Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2012 | Page 120

FASHION HEALTH & BEAUTY

STINGS

Knowing how to treat an insect
sting and how to recognise
when it needs medical attention
will help you do the right thing if
you or your child are stung.

Insects such as wasps and bees sting as

TREATMENT

the affected area to help prevent itching and

a defence mechanism (when they feel in

If you have been stung by an insect and

swelling.

danger) by injecting poisonous venom into

there is a sting left in your skin, remove it as

• Take painkillers such as paracetamol (if the

the skin. For most people, stings are painful

soon as possible. Do this by scraping it off

sting is very painful).

but harmless. But some people can have an

using a hard blunt surface, like the edge of

• Don't scratch the area, as it may become

immediate allergic reaction to being stung,

a credit card. Don’t try to pinch the sting out

infected.

which can be very dangerous.

using your fingers or tweezers as this risks

Ask your GP for advice if any redness or

spreading venom.

itching is still there after 48 hours.

Seek emergency medical treatment
if, immediately after being stung,
you experience any of the following
symptoms:
• swelling or itching anywhere else on your
body
• wheezing
• headache
• nausea
• fast heart rate
• dizziness
• feeling faint
• difficulty swallowing
• swollen face or mouth
These symptoms could mean you're having
a generalised allergic reaction. This can be
fatal.

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If a child has been stung, a responsible
adult should remove the sting. Bee stings
have a venomous (poisonous) sac, so take
care not to puncture it as you remove the
sting.
To treat insect
stings:
• Wash the area
with soap and water.
• Put a cold flannel
on the area.
• Raise the part of the
body that has been stung to
prevent swelling.
• Use a spray or cream containing
local anaesthetic or antihistamine on