BEE & WASP STINGS
Most insect stings, for someone who is not allergic, need no more than first aid given at home.
1 Remove any stingers immediately.
2 Applying ice to the site for 20 minutes once every hour as needed may provide some mild relief. Wrap the ice in a towel or keep a cloth between the ice and skin to keep from freezing the skin.
3 Taking an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or a nonsedating one such as loratadine (Claritin) will help with itching and swelling.
4 Take ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief as needed.
5 Wash the sting site with soap and water. Placing hydrocortisone cream on the sting can help relieve redness, itching, and swelling.
6 If it’s been more than 10 years since your last tetanus booster, get a booster within the next few days.
If someone has a severe allergic reaction such as low blood pressure, swelling blocking air getting into the lungs, or other serious problems breathing, they have a true life-threatening emergency. (See Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis))
Source: HSA
Disclaimer: The Emergency Guide is provided as a reference only. Every effort has been taken to acquire and publish accurate information provided by medical authorities. In case of emergency, always call or have someone CALL 9-1-1.