As the sun comes out here in the Pacific Northwest so do the stingers – Bees, Wasps and Hornets. Scorpions are not very common, but do exist here. Most reactions to stings are mild resulting in redness, swelling and itching of the area for a few days. Sometimes, these stings can result in severe reactions such as anaphylaxsis in those who are severely allergic. Anaphylaxsis includes difficulty breathing, severe swelling and usually a severe rash. Those who know these reactions are a possibility for them should carry an Epi-Pen (epinephrine auto-injector) in case of a sting.
In general, follow these steps if stung by one of these critters:
- Move to a safe location to avoid further stings
- Remove the stinger if still present in the skin. This is best done by “dragging” it out using a credit card edge slid along the skin to help pop the stinger out: http://www.backupcare.org/blog/10-ways-to-remove-a-bee-stinger-without-using-tweezers/
- Wash the area well with mild soap and water
- Apply a cool compress (ice or cold water). This best facilitates healing if the area is cooled for 10 minutes, and then allowed to warm for 5 minutes. Repeat this several times a day.
- Take homeopathic Apis, 30C, available at most health food stores or from our office. 3 pellets under the tongue every 2-4 hours to help relieve the pain and promote healing.
Be sure to call 911 if the person who was stung experiences any of these symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, eyelids or throat
- Dizziness, fainting or confusion
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hives
- Nausea, cramps or vomiting
- A scorpion sting in a child
- If the person uses their Epi-Pen