

People who have experienced an allergic reaction to an insect sting have a 60% chance of a similar or worse reaction if stung again.

The most serious reaction to an insect sting is an allergic one. Topical corticosteroid ointments and oral antihistamines may relieve the itching associated with these reactions Clean the blisters with soap and water to prevent secondary infection. Treatment for fire ant stings is aimed at preventing secondary bacterial infection, which may occur if the pustule is scratched or broken.

When healed, these lesions may leave scars. However, what is seen is really dead tissue, and the blister has little chance of being infected unless it is opened. This usually appears to become filled with pus-like material by eight to 24 hours. This is followed by a small blister within four hours. These stingers are best removed by a scraping action, rather than a pulling motion, to avoid squeezing more venom into the skin.Īlmost everyone stung by fire ants develops an itchy, localized hive or lump at the sting site, which usually goes down within 30 to 60 minutes. Honeybees have barbed stingers that are left behind in their victim’s skin. Because this condition may persist for two to three days, antihistamines and corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed to lessen the discomfort.įire ants, yellow jackets, hornets and wasps can sting repeatedly. An unusually painful or very large local reaction may need medical attention. Although alarming in appearance, this condition is often treated the same as a normal reaction. For example, a sting on the forearm could result in the entire arm swelling. You can disinfect the area (washing with soap and water will do) and apply ice to reduce the swelling.Ī large local reaction will result in swelling that extends beyond the sting site. A normal reaction will result in pain, swelling and redness confined to the sting site. The severity of an insect sting reaction varies from person to person. Consider allergy shots ( immunotherapy).Immediately inject epinephrine (adrenaline) if symptoms of anaphylaxis develop.Insect Sting Allergy Management and Treatment Anaphylaxis (less common), a potentially life-threatening reaction that may impair breathing and can cause the body to go into shock.Swelling (in area of sting and sometimes beyond).The red or black imported fire ant now infests more than 260 million acres in the southern United States, where it has become a significant health hazard and may be the number one agent of insect stings. The majority of insect stings in the United States come from wasps, yellow jackets, hornets and honeybees. ACAAI Roundtable on Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergy.Information for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants.
