A while back we wrote about avoiding a sting, but if you haven’t already been stung, chances are you will be some time in your future. Try not to panic.
I just got Stung, what now?
Popular Science suggest start by moving away from the area where it happened in case more insects are nearby. If it was a bee, remove the stinger by scraping your fingernail over the sting to dislodge it. Studies show that leaving the stinger in for as little as eight seconds can increase swelling by 30 percent, so act quickly.
If you experience abnormal swelling or shortness of breath after being stung, you may be having an acute allergic reaction. In that case, your first and most important priority is to seek medical attention immediately and as fast as you can.
However, if everything looks normal, focus on recovery. First, wash with soap and water. If it itches, use a topical steroid or oral antihistamine. The article continues to advise applying a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling and pain.
According to Justin Schmidt, biologist at Southwestern Biological Institute, make a paste with a small amount of table salt and water (or another liquid), and put it directly on the sting site to relieve pain. He says he doesn’t know why, but it “seems to work.”
Chattanooga, United States – August 12, 2011: EpiPen is an Epinephrine auto-injector type syringe that is used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.
Finally, if you have a history of severe allergic reactions, remember to always carry auto-injectable epinephrine with you, no matter if you’re in an urban area or in the middle to the backcountry. If a bee or wasp stings you and you have to inject yourself, make sure to visit a nearby emergency room right away.
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