Insect Bites and Stings Treatment

Most insect bites and stings can be safely treated at home. If this is the case, take the following steps:

• If there is a stinger, carefully remove it. This can be done by scraping it with a sharp edge, such as a credit card.
• If you find a tick, carefully remove it from the head as soon as possible. Tweezers are often effective in doing this. Be careful to gently tug on the tick. Rock it back and forth until the jaws release.
• Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
• Place an ice pack or cold compress on the affected area for 15 minutes every few hours.
• If necessary, to alleviate itching:
  • Use calamine lotion
  • Antihistamines
  • Topical steroid cream (eg, hydrocortisone )
• If necessary, to reduce swelling and pain take pain relievers such as:
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen

If you were bitten by a brown recluse or black widow spider, or are unsure and you feel sick, get medical treatment quickly. Treatment may include:

• Stabilization of symptoms you may have
• Medications to reduce pain
• Antivenin to rapidly relieve symptoms

If you or someone you know is having a severe allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately. Once you arrive at the hospital, treatment may include:

• Emergency treatment to stabilize life-threatening symptoms
• Medications ( eg, epinephrine, antihistamines, and/or corticosteroids)
• Intravenous fluids
• Oxygen venom immunotherapy-administering increasing doses of venom to stimulate your immune system to reduce the risk of a future allergic reaction

If you are diagnosed with an insect bite of sting, follow your doctor's instructions.