INSECT BITES AND STINGS
PROBLEM
Insect bites or stings cause skin changes and other reactions:
A.Seek immediate help if you or a family member have any symptoms of allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, either immediately after the bite or 8 to 12 hours after the bite.
B.You may need to call 911 or your local emergency response service.
C.If you have had a previous life-threatening allergic reaction, carry an anaphylaxis kit for emergency treatment:
1.Local skin reactions include red bumps in the skin that usually appear within minutes after the bite or sting but may not appear for 6 to 12 hours. Itching and discomfort may occur at the site.
2.Systemic (body) reactions include nausea or vomiting; headache, fever, dizziness or lightheadedness; swelling; or convulsions.
3.Allergic reactions include itchy eyes, facial flushing, dry cough, wheezing, and chest or throat constriction or tightness.
CAUSE
Bites or stings can be caused by mosquitoes, fleas, chiggers, bedbugs, ants, spiders, bees, scorpions, and other insects.
Risk increases with exposure to areas with heavy insect infestation, warm weather in spring and summer, lack of protective measures, use of perfumes or colognes, and previous sensitization.
PREVENTION/CARE
A.Institute first-aid measures and activate emergency services if severe, life-threatening reactions occur.
B.Avoid risk factors.
C.Wear protective clothing.
D.Use insect repellents with diethyltoluamide (DEET), avoiding the head, face, eyes, and mouth.
SPECIFIC INSECT CARE
A.For all stings: Remove stinger.
B.Bee, wasp, yellow jacket, or hornet stings: Rub a paste of meat tenderizer and water into the site.
C.Ant bites: Rub bite with ammonia and repeat as often as necessary.
D.Spider and scorpion bites: Capture the arachnid if possible and seek medical attention.
E.Mites: Apply a petroleum product (Vaseline) until the animal withdraws from the skin.
Patient Teaching Guide for Lyme Disease and Removal of a Tick.
GENERAL CARE FOR ALL BITES
A.Clean wound with soap and water.
B.Apply ice pack (no ice directly on skin; use towel or cloth to protect skin).
C.Elevate and rest the affected body part.
D.Immerse affected part or apply warm water soaks to site. However, if site itches cool water feels best.
E.For minor discomfort, you may use nonprescription oral antihistamines (Benadryl) or topical steroid preparations (hydrocortisone cream).
F.Use only low-potency topical steroid products without fluorine on the face and groin area.
G.You may be prescribed more potent, prescription medications.
Activity: No restrictions.
Diet: Eat a regular diet. Maintain adequate hydration with eight to 10 glasses of water per day.
Medications: You may be prescribed an EpiPen to use for future major reactions. You need to keep this with you at all times.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If:
A.Self-care treatment does not relieve symptoms or if no improvement is noticed after 2 to 3 days.
B.A bitten area becomes red, swollen, warm, and tender to the touch. These symptoms indicate infection.
C.You have a temperature higher than or equal to 101°F.
D.You have a reaction or cannot tolerate any of the prescribed medications.
Phone: ____________________________
RESOURCE
American Academy of Dermatology
9500 W Bryn Mawr Avenue, Ste 500, Rosemont, IL 60018-5216
United States
Phone: (888) 462-DERM (3376)
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE