactions



Move to a safe area to avoid more stings.Scrape or brush off the stinger

with a straight-edged object, such as a credit card or the back of a

knife. Wash the affected area with soap and water. Don't try to pull

out the stinger. Doing so may release more venom.Apply a cold pack or cloth filled with ice to reduce pain and swelling.Apply hydrocortisone cream (0.5

percent or 1 percent), calamine lotion or a baking soda paste — with a

ratio of 3 teaspoons baking soda to 1 teaspoon water — to the bite or

sting several times a day until your symptoms subside.Take an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol Severe Allergy) or chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton, Actifed).



Allergic reactions may include mild nausea and intestinal cramps,

diarrhea or swelling larger than 2 inches in diameter at the site. See

your doctor promptly if you experience any of these signs and symptoms.





For severe reactions





Severe reactions may progress rapidly. Dial 911 or call for emergency

medical assistance if the following signs or symptoms occur:



Difficulty breathingSwelling of the lips or throatFaintnessDizzinessConfusionRapid heartbeatHivesNausea, cramps and vomiting



Take these actions immediately while waiting with an affected person for medical help:



Check for special medications

that the person might be carrying to treat an allergic attack, such as

an auto-injector of epinephrine (for example, EpiPen). Administer the

drug as directed — usually by pressing the auto-injector against the

person's thigh and holding it in place for several seconds. Massage the

injection site for 10 seconds to enhance absorption.Have the person take an antihistamine pill if he or she is able to do so without choking, after administering epinephrine.Have the person lie still on his or her back with feet higher than the head.Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don't give anything to drink.Turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking, if there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth.Begin CPR, if there are no signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement).