injuries and poisoning
Bee, Wasp, Hornet, and Ant Stings
Treatment
Removal of stinger Skin treatments and drugs by mouth to reduce pain and swelling Epinephrineinjection for allergic reactions Sometimes desensitization to prevent allergic reactions A bee may leave its stinger in the skin. The stinger should be removed as quickly as possible by scraping with a thin dull edge (for example, the edge of a credit card or a thin table knife). An ice cube wrapped in plastic and a thin cloth and placed over the sting reduces the pain, along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antihistamines taken by mouth. A cream or ointment containing an antihistamine, an anesthetic, a corticosteroid, or a combination of them is often useful. Severe allergic reactions ( Anaphylactic Reactions ) are treated in the hospital with People who are allergic to stings should always carry a preloaded syringe ofepinephrine(available by prescription), which helps reverse anaphylactic or allergic reactions. Other stings are treated similarly to bee stings. People who have a history of anaphylactic reactions or a known allergy to insect bites should wear identification, such as a medical alert bracelet. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting sometimes undergo desensitization ( Allergen immunotherapy (desensitization) ) over a number of years, which may help prevent future allergic reactions. 