Self-Care Guidelines
For stings:
- Bees may leave a stinger behind.
- Try to gently scrape off the stinger with a blunt object, such as a credit card.
- Wash the wound with soap and water.
- Apply an ice pack or cold water for a few minutes.
- Take acetaminophen for pain and an antihistamine (diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine) for itching, as needed.
For insect bites:
- Wash with soap and water.
- Apply cool compresses.
- Use antihistamines to relieve itching and take acetaminophen for pain.
- 1% hydrocortisone cream may help reduce the itching.
For ticks (still attached):
- Using tweezers, grasp the tick as near the skin as possible and pull firmly until it releases.
- Swab the area with alcohol or soap and water.
- Save the tick for identification, if needed.
- Wash the area with soap and water, then apply 1% hydrocortisone in anticipation of any reaction.
When to Seek Medical Care
Some inset bites/stings are more dangerous than others. If a black widow or brown recluse spider bite is suspected, apply ice to the area and seek medical help. Symptoms of these bites include:
- A deep blue or purple area around the bite, often with a surrounding white area and a red outer ring
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Muscle stiffness
If the site of a tick bite develops a red, swollen, spreading area, seek medical help to check for Lyme disease.
When dealing with stings, be sure to watch out for symptoms such as:
- Hives, itching, or swelling in areas beyond the sting site
- Swelling of the lips or throat
- Tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing
- Hoarse voice or tongue swelling
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
Signs and Symptoms
