Insect Bites and Stings and Treatments

Insect and spider bites and bee, yellow jacket, and wasp stings usually cause a localized reaction with swelling, redness, and itching. In some people, especially children, the redness and swelling may be worse, and the local reaction may last up to a day. In most cases, bites and stings do not cause reactions all over the body. (In a few areas, mosquitoes may spread illnesses, including encephalitis and malaria.)

Some people have severe skin reactions to insect or spider bites or stings, and a few have allergic (anaphylactic) reactions that affect the whole body. Symptoms may include hives all over the body, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest, dizziness, wheezing, or swelling of the tongue and face. If these symptoms develop, immediate medical attention is needed.

Few spiders cause serious bites, although any bite may be serious if the person has an allergic reaction. Black widow spiders can be up to two inches across (although they are generally much smaller) and are shiny black with a red hourglass mark on their undersides. Their bites may cause chills, fever, nausea, and severe stomach pain. Infants and children will be more affected by a bite than adults. Brown recluse (fiddler) spiders are smaller with long legs, and brown with a white violin shaped mark on their back. Their bites cause intense pain and may result in a blister that turns into a larger open sore. Jellyfish are common on some ocean beaches. If touched, their tentacles release a stinging poison that causes a painful reaction. Prevention

To avoid bee stings, wear white or light colored solid fabrics. Bees are attracted to dark colors and flowered prints.

Avoid wearing perfumes and colognes when you are outside.

Apply an insect repellent containing DEET every few hours when in insect and spider infested areas. Use a lower concentration DEET product for small children and pregnant women. Wash DEET off when you come inside. Alpha Keri and Skin So Soft bath oils also seem to repel insects.

* Wear gloves and tuck pants into socks when working in woodpiles, sheds, and basements where spiders are found.

Home Treatment

Remove a bee stinger by scraping or flicking it out (if the stinger isn't visible, assume there isn't one). Don't squeeze the stinger; you may release more venom into the skin.

If the bite is from a black widow or brown recluse spider, apply ice to the bite and call your doctor.

Apply a cold pack or ice cube to the bite or sting. Some people also find that a paste of baking soda, meat tenderizer, or activated charcoal mixed with a little water helps relieve pain and decrease the reaction.

* An oral antihistamine (Benadryl, Chlor Trimeton) may help relieve pain and swelling, and relieve itching if there are many bites. Calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or a local anesthetic containing benzocaine (Solarcaine) may also help.

Anyone who has had a severe systemic allergic reaction to insect venom should carry an emergency kit containing a syringe and adrenalin (epinephrine). Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use the kit.

Trim fingernails to prevent scratching, which can lead to infection. For jellyfish stings:

Rinse the area immediately with saltwater. Do not use fresh water and do not rub; it will release more poison.

Splash vinegar, alcohol, or meat tenderizer dissolved in saltwater on the area to neutralize the poison,

Remove any attached tentacles carefully. Protect your hand with a towel and apply a paste of sand or baking soda and saltwater to the area. Scrape the tentacles off with the towel or the edge of a credit card.

* Apply calamine lotion to relieve pain and itching.

* If you are stung by a Portuguese man of war jellyfish, scrape the stinging tentacles off with sand and seek medical care immediately.

When to Call a Health Professional

Call immediately if signs of a severe allergic reaction develop soon after being stung by an insect , Wheezing, difficulty breathing

* Swelling around the lips, tongue, or face, or significant swelling around the site of the insect sting (e.g., entire arm or leg is swollen)

Skin rash, itching, feeling of warmth, or hives

If a blister appears at the site of a spider bite, or if the surrounding skin becomes discolored,

To talk with your doctor about adrenalin kits or allergy shots (immunotherapy) for insect venom if you have had a serious allergic reaction.