First Aid for Venomous Stings and Bites
Bee Stings and Spider Bites Require Specific Treatment and Attention
Jul 15, 2009
Stings and bites can generally be divided in two categories- venomous and non-venomous. Venomous stings usually come from bees, wasps and hornets. Venomous bites come from fire ants and several spiders including black widow, brown recluse and tarantulas.
Treating Bee, Wasp and Hornet Stings
- Using a scraping motion with a fingernail, dull knife or credit, scrape back and forth to remove the stinger. Do not pinch or squeeze, as this will release more venom.
- Wash the area several times with soap and water.
- Apply ice or a cold compress to reduce swelling and relieve the pain. Slight swelling for the following day or two is not uncommon.
- Stings around the face, mouth and throat may require follow-up with a physician.
Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction to Insect Stings
An allergic reaction to bees (honey and bumblebees), wasps, hornets and fire ants is possible, even if the individual has not previously had an allergic reaction to a sting before. Watch for hives, swelling of lips, tongue and/or face, or difficulty breathing. Treat any of these reactions as an emergency. An antihistamine and injectable medications may be necessary.
Treating Spider Bites
Most common spider bites do not cause serious problems. This includes tarantulas. A tarantula bite only causes a mild local reaction in humans.
- Wash the area with soap and water several times a day until the skin is healed.
- Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
The Black Widow spider and the Brown Recluse spider do require emergency first aid in the hospital. If there is a suspicion that a Black Widow or a Brown Recluse caused the bite, even in the absence of symptoms, medical treatment is required immediately.
Black Widow Spider Bite
The bite of this shiny black spider is rarely fatal, although a life-threatening reaction should not be overlooked, especially in the elderly and very young children. Initially, a burning pain at the site may be reported. This may be followed, in the next 2-12 hours, by limb paralysis, muscle spasms, muscle pain, and abdominal pain in those people bitten on the lower extremities. Children are more severely affected, due to their much smaller size. Nausea, fever, chills and vomiting can also occur.
Prompt medical treatment should be sought for these symptoms.
Brown Recluse Spider Bite
Many have trouble recognizing this brownish colored spider with a violin-shaped marking on its back. Reactions to the bite of the brown recluse range from mild to severe. Always consult a physician in the event of a Brown Recluse spider bite.
There is generally minor pain at the site at first, but over the next several hours and days, redness or bruising occurs. The center of the site may form a deep blister in which skin grafting may be necessary in the future. There is no antivenom for the brown recluse spider bite.
Non-Venomous Stings and Bites
Non-Venomous stings and bites generally come from mosquitoes, flies and fleas. Usually these bites require no special treatment. An over-the-counter antihistamine may be useful for itching at the site of the sting. Watch for signs of infection. If the site seems to worsen or if other symptoms develop, consult a doctor.
With prompt treatment most venomous and non-venomous stings and bites can be effectively managed at home or in a medical setting.
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