Causes

Examples of biting insects

• Mosquitoes

• Fleas

• Mites

• Spiders

Examples of stinging insect

• Bees

• Wasps

• Hornets

Symptoms

• Localized Pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Itching

• Numbness

• Burning

• Tingling sensation

• Breathlessness

• Weakness

Treatment

• Remove the stinger using a straight- edged object

• Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water

• Place ice wrapped in a cloth on the affected area

• Repeat after every 10 minutes

• Apply a gentle cream to prevent itching

• Take anti histamines if necessary

• Observe for signs of infection like pain, redness or swelling

In case of emergency-

• Try to keep the person calm

• Check the person's breathing

• Remove constricting items, like rings, from finger/nose/ears

• Do Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), if necessary

• If the person is carrying an emergency kit, use it

• If required, treat the person for signs of shock 

• Seek medical help as soon as possible

Consult a Doctor

In case of the following, seek medical help

• Wheezing

• Swelling on the face

• Difficulty in breathing

• Tight feeling in the throat 

• Body turning blue

Steps to Avoid

• Do not remove the stinger using a tweezer

• Do not apply a tourniquet

• Aspirin, pain medications, should not be given unless advised by a doctor

Prevention 

• Avoid placing hand near the mouth of a seizure-affected person

• Take caution to prevent your child from developing biting habit