Insects Stings

The insects most likely to cause medical problems are bees (including the domestic honey bee), wasps and ants.
Bees and wasps inject venom by stinging. Sometimes the stinger may be left in the skin. The venom may cause direct injury to the human body.

Possible Injuries of an Insect Bite: The severity of a sting is determined by: The type of insect, the location of the sting, the number of stings, and the allergic sensitivity of the victim
 Local reactions only the part of the body near the sting is affected
 Immediate pain, redness, swelling, and itching at the sting site may occur.
 A larger local reaction may develop over the next 12-36 hours.
 A bacterial skin infection, although uncommon, may also begin during the first 12-36 hours .
 Systemic or allergc reactions parts of the body away from the sting are affected
 raised itchy lesion on the skin ,and itching all over the body
 Swelling of the mouth or throat or both
 Wheezing ,Shortness of breath or other difficulty breathing
 Nausea, Vomiting
 Low Blood Pressure weakness or fainting
 In severe cases, marked difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, and even death may occur.
How are bee stings treated? • Avoid further stings
• Remove any stingers remaining in the skin immediately by scraping out the stinger .
• Application of ice (with a cloth in between it and the skin) to the sting site for 20 minutes every hour may provide some mild relief.
• Consider taking an antihistamine such as (diphenhydramine) Benylin for itching.
• Consider taking ibuprofen (Brufen) or (acetaminophen (Cetal for pain relief
• Wash the sting site with soap and water. Place an antibiotic ointment (Fusidin) on the sting site.
• Get a booster of tetanus within the next few days, If it has been more than 10 years since your last booster.
• If you have been stung by a bee or wasp Consider taking an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benylin) as soon as possible and Seek Expert medical Care as Soon as Possible
When To Seek Expert Medical Help?  Your child has any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to a bee or insect sting (red splotches, intense itching and swelling, noisy breathing). This is an emergency
 If the sting does not feel better after home care or doesn’t clear up within 2 or 3 days.
 If the sting becomes red, swollen, warm, and tender a few days after the sting. These may be signs of infection.
 If your child develops a fever.