Bites and Stings

“They're more afraid of you, than you are of them,” goes the traditional advice to small children confronted with scary creepie-crawlies. True enough, but it doesn't seem to stop the usual summer rush of bites and stings.

Insect Bites and Stings

Generally, wasp and bee stings and insect bites cause more distress than danger. They hurt because they contain a small amount of venom that triggers the body’s defenses in the form of histamines that lead to swelling, itching and burning.

In a small number of cases the victim may suffer a severe allergic reaction or be stung in the mouth or throat, where the swelling can restrict breathing. Urgent medical advice should be sought.

Insect bites are usually less painful than stings. Nevertheless, they can be itchy, uncomfortable and irritating - the result of our bodies’ reaction to the bite.

The severity of the pain, itching and irritation depends on your sensitivity to the small amounts of venom left behind by the insect. A delayed reaction may cause fever, hives, painful joints and swollen glands. Sometimes you might experience both the immediate and the delayed reactions from the same insect bite or sting. Only a small percentage of people develop severe reactions (anaphylaxis), signs of which include facial swelling, difficulty breathing and symptoms of shock such as a clammy skin, racing pulse and confusion or sleepiness.

Bites from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies and some spiders can also cause similar reactions, but these are generally milder.

Nettle and Plant Stings

Stinging isn't exclusively the reserve of insects; brush against a stinging nettle when you're out for a walk and you quickly realize how it got its name!

The characteristic “smarting” and reddened lump of a nettle sting is caused by the microscopic hairs on its leaves that break as you brush past, releasing a small amount of acid onto your skin.

The effects rarely go beyond unsightly blotches and a couple of hours of irritation, although as with insect stings, there is always a small possibility of a more serious allergic or anaphylactic reaction.

What to do - Stings

  • If it is still embedded in the skin, remove the sting with a pair of tweezers or the edge of something flat, like a credit card
  • Apply a cold, moist compress
  • An antiseptic such as Savlon Bites and Stings Pain Relief Gel* will help ease the pain and reduce the risk of infection
  • Occasionally, a severe reaction called anaphylactic shock may occur, characterised by blotchy swellings and breathing difficulties. This is a very serious reaction, and if the child seems ill after the sting, seek medical advice immediately
  • Stings in the mouth can also be very serious; give an ice cube to suck on to keep the swelling down and seek medical advice immediately

What to do - Bites

  • Generally a bite doesn't leave anything behind in the wound, so they are usually more straightforward to treat
  • Wash the bite with Savlon Antiseptic Wound Wash* and apply a cold, moist compress
  • A product specifically developed for bites and stings such as Savlon Bites and Stings Pain Relief Gel* will help ease the pain and reduce the risk of infection
  • Again, there is a very small risk of anaphylaxis; keep an eye on the bite and seek medical attention at the first sign of swelling around the face and lips, breathlessness and shock

Savlon Antiseptic Wound Wash contains chlorhexidine gluconate.

*Always read the label.

Top Tip

To try and avoid insect bites while abroad, use an insect repellent containing the chemical DEET and cover up at the key biting times (usually dusk and dawn).

 

PLEASE NOTE:
The information on this website is provided as a reference guide only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice from your pharmacist, doctor or NHS Direct. Always seek medical advice if you are unsure of the treatment required or dial 999 in an emergency.

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