Insect bites and stings are very manageable. However, if the person is allergic to this, it can cause severe reaction that need serious medical attention. Although only small percentage of people develop severe reactions, you still need to know what this severe signs and symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Insect and sting bite:
- immediate pain, swelling, and redness at the site
- immediate muscle rigidity in the stomach, back, shoulders and chest
- burning, numbness, and tingling
- itching, rash or hives
- dizziness
- anxiety and restlessness
- nausea and/or vomiting
- swelling of eyelids and watering of the eyes
- Weakness, tremors,
- sweating
- deep sting marks or double fang marks
- Move the victim to a safe area.
- Remove the stinger. If the stinger is still present, use straight-edged object like ATM card and driver's license card and scrape it across the stinger.
- Apply cold. This is to reduce swelling and pain.
- Apply hydrocortisone cream if you have one.
- Take an antihistamine. I have told this before in my previous post that an allergy medication is a must have.
- Move the victim to a safe area
- Check pulse and breathing. Perform CPR if needed.
- If victim is conscious, reassure him/her to make him/her calm
- Remove everything in victims body that may aggravate swelling. Things such rings, bracelet, necklace and watch.
- Stay with the victim until medical help arrives.