back
General
Information
The
circumstances under which insect bites can be dangerous are:
- multiple bites
from wasps or hornets
- bites from any
insect to which you have previously developed an extreme allergy
These circumstances
require prompt medical treatment.
Most insect bites,
however, may be painful and frightening but are not dangerous.
Important Points
in Home Treatment
- Remove the stinger
if possible.
- Apply ice to
the area or soak the part in ice water (half water, half ice). DO
NOT USE SALT WATER.
- For the next
few days, be sure not to soak the bitten part in hot water. Take cool
showers, cool baths, and do not exert yourself to the point of becoming
hot. Heat will make the poison from the insect bite spread more widely
and rapidly.
- If you have not
had a tetanus booster within the last 5-10 years, you will probably
need one.
Notify the Doctor
if Any of the Following Occurs:
- Severe abdominal
cramps
- Nausea, vomiting
or diarrhea
- Skin rash away
from site of insect bite, or rapid increase in size around the site
- Shortness of
breath
From the Riverside
Hospital of Ottawa
June 1993
back
