Insect Sting Allergies: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

If you've been stung by a bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, or fire ant, it's important to know if you have an insect sting allergy. While most people have a normal reaction to stings, some may experience severe allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention. In this article, we'll cover the symptoms of insect sting allergies, treatment options, and ways to prevent getting stung.

Symptoms of Insect Sting Allergies

The severity of symptoms from an insect sting varies from person to person. Here are the three types of reactions:

1. Normal reaction: Pain, swelling, and redness around the sting site.

2. Large local reaction: Swelling that extends beyond the sting site, such as swelling of the entire leg from an ankle sting. This reaction looks alarming but is usually no more serious than a normal reaction.

3. Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): The most serious reaction, which requires immediate medical treatment. Symptoms may include:

   • Trouble breathing

   • Hives that appear as a red, itchy rash and spread beyond the sting site

   • Swelling of the face, throat, or any part of the mouth or tongue

   • Wheezing or trouble swallowing

   • Restlessness and anxiety

   • Rapid pulse

   • Dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure

   • Stomach cramps, nausea, or diarrhea

Treatment for Insect Sting Allergies

If you're not allergic to insect stings, you can treat a sting at home by following these steps:

1. Remove any rings from your fingers if stung on the hand.

2. If stung by a bee, gently scrape the stinger and venom sac out with a fingernail or credit card within 30 seconds to avoid receiving more venom.

3. Wash the stung area with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic.

4. Apply a soothing ointment, like hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion, and cover the area with a dry, sterile bandage.

5. If swelling is a problem, apply an ice pack or cold compress to the area.

6. Take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine to ease itching, swelling, and hives. (Consult with a doctor before giving this medication to children under 2 or pregnant women.)

7. Take an NSAID pain reliever such as ibuprofen, if needed.

If you have a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting, you'll need to inject yourself with epinephrine before calling 911. Carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times if you have a known insect sting allergy.

Preventing Insect Sting Allergies

While you can't completely avoid being stung, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

• Learn to recognize and avoid insect nests.

• Wear shoes, socks, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants when outdoors, especially in rural or wooded areas.

• Avoid wearing perfumes or brightly colored clothing that may attract insects.

• If you have severe allergies, always have someone with you when engaging in outdoor activities.

• Use window and door screens at home, and consider using insect repellents when outside.

• Keep garbage cans covered and spray them regularly with insecticide.

• Remove insect-attracting plants and vines from around your home.

For those with severe insect sting allergies, allergy shots (venom immunotherapy) may help prevent future allergic reactions. These shots are about 97% effective and work by gradually introducing small amounts of the allergen into your body, helping it build tolerance over time.

If you suspect you have an insect sting allergy, talk to your doctor about getting tested and discuss treatment options. Always carry identification that indicates your allergy and keep an epinephrine auto-injector on hand in case of an emergency. By understanding the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of insect sting allergies, you can better protect yourself and enjoy outdoor activities with greater peace of mind.

The Bottom Line

Severe sting allergies are highly treatable with immunotherapy but require immediate epinephrine for life-threatening reactions. Anyone with a history of severe sting reactions should carry two EpiPens and consider venom immunotherapy. If you're unsure whether your sting reaction was normal or concerning, Doctronic can help evaluate your symptoms and risk level.