Insect Sting Allergy

Bee and wasp stings with systemic reaction risk

Step by Step

Remove a visible sting as soon as possible, for example by scraping it out sideways with a fingernail or card. Wash the area with soap and water and use a cold compress for swelling. Local swelling and pain around the sting are common and not usually a sign of allergy. Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives beyond the sting site, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, breathing difficulty, dizziness, or vomiting, mean anaphylaxis: call emergency services and use an adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjector if available. Stings inside the mouth or throat need urgent medical assessment even without allergy, because swelling can block the airway.