Most insect bites or stings leave a painful or itchy red lump as a result from the injection or venom or other agent in your skin.  The venom or agent then triggers an allergic (immune) reaction.  The severity of your reaction depends on your sensitivity to the insect venom or agent.  Most cause no problems other than annoying itching or stinging sensation and mild swelling that disappear within a day or so. Occasionally a delayed reaction may occur which may cause fever, headache, dizziness, joint pain, or hives.  You might experience both the immediate and delayed reactions from the same bite or sting.  Only a small percentage of people develop severe reactions.  If you develop chest pain, a tight-feeling in your throat or trouble breathing seek medical care immediately.  These are signs of a dangerous life-threatening allergic reaction.

Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants generally cause more serious reactions.  Mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, and some spiders can also cause reactions, but these are usually milder.

Take a stinger out by scraping it off with your fingernail, the firm edge of a credit card, or a knife blade.  Do not squeeze the area.  Wash the sting with soap and water; then put ice on it.  This will help reduce pain and swelling.  To reduce pain, make a paste with water and either meat tenderizer or baking soda and rub it on the bite or sting for 5 minutes.  To further reduce itching and swelling, use an over-the-counter antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion several times a day until symptoms subside.  Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve in a few days, in the area beyond the bite or sting becomes red, warm, and tender, or if you have a high temperature.  You should seek medical care immediately if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction (wheezing or trouble breathing, fainting, hives, upset stomach, cramping, or diarrhea).

Published 06/03/09