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Insect or bee sting: first aid

Remove the sting, cool it, watch for a serious reaction, and know when to call an ambulance.

21 items · 5 sections · health, first-aid, outdoors, emergency

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Right now (4)

  • Move away from the insect or the nest to avoid more stings
  • If a sting is left in the skin, scrape it out sideways with a credit card or fingernail
  • Do not squeeze the sting: it can release more venom
  • Wash the area with soap and water

Ease the pain and swelling (5)

  • Hold a cold pack or a cloth with ice on the area for 10 minutes
  • Raise the area if it is on an arm or leg
  • Do not scratch the sting
  • Take a regular painkiller if you need one, following the label
  • Use an antihistamine for itching if you can safely take one

Call an ambulance for any of these (5)

  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
  • Dizziness, fainting or a fast heartbeat
  • Hives all over the body, or nausea and vomiting
  • If the person has an adrenaline pen, use it as shown on the pen and still call for help

Watch the next days (4)

  • A red, swollen, sore area for a day or two is common
  • See a doctor if redness spreads, there is pus, or you have a fever
  • See a doctor for a sting inside the mouth or throat
  • See a doctor if you were stung many times

Next time (3)

  • Avoid walking barefoot on grass and wear closed shoes outdoors
  • Cover drinks and food outside
  • Stay calm and move slowly away from wasps and bees

Written from www.nhs.uk

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