Yes, we all know getting stung by our outdoor foes can be painful, there are two things that we all need to really worry about. The two biggest issues are an infection and possible allergic reaction (which can be fatal).
Of all the different varieties of stingers out there, the yellow jacket causes the most allergic reactions in the United States. Stings from bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets cause almost four times more fatalities than snake bites. Fire ants are related to wasps and usually found in the south. These guys do not lose their stingers and will sting more than once. The areas tend to become infected as well.
Symptoms of an insect sting
There are many symptoms of insect stings. These could include the following:
- Skin reactions surrounding the sting that could cause redness, itching, pain, swelling, hives and even some bleeding.
- Responses that may indicate a serious and possibly life-threatening allergic reaction. These include tightness in the throat or chest, trouble breathing, throat swelling, coughing and nausea.
Treatment
If you or someone you are with starts showing any of the signs listed just above, please seek medical assistance immediately. Usually a reaction would occur within an hour of the sting. If you know you are allergic to bee stings, get a prescription for an Epi-pen and make sure to read the directions on how to use it BEFORE you actually need to. Also, stings in the nose, throat or mouth can be dangerous due to possible swelling and closed airways.
In order to treat any skin reactions at the site, the first thing you must do is get rid of the stinger. You remove it by gently scraping it with something like a credit card. You must remove it as quickly as possible to avoid more venom seeping into the skin tissue. Don’t try to pull it out because you could squeeze that venom directly into the site.
Wash the area well with soap and water and then apply an ice pack to reduce the swelling. The ice pack should be placed on the site for ten minutes at a time with rests of the same time in between. If stung in an extremity, elevate it assist in reducing swelling. Acetaminophen can be taken for pain.
Prevention
Nothing is 100% perfect in avoiding stings, but here are some suggestions that can help. Scented products like perfumes, colognes or hairsprays should be avoided. Brightly colored clothing attracts bees. Go with neutral colors for the barbecue. Just act normally if a bee is flying around you. Sudden movements such as swinging your arm or running away are more likely to result in a sting.
The majority of individuals that experience anything more than minor discomfort is minimal. So enjoy your time outside. For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.
