Insect Bites and Stings

The days of summer bring an increase in our outdoor activity and can often result in encounters with mosquitos, bees, wasps, fleas, spiders, ticks, etc. Their stings and bites are usually of little consequence resulting in a mild reaction of localized swelling, redness, and itching. These symptoms can be treated with the application of baking soda or meat tenderizer and an ice pack to the affected area. Bee stingers should be removed by scraping from the skin rather than by squeezing or pulling with tweezers, which might release venom into the wound.

People who are allergic to insect stings may develop a more serious reaction called anaphylaxis resulting in lethargy, shortness of breath, generalized rash, confusion, and a drop in blood pressure. This is a medical emergency and requires treatment by a physician or the immediate use of an anaphylactic kit containing a self-administered injection of epinephrine. Your physician will prescribe one of these kits if you have had a previous severe allergic reaction to insect stings.