How To Treat Bee and Wasp Stings and Tips To Prevent Them

Spending time outdoors in New York is a highlight of the warmer months, but it also brings us into contact with stinging insects. For most people, a bee or wasp sting is a painful nuisance that causes some swelling and redness. However, for others, these stings can lead to serious allergic reactions. Knowing how to react quickly can prevent a minor sting from becoming a major medical emergency.

At Wynantskill Family Medicine in Wynantskill, New York, our team, led by Ritchie J. Parrotta, DO, and Scott M. Parrotta, DO, wants you to feel confident in your first aid skills. If you've ever had a severe reaction to a sting, you must discuss a long-term safety plan with us.

Immediate steps for sting treatment

If a bee stings you, the first step is to remove the stinger as quickly as possible. Bees leave behind a barbed stinger that continues to release venom for several seconds. You can scrape it away with a fingernail or a piece of gauze. Don't use tweezers to squeeze the stinger, as this can actually push more venom into your skin. Wasps and hornets don't leave stingers behind and can sting multiple times.

Once the stinger is gone, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection. Apply a cold pack to the site to reduce swelling and numb the pain. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers or use an antihistamine if the itching becomes bothersome. Most local reactions peak within 48 hours and then start to fade.

Recognizing an allergic reaction

It's important to distinguish between a large local reaction and a systemic allergic reaction. A local reaction involves swelling that might extend beyond the sting site but stays confined to that limb. A systemic reaction, or anaphylaxis, is a life-threatening emergency. According to the Journal of Asthma and Allergy, roughly 5% to 7.5% of people will experience a systemic reaction to an insect sting in their lifetime.

Symptoms of a severe reaction include:

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Swelling of the tongue or throat
• A rapid or weak pulse
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

If you or someone near you shows these signs, call 911 immediately. If an epinephrine auto-injector is available, use it right away. Even if the symptoms seem to improve after the injection, go to the emergency room because a second wave of symptoms can occur.

How to prevent future stings

Prevention is the best way to avoid the pain of a sting. When you're gardening or hiking in Wynantskill, avoid wearing bright colors or flowery prints, which can attract bees. Be cautious when eating or drinking sweet beverages outdoors, as wasps are often drawn to them. Always check the rim of your can or glass before taking a sip.

If you encounter a flying insect, don't swat at it. Swatting can provoke the insect and increase the chance of a sting. Instead, stay calm and slowly move away from the area. If you find a nest on your property, don't try to remove it yourself. It's much safer to hire a professional with the right equipment to handle the job, without putting you at risk.

When to see your doctor

While most stings heal on their own, you should contact our office if the redness and swelling continue to spread after two days. This can sometimes be a sign of a secondary skin infection. If you have been stung multiple times, the accumulation of venom can cause a toxic reaction, even if you aren't allergic. In these cases, we'll want to monitor your kidney and heart function.

We also recommend that patients who have had significant reactions undergo allergy testing. This helps us determine if you need to carry an emergency kit during the summer months. Being prepared ensures you can enjoy the outdoors with peace of mind.

For all of your family’s primary health care needs, call Wynantskill Family Medicine at 518-333-9615 or use our online booking tool to book an appointment today.