Have you ever been stung?
Trust me, it’s not fun.
Wasps, bees and hornets are all equipped with a stinger as a defense mechanism. You will mainly see them more in the warmer months.
While being stung may be painful, you may even be allergic to one of these stings and not know it.
Signs of an allergic reaction could be swelling of face, throat or lips; hives or itching; breathing difficulty; dizziness; decrease of blood pressure; loss of consciousness; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; stomach cramps; weak or rapid pulse.
If you are pregnant and get stung, check with your doctor. You may be able to take an antihistamine as long as it doesn’t contain decongestant ingredients.
Always be aware of allergic reaction symptoms and venom allergies. Carry an EpiPen or a “bee sting kit.”
To help with treatment:
• Mild to severe - wash the area with soap and water and remove as much venom as possible; apply a cold pack; keep the wound dry and clean; and cover with bandage (if desired).
• Use hydro-cortisone cream or calamine lotion for itching or irritation.
• Baking soda and colloidal oatmeal can calm the area in baths or skin creams.
• Old remedy - Use cigarette tobacco and place on the affected area. It acts as an anesthetic.
• Vinegar - Its acidity neutralizes wasp stings. Soak a cotton ball with apple cider or white vinegar and place on the sting. Use pressure to help with inflammation, do this for a few minutes.
• Toothpaste helps neutralize a honeybee sting. Rub on affected area.
• Mix baking soda with water. Apply it to the sting and leave for 15 minutes.
• Honey - For bee stings, apply small amount to area, cover with bandage, leave on for 1 hour.
• Aspirin - You can apply a wet aspirin to the affected area to help with the pain and swelling.
If you have an allergic reaction and an EpiPen has little effect, call 911.
Next week: More insects to avoid