🐝 What Should you do for a Bee or Wasp Sting?
🐝 What should you do if your child gets a Bee or Wasp Sting?
This time of year is a busy time for stings from wasps and yellow jackets. Yes, honey bees can sting too but they are not aggressive and generally won't sting unless threatened. So what should you do if you or your child gets a bee or a wasp sting? First, move away from the area so you don’t get stung again.
If you can see a stinger, remove it as quickly as possible. You can scrape it out with a card or simply pull it out—the most important thing is getting it out quickly. The venom sac generally empties within 20-60 seconds so removing it as fast as possible reduces the amount that makes it in.
honeybees leave a barbed stinger; wasps/yellow jackets usually do not leave a stinger
Next, wash the area with soap and water and apply a cold pack for about 10–20 minutes to help with pain and swelling.
For itching or discomfort, an age-appropriate oral antihistamine or pain reliever may help.
As a Pediatrician, I prefer zyrtec or claritin and try to avoid benadryl as much as possible as it can make a child drowsy and confuse symptoms of anaphylaxis. A small amount of 1% hydrocortisone cream can also help with localized itching and irritation.
And don’t panic if the area gets pretty swollen! Kids can have a large local reaction where swelling gets worse over the first day or two. That doesn’t necessarily mean they have a dangerous allergy.
What if they have signs of anaphylaxis?
🚨 Call 911 immediately if your child develops:
• Trouble breathing or wheezing
• Swelling of the tongue or throat
• Repetitive vomiting
• Dizziness, fainting, or suddenly looking very ill
• Hives or swelling throughout the body
If your child has a known severe insect allergy and has been prescribed epinephrine, use it right away if they’re showing signs of anaphylaxis.
🐝
— Dr. Elizåbeth Kurowski
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