Stings

Many insects sting as a defense mechanism, by injecting venom into the skin. In the UK, stinging insects include bees (honeybees and bumblebees), wasps, and hornets.

Most stings are painful, but harmless, and only affect the area around the sting. However, some people can have an immediate, and more widespread allergic reaction to being stung, such as an anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal (see Anaphylaxis topic). This is quite rare, affecting approximately 3 people in 100, and it normally only happens with a wasp sting.

When a person is stung for the first time, it is likely to be painful, and may cause some localised swelling. However, the first sting is not usually dangerous, but it can sometimes affect the immune system of people who are susceptible to allergic reactions. If the person is stung again, they may have an allergic reaction. This may be little more than swelling of the affected area, but sometimes the reaction can be the more serious anaphylactic type.

Wasps and bees sting as a defence mechanism and do so to warn you off if you have disturbed them. Unless you have an allergic reaction, a sting is not harmful, just painful and itchy.


If you are allergic to wasp stings, you are unlikely to be allergic to bee sting as well.

When you are stung by an insect, such as a wasp, the area around the sting will swell up, go red, and a raised mark (weal) will form. It will often be quite painful and itchy. This will usually last for about 48 hours.

If you have a localised allergic reaction to an insect sting, a larger area around the sting will swell up, and the swelling will last longer. However, it should go down within a few days.

Your symptoms will be more severe if you are stung many times by one, or more, insects. This is because of the amount of venom that will have been injected into your skin.

Seek emergency medical treatment, if, immediately after being stung, you experience any of the following symptoms:

- swelling or itching anywhere else on your body,
- wheezing,
- a headache,
- nausea,
- a fast heart rate,
- dizziness or feeling faint,
- difficulty swallowing, or
- a swollen face or mouth.
Call 999 for an ambulance immediately as you may be having a generalised allergic reaction and this can be fatal.

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As soon as you realise you have been stung by an insect, you should remove the sting with your fingers, or tweezers. If a child has been stung, a responsible adult should remove the sting. When you remove the sting, be very careful not to spread the venom further under the skin. Bee stings have a venomous sac, and you should try not to puncture this as you remove the sting. To treat insect stings, you should:

- wash the area with soap and water,
- put a cold flannel on the area,
- raise the part of the body that has been stung to prevent swelling,
- use a spray, or cream, containing local anaesthetic or antihistamine on the area to prevent itching and swelling,
- take painkillers, such as paracetamol (if the sting is very painful),
- not scratch the area, as it may become infected, and
- keep children's fingernails short and clean.
You should see your GP if the redness and itching does not clear up after 48 hours.

If you experience swelling, or itching, anywhere else on your body after being stung, or if you have wheezing or difficulty swallowing, you should call 999 immediately for an ambulance. You might be having an allergic reaction, and may need to have an adrenaline injection, antihistamines, oxygen and/or an intravenous drip.

Following treatment for an insect sting, you may be referred to an allergy clinic or immunologist. Your GP may also suggest venom immunotherapy treatment. This involves being injected on a regular basis with small doses of venom so that you become desensitised and eventually cured of your allergy.

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The following tips will prevent you getting stung by an insect.

- If you encounter wasps or bees, move away from them slowly, without panicking. Do not wave your arms around.


- If you are planning to spend time outdoors, particularly in the summer, you should use an insect repellent.


- Never disturb an insects nest, and avoid clusters of flowers, and piles of wood where insects gather.


- When eating or drinking outside, keep food and drink covered, particularly sweet things.


- The best way to avoid being stung is to wear a long sleeved top, and long trousers. You may also wish to wear socks and shoes. Insects are attracted to brightly coloured clothes, and strong perfume and body lotion.


- To stop insects getting into your car while you are driving, keep the windows closed.


- To stop insects getting into the house, keep doors and windows closed, or put thin netting, or door beads, over them.


- If you know you are allergic to wasp or bee stings, you should carry a syringe (auto-injector) pre-loaded with adrenaline, as well as instructions, with you at all times. Some people with known severe allergies choose to carry a card or wear some form of tag. Speak to your GP about this. NHSDEC07