Insect stings only produce a mild reaction in most people. Multiple stings, stings in the mouth and throat, and stings to persons with adverse allergic reactions to the venom, however, can produce anaphylactic shock and must be treated immediately as outlined in Chapter 4.

First aid for stings includes:

• Wash the sting site with soap and water.

• Use a cold pack if needed to reduce swelling.

• Keep the site of the sting below the person's heart if possible.

Additionally, using calamine lotion and Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) can relieve itching and swelling. Also a paste of baking soda and water, or uncoated aspirin, will help reduce the stinging pain and reduce inflammation.

If the person has received a bee sting:

• Quickly and carefully scrape the stinger away with a knife, credit card, or fingernail without touching the sack that's attached; this sack will still be pumping venom into the wound.

• Do not use tweezers or squeeze the sack, as this may inject even more venom into the person.

• Wash the site with soap and water and apply a cold pack, keeping the sting site below the level of the person's heart if possible.

Watch for signs of an allergic reaction that can develop up to twenty-four hours after a bee sting. If the site becomes infected, seek medical attention.

Use a credit card to scrape a stinger out

In case of allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock, or sustained multiple stings, call 911 or go to an emergency department for treatment and observation. Multiple stings can produce life-threatening reactions in otherwise healthy people.