Many types of insect bites and stings can be treated at home and do not require a visit to a physician. There are several methods to prevent infection, and to relieve pain and itching (pruritus) due to common insect bites and stings. They include:

• Apply a cold or ice pack to a bite or sting for 15 to 20 minutes once an hour for the first six hours. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Use a barrier, such as a towel, instead.
  
  
• Elevate the affected area to decrease swelling.
  
  
• Take an over-the-counter analgesic to relieve pain and swelling.
  
  
• Use an antihistamine (available in lotion and pill form) to relieve pain, swelling and itching.
  
  
• Use a hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion applied directly to the skin to relieve itching and redness.
  
  
• To prevent infection, take the following steps:
  
  
• • Wash the affected area with soap and water.
    
    
  • After washing, wipe the affected area with rubbing alcohol or an antiseptic solution.
    
    
  • Trim fingernails to prevent scratching, which can lead to infection.
    
    
  • Avoid bursting any blisters that may develop.

The redness, swelling, pain and itching associated with most insect bites and stings subside on their own within three days to a week. However, patients should consult a physician if:

• New symptoms develop
• Signs of a skin infection develop, such as increasing redness, swelling or pain
• Flu-like symptoms develop
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent

For patients experiencing the severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, the most effective way to reverse symptoms is with an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline). The drug relaxes the smooth muscle tissue in the lungs, speeds up the heart rate, slows the appearance of hives and welts on the skin and reduces overall swelling.

People with known allergies to bites and stings may be prescribed an allergy kit that includes an auto-injectable dose of epinephrine. Even if a self-administered dose of epinephrine successfully reverses symptoms, an individual should still seek immediate medical care. In about 10 percent of cases, anaphylactic symptoms recur. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may be prescribed to help reduce the chance of additional symptoms.

Other treatment tips include:

• Bees may leave behind a stinger attached to a venom sac. The stinger should be removed as quickly as possible with a blunt-edged object, such as a fingernail or credit card. Tweezers should not be used to remove stingers because they can squeeze the venom sac. This can increase the amount of venom released into the skin and add to the swelling and pain in the area.
  
  
• Stings anywhere in the mouth require immediate medical attention because the sting may cause swelling that can result in blocked airway passages.
  
  
• Fire ants should be brushed off to prevent repeated stinging. These wounds usually will blister, become cloudy and appear pustular within 24 hours. The wound should be cleaned with soap and water and left alone. It will heal in one to two weeks.
  
  
• Patients who suspect a black widow or brown recluse spider bite should seek emergency medical treatment.
  
  
• For tick bites, the tick should be removed with tweezers if it is still attached to the skin. The tick should be pulled straight out with steady pressure, not twisted or squeezed. Save the tick (to show the physician) and watch for signs of Lyme disease (e.g., rash, fever, chills) over the next two weeks. Medical help should be sought if the tick cannot be completely removed. Removing the tick promptly reduces the risk for disease.