Most insect stings and spider bites are harmless, but some can be dangerous, or even fatal.

If the reaction is local, meaning it’s confined to the area around the bite or sting itself, there’s nothing to worry about.

Self-care steps
Bees, mosquitoes, flies, chiggers and other insects all can produce painful stings or bites.

To treat non-life-threatening stings:

• Remove the stinger when stung by a bee or wasp by scraping over the stinger with a credit card, fingernail, knife blade or other rigid object. Don’t remove it with your fingers or tweezers because you may inject more venom into the skin.
• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply an ice pack as soon as possible. Cool compresses or ice packs will help relieve pain and prevent swelling. Apply for 20 minutes at a time.
• Don’t scratch the itch.
• Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Take an antihistamine if itching or local swelling occurs.

Call your doctor if you have pain that doesn’t subside within 48 hours, if you notice an unusual rash, if you show signs of infection, if you have a fever higher than 101 degrees or if you were bitten by a brown recluse or black widow spider.

Dangerous signs
A dangerous, life-threatening reaction usually appears on parts of the body separate from the bite or sting site.

Such reactions include:

• Hives or swelling all over the body
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Swelling of the throat that causes diffi culty swallowing
• Nausea

• Jayna Shepherd, D.O. Family Medicine, INTEGRIS Family Care Moore

  Stomach cramping
• Vomiting
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Weakness
• Dizziness or fainting
• Drop in blood pressure
• Shock
• Unconsciousness.

Call 911 if a person suffers any of these symptoms after getting bit or stung.

Prevention
To prevent stings:

• Avoid using perfume, aftershave lotion, scented hairspray and scented deodorants.
• Wear insect repellent, light-colored clothing, long-sleeved tops, long pants, socks and shoes.
• If a bee or wasp comes near you, avoid sudden movements. Stay still or move away slowly.