What would you do if a friend had an allergic reaction to an insect sting?

For a large, local reaction or a mild reaction, you can typically treat it at home. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling. If you can, raise the body part where you were stung. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example) or ibuprofen (Advil, for example).

How do you know if you’re having an allergic reaction to a sting?

Hives, itching and swelling in areas other than the sting site. Abdominal cramping, vomiting, intense nausea or diarrhea. Tightness in the chest and difficulty in breathing. Hoarse voice or swelling of the tongue or throat, or difficulty swallowing.

How long after a sting can you have an allergic reaction?

Anaphylactic reaction to a bee sting can start within two hours of the incident and rapidly progress. Hives will develop on the face and body, followed by other symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing and swallowing.

How long does an allergic reaction to an insect bite last?

The symptoms will normally improve within a few hours or days, although sometimes they can last a little longer. Some people have a mild allergic reaction and a larger area of skin around the bite or sting becomes swollen, red and painful. This should pass within a week.

What are the best antihistamines for insect bites?

Antihistamines are the first-line treatments for insect stings. They can help reduce swelling, itching, and hives….OTC antihistamines that are nonsedating or less likely to cause drowsiness include:

• cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• desloratadine (Clarinex)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• levocetirizine (Xyzal)
• loratadine (Alavert, Claritin)

What does an allergic reaction to an insect bite look like?

Hives that appear as a red, itchy rash and spread to areas beyond the sting. Swelling of the face, throat, or any part of the mouth or tongue. Wheezing or trouble swallowing. Restlessness and anxiety.

Which antihistamine is best for insect bites?

Antihistamines are the first-line treatments for insect stings. They can help reduce swelling, itching, and hives….These include:

• brompheniramine (Dimetapp)
• chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
• dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
• diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Sominex)
• doxylamine (Vicks Nyquil)

What is an allergic reaction to insect bites called?

Most of us develop redness and swelling at the site of an insect bite. Yet people who are allergic to stinging insect venom are at risk for a much more serious reaction. This life-threatening reaction is called anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis).

Why do I react badly to insect bites?

Most people won’t have severe symptoms after being bitten or stung by an insect, but some people can react badly to them because they’ve developed antibodies to the venom. You’re more likely to have an allergic reaction if you’re stung by an insect.

What is the treatment for an insect sting?

Treatment depends on the type of reaction to the bite or sting. If there is only redness and pain at the site of the bite, application of ice is adequate treatment. Clean the area with soap and water to remove contaminated particles left behind by some insects (such as mosquitoes). These particles may further contaminate the wound if not removed.

What is the best medicine for insect bites?

Treatment for serious reactions to stings or bites should be done in the emergency department. Treatment may begin with epinephrine (subcutaneous); diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and steroids (drugs in the cortisone family) are also usually given IV. Oral antibiotics may be given for infected bite wounds.

What are some allergic reactions to mosquito bites?

In rare situations, some people may experience anaphylaxis (the most serious type of allergic reaction) after being bitten by mosquitoes. Other people may have experienced whole body urticaria and angioedema (hives and swelling) or worsening of asthma symptoms after being bitten.

What is an allergic reaction to a bug bite?

Significantly larger mosquito bites, especially if they’re bigger than a quarter, may be one of the symptoms of a more severe allergic reaction. These symptoms can include: large area of itching. lesions. bruises near the site of the bite. lymphangitis, or inflammation of the lymph system. hives at or around the bite.