Various insects can cause an insect sting allergy among sensitive individuals. These insects include hornets, honeybees, wasps, bumble bees, fire ants and yellow jackets.
Not all individuals are allergic to the venom of stinging insects. Among those who are not allergic, the venom only triggers itchiness, redness and mild swelling and pain at the bite site. Cleansing the affected area and application of ice are enough to alleviate the symptoms.
Even those who are allergic to the insect venom typically have mild symptoms but the swelling might spread around the sting site. Individuals who have insect sting allergy might have a more serious reaction which is called anaphylactic reaction.
Indications of insect sting allergy
Most cases of insect stings can trigger some pain and swelling at the bite site which is called a localized reaction.
- Individuals who are sensitive to bee stings or have been stung several times might react dramatically.
- A severe localized reaction might result to pain and swelling that increases over the next few hours and become uncomfortable.
- Even though most localized reactions are not serious, if close to the neck or face, the swelling might block the airway and trigger serious issues.
In case the symptoms cover the entire body, it is always an issue for concern since it indicates anaphylaxis. If these reactions progress, death can occur usually in minutes. These reactions might include the following:
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing or feeling that the throat is closing
- Significant swelling in the face, neck, head, legs/feet and arms/hands
- Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Home remedies
- If a stinger is embedded in the skin, it should be removed right away. You can scrape the site using a credit card in a perpendicular manner to the skin. Avoid pinching the stinger since this can inject more venom.
- Control the localized swelling from an insect sting allergy by elevating the affected part and apply an ice pack. In case the sting is on the feet or hands where tight-fitting jewelry is worn, they should be removed right away before swelling develops to avoid compression of the blood supply to these areas.
- Manage the pain by providing medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Deal with the itchiness using an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine which counteracts the mediators of the reaction to reduce the itchy sensation. Hydrocortisone cream can be applied on the bite site to alleviate the itchiness. In case a blister develops, keep the area clean but avoid breaking it open.
Remember that the reactions might take 2-5 days or longer to heal. The treatment should be continued until all the symptoms have settled.