Beware! Stinging-insect season is here. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, 5% of Americans are at risk for a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction from stinging insects. In fact, more than 40 fatalities annually are caused by allergic reactions to insect stings. The most common insects responsible belong to the family of insects called Hymenoptera. These insects inject venom into the skin when they sting. Stinging insects include bees, paper wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets.

Prevention

• Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing.
• Reduce skin exposure by wearing hats, long sleeves, long pants, shoes and socks.
• Wear clothes that are close fitting to avoid the possibility of trapping an insect between clothing and skin.
• Keep picnic foods well covered.Food odors will attract bees and other stinging insects.
• Avoid perfume, scented lotions, and hair sprays.
• Check exterior of your house regularly for nests.Have any professionally removed.

Treatment of Insect Stings

• Elevate the affected area and apply ice.
• Gently clean blisters with soap and water.
• Use topical steroid ointments or oral antihistamines to relieve itching and do not scratch the area of the sting.
• Do not pinch the area to remove the stinger. This can result in more venom being released into the skin.
• If you find a stinger, remove it by scraping it off with your fingernail or a credit card.
• Monitor carefully for symptoms of anaphylaxis.Symptoms can include generalized itching or hives, swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps, or loss of consciousness.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to a foreign substance, including bee stings, and may be fatal. If you or a loved one have signs of anaphylaxis, call 911 and get emergency treatment immediately. The good news is that those who suffer an allergic reaction to bee stings can receive a series of allergy shots to prevent future reactions. Close to 100% of all treated patients do not experience severe allergic reactions to future stings.

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