#YELLOW JACKET BEE STING TREATMENT SKIN#

Try not to rub or scratch the sting site, because microbes from the surface of the skin could be introduced into the wound, resulting in an infection. Oral and topical antihistamines should help prevent or reduce the itching and swelling. This can lead to very large swelling around the sting site or in a whole portion of the body. If this isn’t the first time the person has been stung by that species of insect, it is likely that the immune system will recognize the venom and enhance the disposal procedure. This causes redness and swelling at the sting site. The body responds to stings by liberating fluid from the blood to flush venom components from the area. Even up to a few days later, the tissue may still be sensitive to the touch. The result is a very uncomfortable sensation, which begins as a sharp pain that lasts a few minutes and then becomes a dull ache. The major chemical responsible for this is melittin it stimulates the nerve endings of pain receptors in the skin. Stingers are effective weapons because they deliver a venom that causes pain when injected into the skin. They are more likely to defend a greater area around their nest, and they respond faster and in greater numbers than the European honey bee. However, Africanized honey bees are less predictable and more defensive than European honey bees. Neither is likely to sting when gathering nectar and pollen from flowers, but both will sting in defense if provoked.Īn individual Africanized bee can sting only once and has the same venom as the European honey bee. The two types of bees look the same, and their behavior is similar in many respects. The Africanized honey bee is closely related to the European honey bee, which is used in agriculture for crop pollination and honey production. For more information on the behavior, biology, and management of this insect, see Pest Notes: Yellowjackets and Other Social Wasps. Some, such as the yellowjacket, are much more likely to attack than others. In addition, foraging members of the colony also will sting if they are disturbed or injured as they go about their activities. If the nest is disturbed, these individuals will defend it vigorously. Social hymenopterans-including yellowjackets, honey bees, bumble bees, and fire ants-have individuals in the colony whose task it is to defend the nest. Most hymenopterans live solitary lives, and their behavior is more likely to be flight than fight. The stinger is a modified egg-laying apparatus, so only females can sting. These measures are part of an Insect Sting Action Plan to prevent exposure to insects and treat an insect sting once it occurs.Stinging insects are limited to the order Hymenoptera, which includes wasps, bees, and ants.

Nonetheless, children with more severe or life-threatening reactions are candidates for venom immunotherapy. Children with skin symptoms alone have only a 10 percent risk of systemic allergic reactions and aren't considered candidates for skin testing or immunotherapy. Adults who have a positive venom skin test generally are considered candidates for specific-venom allergy shots (immunotherapy). After reaching maintenance doses of immunotherapy, 95 percent of insect venom-treated people are able to tolerate single stings, and sting reactions that occur are generally milder. Take allergy shots to prevent future insect sting reactions. Keep the emergency pack stocked with: antihistamine (liquid or chewable tablet) an epinephrine injection device (if prescribed) a rescue inhaler if you have asthma and an action plan card that describes the treatment steps to take and the importance of calling 911 or going to the closest medical facility once the medication is given. Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace stating that you (or your child) are allergic to bee stings, wasp stings or yellow jacket stings. If your doctor suggests, take a single dose of oral steroids soon after the sting. Take an oral antihistamine (preferably one that is non-sedating). History of Large Local Allergic Reactions to Insect Stings Take aspirin for pain, and use ice to reduce swelling. Local Reaction Without a History of Sting Allergy

Yellow jacket bee sting treatment